“To persevere, trusting in what hopes he has, / is courage in a man. The coward despairs.” [Euripides, 422 B.C.]

Love’s eternal flame is inextinguishable—death’s horrors are unable to kill it; life’s busyness cannot suffocate it; demonic opposition will not quench it; fear never overshadows it; worry only intensifies it; hell’s hatred will not disturb it. The fire of God’s passion for life never cools; the light of God’s presence never dims.

God stirs the flame of eternal hope in our hearts—quickening the spark of love into worship, fanning faith into service. The fire on our heart’s altar may flicker in doubt’s wind, but God expects us to tend the flame for His honor.

Living as a child of the Light is never easy. Lesser lights attract us, but we should keep in mind that evil advertises pleasure but poisons the soul; it promises illumination but delivers insanity.

We can refuel zeal by drawing on Christ’s infinite strength. We can burn fervently for God by relying on His Holy Spirit energizing our soul. Walking with the Light of the world we learn the secret of surviving tough times with equanimity, taste the recipe of invulnerable joy, and find reasons to sing an uninterrupted praise song through all our days.

Here are heaven’s directions for avoiding burnout—place ego on the altar, letting self-centeredness be consumed by the blaze of absolute holiness; never allow devotion’s fire to be extinguished, proving our love for God by undying obedience; surrender to God’s holy purpose, daring to be His fuel. If we follow our Lord’s orders, He will transform us into “a burning and a shining light” (John 5:35) that will never burn out.

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 62 of Gentle Whispers]

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

I invite you to leave a reply or like the blog by clicking on the heart.

To review some reasons why confession is good for the soul, read my blog on this subject at http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“They should have known that he was God. His patience should have proved that to them.” (Tertullian)

“He wakes desires you never may forget; He shows you stars you never saw before.”

     (Alfred, Lord Tennyson)

“Is it any wonder that to this day this Galilean is too much for our small hearts?” (H. G. Wells)

“When Christ came into my life, I came about like a well-handled ship.” (Robert Louis Stevenson)

Here is a staggering reality that is not too good to be true—our Creator yearns to enjoy daily fellowship with us. Here is an opportunity that is not wishful thinking—our Father cordially invites us to enjoy quiet communion with Him.

The Master of the human heart stands at the door of our personality and patiently knocks. If we hear His gentle rap and open the door, He will become our greatest Friend.

Friendship with God is more than a dream—it is a dramatic adventure we can personally experience. Immanuel is God with us—a Friend nearer than our hands and feet, closer than our breathing.

Jesus is our best answer to prayer and our supreme blessing. His mercy enables us to recover from moral defeat. His grace helps us face turmoil tranquilly. His promises reassure us so we can hope perpetually. When perplexity crowds our inmost self, His consolation cheers our soul. When we need help the most, He is right beside us.

There’s no need to attempt to plot our own course through life’s storms—we can navigate by the Bright Morning Star.

Until we stroll heaven’s golden streets, we can walk earthly roads with a spring in our step—if we let Jesus take our hand.

I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelation 3:20 NLT

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 60 of Gentle Whispers]

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“A person can be a person and not know Greek or algebra. But a person cannot be a person and not know God.” (Anonymous)

To be the person God intends us to be, it is imperative that we travel the Way to the Truth of Life [John 14:6].

To get to know the true God, we must live in fellowship with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ [1 John 5:18-21].

To know a rich and satisfying life as a human being, we must stay close to the good Shepherd [John 10:10].

To know Christ experientially—and not merely academically—is the mind’s noblest goal [Philippians 3:10].  

To experience intimacy with Christ as He makes himself real to us, we must obey Him in every dimension [John 14:21].

To experience the holy presence of Christ, we must permit His Spirit to change our behavior [Galatians 5:22-25].

To experience the power that raised Christ from the dead, we must yearn for a moral resurrection [Romans 6:4].

To experience the joyful fellowship of Christ’s sufferings, we must walk in His footsteps day by day [1 Peter 2:21].

To experience the lifestyle of Christ’s servanthood, we must die to self at the foot of the cross [Galatians 2:20].

To experience transformation from the inside out, we must resist cultural pressure to conform to evil [Romans 12:2].

To experience the mind of Christ, we must repent of rebellious thoughts and learn His way [2 Corinthians 10:5].

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." [Philippians 2:5 KJV]

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

"Christ is not valued at all unless he be valued above all." (Augustine)

Christ invites surrender like no other--He asks to be Master of the human heart.

Christ commands like no other--He demands obedience, not merely applause.

Christ reigns like no other--He rules an empire of love unrivaled by earth's fleeting kingdoms.

Christ leads like no other--His likeness is more than an ethical ideal; it is an absolute imperative.

Christ blesses like no other--He gives songs in the night, hope in despair, and peace in chaos.

Christ loves like no other--He loves unchangeably, unstintingly, unfailingly, and unconditionally.

Christ means more than any other--He is not just a line in a creed, but our Center of Gravity.

"Christ is all, and in all." [Colossians 3:11 KJV]

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

 “Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.” (Marcus Aurelius]

To live without praying to our Father is to behave as if our Savior were still entombed. To “pray without ceasing” [1 Thessalonians 5:17] is literally to “come to rest” in grace.

To neglect conversation with Christ is to miss the joy of intimacy with the living Lord. To listen for His voice is the prelude to indescribable peace and incomparable cheer.

To attempt do-it-yourself living is to forfeit the enabling assistance of the Holy Spirit. To humbly depend on Immanuel is to find God with us unfailingly more than enough.

“The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who really loves Me, and whoever really loves Me will be loved by My Father. And I too will love him and will let Myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him.” [John 14:21 Amplified New Testament]

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“God is not in the business of granting wishes. God is in the business of raising the dead, not all of whom are willing.” (Barbara Brown Taylor)

To experience the power that raised Christ from the dead is infinitely superior to gloating in our achievements and possessions. Anything that we let take God’s place in our hearts is a false god unable to satisfy our deepest desires (1 John 5:21).

Ambition to succeed by human standards puts us on a path that is invariably frustrating. About the time we think we’ve caught up with the Joneses, they’ve refinanced and started all over again. And even if we think we’re ahead of everybody else in the rat race, who wants to be a rat? No matter how much we acquire or achieve, this world, as Scripture reminds us, is fading away (1 John 2:17). What we hold in our hands is temporary; what we hold in our hearts is eternal.  

The best ambition is to know Christ. But to know him requires that we walk the high road above the moral swamp. Voltaire once remarked that all people are creatures of the age in which they live, and very few are able to raise themselves above the ideas of the time. The truth is none of us can raise ourselves above the prevailing norms of our day. A moral resurrection from corrupt society is only possible by supernatural power—the power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

Are we willing?

“That I may know him” (Philippians 3:10)

W

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“There is no secret—only—only I am always at his feet, and he is always in my heart.” (A Hebridean princess)

Easter, the high and holy day of the Christian faith, has come and gone. But Jesus hasn’t. He promised to stay with us always, and He is still near. He promised never to abandon us, and He is still our faithful friend. The resurrected Christ keeps holding on to us—reaching out, embracing, calling our name. Jesus invites us to follow Him, to go on a spiritual journey with Him.

Being a Christian means more than believing—it means following Christ, the heartbeat of discipleship.

Being a Christian means more than worshiping once a week—it means every day commitment to the Lord.  

Being a Christian means more than going to church on Easter and Christmas—it means daily surrender to Christ.  

Being a Christian means more than a moment of ecstasy—it means an eternity of joy.

Being a Christian means more than a one-time good deal—it means a lifelong process of growing in Christlikeness.

Being a Christian means more than having a ticket to heaven—it means a gradual transformation to holiness.  

Being a Christian means more than one blessing—it means a lifetime of blessings—fields of flowers, constellations of stars.

Being a Christian means more than thinking Jesus is the Savior of the world—it means trusting Him as “my very own Savior.”

Being a Christian means more than praising Jesus as a great teacher—it means learning from Him as “my very own Teacher.”

Being a Christian means more than declaring Jesus is the Sovereign of the universe—it means staying near “my very own Shepherd.”

Being a Christian means more than saying we are Christians—it means experiencing a personal relationship with Christ.

“Mary turned to him and cried out, ‘Rabboni!’ (which is Hebrew for ‘my very own Teacher’).” (John 20:16 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

The agony of Jesus' sacrifice is the basis of our ecstasy--forgiven and free, we joyfully celebrate life. Read my blog on this subject at http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“Cleanliness is not next to godliness nowadays, for cleanliness is made an essential and godliness is regarded as an offence.” (G. K. Chesterton)

To worship the holy God acceptably, we must prepare our inner being by washing with the holy water of His Word. Meticulous hand washing is meaningless ritual without inside purification. Dirt-free hands are good hygiene, but a pure heart is heaven’s prerequisite for holiness.

We are not what we think we are; but what we think, we are. Thought-life is the fountainhead of character, so we should exercise caution in what occupies our mind. We have little control over passing thoughts tinged with evil, but we can refuse to dwell on perversity. Focusing on lust flirts with adultery; lingering on greed’s doorstep produces thieves; concentrating on flaws fuels slander; trying to impress others rationalizes deceit.

Gazing prayerfully into the Truth Mirror, we see ourselves as we really are. We can improve our appearance by bringing our life into line with Christ’s perfect image.

Cleanliness is not godliness, but it is next to godliness. When Jesus returns in purity, we will finally be like Him. Until then, the wise course of action is to stay as near Him as we can—to the extent we do, we will brightly reflect the beauty of His mirror image.

“The bronze washbasin and its bronze pedestal were cast from bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle.”  [Exodus 38:8 NLT]

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 58 of Gentle Whispers]

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

                                                A Prayer for Easter

O God, on this Day of all days we bring You our grateful thanks.

How can we see what it means that You defeated human destructiveness?

How can we say how Your rising affects our apathy and disappointment?

Our hearts sing with praise for You, victorious Lord Jesus Christ.

The whole earth resounds with joy as it sees that death is not the end.

Our words will never be enough to thank You for abundant, eternal life!

Teach us to see this anxious world through eyes framed by courage.

Inspire us to see tomorrow with heart eyes—your dream coming true at last.

In this dead-end world, help us believe eternity’s dawn will change everything.

Until then, enable us to experience a moral resurrection above corrupt society.

When we’re overwhelmed with impossibilities, remind us of your power.  

When we’re  exhausted by everyday life, reenergize us by your Presence.

When we’re nearing despair, increase our faith in your promised bright future.   

We are weak, but You are strong.

We are foolish, but You are wise.

We are mortal, but You are immortal.

We are limited, but You are infinite.

We are human, but You are divine.

We need your help—and we thank You for being there for us.

No matter the situation, the problem, or the trouble—You are always with us.

You are willing to receive us, redeem us, renew us, and ultimately resurrect us! 

Satan thrilled at your apparent demise, claiming good riddance to goodness!

He was wrong—Life killed death, Love defeated hate, Holiness trumped sin.

The Lamb wins!  And we will too!

We honor You, Father, for mercy—giving us the privilege of being your children.  

We look forward to living with You in heaven, since your Son rose from the dead.

We anticipate living in a deathless, tearless, painless, sinless, endless home.

We have never seen You with our eyes, but we trust You with our heart.

Oh for grace to trust You more.

Alleluia.

Amen.

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living.” (Seneca, Roman statesman; 4 B.C. – A.D. 65)

A review of current events does little to increase our optimism about the chances of world peace. It feels like “everything nailed down is coming loose” (the angel Gabriel in the musical Green Pastures).

Over the last year, fighting associated with Boko Haram in Nigeria has led to the deaths of over 6,000 civilians.

A week ago, suicide bombers linked to the Taliban attacked two churches in Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital, leaving 14 worshipers dead and at least 70 injured. Four thousand angry Christians gathered in protest, chased suspects and lynched two of them. Pakistan is embroiled in a conflict between majority Sunni and minority Shiite Muslims, both groups having violent militant wings. Now with some Christians joining this volatile mix, Pakistan could be headed for an all-out religious war.

Last week gunmen stormed a Tunisian museum, taking hostages and killing at least 21 people.

Friday, a terrorist bombing of two mosques in the capital of Yemen killed 137 and wounded 357 others. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack. Over the weekend, American and British forces left strife-torn Yemen, intensifying fears that the failed state will be a breeding ground for terror groups plaguing the Middle East and the West.

This week, Afghanistan President Ghani will meet with President Obama to discuss the pace of withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. He is expected to state that without the continuing substantial presence of American troops on the ground, security will at best be precarious. 

An offensive is underway to drive the Islamic State out of the Iraqi city of Tikrit, spearheaded by Iranian-backed Shiite militias. Ironically, some think this force that is on the State Department’s global terrorism list and led by an Iranian general who has directed attacks on U.S. troops will in some way advance the goal of reconstructing a multiethnic Iraq. Could this be another case of misplaced confidence and false hope?

ISIS controls one-third of Syria. More than 20,000 foreign nationals from 90 countries have joined ISIS over the past three years. Holding oil fields, taxing businesses, and claiming cash in banks within captured territory, ISIS is the wealthiest terrorist organization in history. No one knows, of course, where the next extremist attack on a Western target may happen. Foreign-affairs columnist Ian Bremmer (Time, March 30, 2015) theorizes it would take a mass-casualty terrorist strike to build the public support required for a military effort that would destroy these threats.

The Pentagon has announced that sympathizers of the Islamic State group have posted online a “kill list” of 100 pilots, airmen, sailors and commanders involved in the U.S.-led airstrikes against the group in Iraq and Syria. Photographs of service members are included, and also their rank and home addresses. The shock of 9-11 has begun to fade; but if we are starting to think living in the continental U.S. makes us invulnerable, we need to think again.

Believers need to do more—we need to revisit our creed, calm our souls with Christ’s promises, and pray for courage to stay committed to His great cause until He returns and settles international disputes. The world has many swords that need hammering into plowshares, many spears that would make good pruning hooks. Nations are still fighting nations, with many still training for war. There’s got to be a better way—there surely will come a brighter day.

“Here on earth the nations will be in turmoil. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth. When all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” - Jesus (Luke 21:25, 26, 28 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living.” (Seneca, Roman statesman; 4 B.C. – A.D. 65)

A review of current events does little to increase our optimism about the chances of world peace. It feels like “everything nailed down is coming loose” (the angel Gabriel in the musical Green Pastures).

Over the last year, fighting associated with Boko Haram in Nigeria has led to the deaths of over 6,000 civilians.

A week ago, suicide bombers linked to the Taliban attacked two churches in Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital, leaving 14 worshipers dead and at least 70 injured. Four thousand angry Christians gathered in protest, chased suspects and lynched two of them. Pakistan is embroiled in a conflict between majority Sunni and minority Shiite Muslims, both groups having violent militant wings. Now with some Christians joining this volatile mix, Pakistan could be headed for an all-out religious war.

Last week gunmen stormed a Tunisian museum, taking hostages and killing at least 21 people.

Friday, a terrorist bombing of two mosques in the capital of Yemen killed 137 and wounded 357 others. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack. Over the weekend, American and British forces left strife-torn Yemen, intensifying fears that the failed state will be a breeding ground for terror groups plaguing the Middle East and the West.

This week, Afghanistan President Ghani will meet with President Obama to discuss the pace of withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. He is expected to state that without the continuing substantial presence of American troops on the ground, security will at best be precarious. 

An offensive is underway to drive the Islamic State out of the Iraqi city of Tikrit, spearheaded by Iranian-backed Shiite militias. Ironically, some think this force that is on the State Department’s global terrorism list and led by an Iranian general who has directed attacks on U.S. troops will in some way advance the goal of reconstructing a multiethnic Iraq. Could this be another case of misplaced confidence and false hope?

ISIS controls one-third of Syria. More than 20,000 foreign nationals from 90 countries have joined ISIS over the past three years. Holding oil fields, taxing businesses, and claiming cash in banks within captured territory, ISIS is the wealthiest terrorist organization in history. No one knows, of course, where the next extremist attack on a Western target may happen. Foreign-affairs columnist Ian Bremmer (Time, March 30, 2015) theorizes it would take a mass-casualty terrorist strike to build the public support required for a military effort that would destroy these threats.

The Pentagon has announced that sympathizers of the Islamic State group have posted online a “kill list” of 100 pilots, airmen, sailors and commanders involved in the U.S.-led airstrikes against the group in Iraq and Syria. Photographs of service members are included, and also their rank and home addresses. The shock of 9-11 has begun to fade; but if we are starting to think living in the continental U.S. makes us invulnerable, we need to think again.

Believers need to do more—we need to revisit our creed, calm our souls with Christ’s promises, and pray for courage to stay committed to His great cause until He returns and settles international disputes. The world has many swords that need hammering into plowshares, many spears that would make good pruning hooks. Nations are still fighting nations, with many still training for war. There’s got to be a better way—there surely will come a brighter day.

“Here on earth the nations will be in turmoil. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth. When all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” - Jesus (Luke 21:25, 26, 28 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining; I believe in love, even when it is hidden; I believe in God, even when he is silent.” (Air-raid shelter; Cologne, France; WWII)

On this first day of spring, we look in vain for the sun; but we believe the sun is still shining beyond the clouds. 

When we are gloomy, God overshadows us with invulnerable joy. Guardian angels spread their wings over us, surpassing angst with ecstasy. When life gets dreary, God’s Presence brightens our inner being. Clouds veil the azure sky, but the sun is still shining beyond the gray dome of mist—that blazing star will warm our faces and cheer our spirits when the storms are over. Dark happenings of our life hide God’s smile; but when we hold His hand in the dark, His consolations cheer our soul.

When we are crushed by guilt, God overshadows us with redeeming grace. As humans, we stumble now and then, but our Defense Counsel helps us get to our feet again if we request His help. Moral failure need not devastate us—God’s forgiveness and mercy unburdens us. If we pay the price of repentance, the Lord promises to throw our sins overboard and hide them irretrievably in ocean depths of oblivion.

When we are grieving, God overshadows us with consolation. When emotions clash on tidal waves of fearful worry and hopeful trust, heaven’s gift of perfect peace calms pandemonium and keeps us on an even keel on high seas. His voice hushes the sea to sleep so we can rest easy.

When we feel the urge to complain, God overshadows us with goodness. If we feel cheated by life’s unfairness, pausing to consider how we have been blessed will enable us to stop whining and start worshiping.

When we’re overwhelmed by life’s difficulties, we should recall God’s promise to overshadow us. Centrifugal influences threaten to tear us apart, but He holds us together by the centripetal force of grace. In chaos, Christ is our Center of  Gravity. In sin, Jesus is our Salvation. In sadness, the Holy Spirit is our Song. In spinelessness, the Almighty is our Strength. In labyrinths, the Lord is our Leader. In confusion, God is our Counselor.

In The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a` Kempis wrote “There is no man in this world without some manner of tribulation or anguish, though he be king or pope.” Whatever our trouble, if we open the eyes of our heart we will wonder at the contour of angel wings. Life is sometimes overwhelming, but Love always overshadows us.

The cherubim spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings. Exodus 37:9 ESV

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 57  of Gentle Whispers]

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining; I believe in love, even when it is hidden; I believe in God, even when he is silent.” (Air-raid shelter; Cologne, France; WWII)

On this first day of spring, we look in vain for the sun; but we believe it is still shining beyond the clouds.

When we are gloomy, God overshadows us with invulnerable joy. Guardian angels spread their wings over us, surpassing angst with ecstasy. When life gets dreary, God’s Presence brightens our inner being. Clouds veil the azure sky, but the sun is still shining beyond the gray dome of mist—that blazing star will warm our faces and cheer our spirits when the storms are over. Dark happenings of our life hide God’s smile; but when we hold His hand in the dark, His consolations cheer our soul.

When we are crushed by guilt, God overshadows us with redeeming grace. As humans, we stumble now and then, but our Defense Counsel helps us get to our feet again if we request His help. Moral failure need not devastate us—God’s forgiveness and mercy unburdens us. If we pay the price of repentance, the Lord promises to throw our sins overboard and hide them irretrievably in ocean depths of oblivion.

When we are grieving, God overshadows us with consolation. When emotions clash on tidal waves of fearful worry and hopeful trust, heaven’s gift of perfect peace calms pandemonium and keeps us on an even keel on high seas. His voice hushes the sea to sleep so we can rest easy.

When we feel the urge to complain, God overshadows us with goodness. If we feel cheated by life’s unfairness, pausing to consider how we have been blessed will enable us to stop whining and start worshiping.

When we’re overwhelmed by life’s difficulties, we should recall God’s promise to overshadow us. Centrifugal influences threaten to tear us apart, but He holds us together by the centripetal force of grace. In chaos, Christ is our Center of  Gravity. In sin, Jesus is our Salvation. In sadness, the Holy Spirit is our Song. In spinelessness, the Almighty is our Strength. In labyrinths, the Lord is our Leader. In confusion, God is our Counselor.

In The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a` Kempis wrote “There is no man in this world without some manner of tribulation or anguish, though he be king or pope.” Whatever our trouble, if we open the eyes of our heart we will wonder at the contour of angel wings. Life is sometimes overwhelming, but Love always overshadows us.

The cherubim spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings. Exodus 37:9 ESV

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 57  of Gentle Whispers]

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“‘In our world,’ said Eustace, ‘a star is a huge ball of flaming gas.’ ‘Even in your world, my son, that is not what a star is but only what it is made of.’” (C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader)

NASA has released a breathtaking video sampling of the 200 million images captured by the Solar Dynamics Observatory taken over 5 years in space. A kaleidoscope set to music, it provides unprecedentedly clear pictures of the sun’s activity. You can view it at http://www.cnn.com/videos/tech/2015/02/16/vo-nasa-solar-dynamics-observatory-5-years.cnn. 

The sun is our source of heat and light, sustaining life on earth. If it were hollow, it would hold one million earths, and yet there are stars 1,500 times larger. God created the sun and placed it just the right distance from the planet we call home—a little farther away and we’d freeze; a little closer and we’d fry. We believe the ordering of the cosmos did not happen by chance, but that Christ orchestrated it. We believe the universe is no accident, but that the Almighty planned it.

Christians do not, like some of the ancients, worship this star; we worship the Starmaker—the omnipotent God who commanded the sun to stand still, slowing the rotation cycle of planet Earth until Hebrew warriors defeated their enemies (Joshua 10:13); the omniscient God who enables us to “rise like the sun in all its power” to live in the moral highlands (Judges 5:31; Philippians 3:10);  the omnipresent God who is “our sun and our shield”, who “gives us grace and glory” (Psalm 84:11); the Sun of Righteousness who promises that when heaven on earth dawns, we will “go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture” (Malachi 4:2); the Savior of the righteous who will make us shine like the sun in our Father’s Kingdom (Matthew 13:43); the Lord of a city that will not need the sun, since it will be illuminated by His glory (Revelation 21:23).       

Francois La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer and moralist, was right—“No one can stare for long at death or the sun.” The sun is an object lesson in humility—stare at it and we would go blind; but glance at it just a second, and we may worship its Maker. “The spacious firmament on high, with all the blue ethereal sky, And spangled heavens, a shining frame, their great Original proclaim. The unwearied sun, from day to day, does his Creator’s power display, And publishes  to every land the work of an almighty hand.” (Joseph Addison, 1672-1719).

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.

Day after day they continue to speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.

Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. The sun rises at one end of the heavens

and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.”

(Psalm 19:1-6 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“‘In our world,’ said Eustace, ‘a star is a huge ball of flaming gas.’ ‘Even in your world, my son, that is not what a star is but only what it is made of.’” (C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader)

NASA has released a breathtaking video sampling of the 200 million images captured by the Solar Dynamics Observatory taken over 5 years in space. A kaleidoscope set to music, it provides unprecedentedly clear pictures of the sun’s activity. You can view it at http://www.cnn.com/videos/tech/2015/02/16/vo-nasa-solar-dynamics-observatory-5-years.cnn. 

The sun is our source of heat and light, sustaining life on earth. If it were hollow, it would hold one million earths, and yet there are stars 1,500 times larger. God created the sun and placed it just the right distance from the planet we call home—a little farther away and we’d freeze; a little closer and we’d fry. We believe the ordering of the cosmos did not happen by chance, but that Christ orchestrated it. We believe the universe is no accident, but that the Almighty planned it.

Christians do not, like some of the ancients, worship this star; we worship the Starmaker—the omnipotent God who commanded the sun to stand still, slowing the rotation cycle of planet Earth until Hebrew warriors defeated their enemies (Joshua 10:13); the omniscient God who enables us to “rise like the sun in all its power” to live in the moral highlands (Judges 5:31; Philippians 3:10);  the omnipresent God who is “our sun and our shield”, who “gives us grace and glory” (Psalm 84:11); the Sun of Righteousness who promises that when heaven on earth dawns, we will “go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture” (Malachi 4:2); the Savior of the righteous who will make us shine like the sun in our Father’s Kingdom (Matthew 13:43); the Lord of a city that will not need the sun, since it will be illuminated by His glory (Revelation 21:23).       

Francois La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer and moralist, was right—“No one can stare for long at death or the sun.” The sun is an object lesson in humility—stare at it and we would go blind; but glance at it just a second, and we may worship its Maker. “The spacious firmament on high, with all the blue ethereal sky, And spangled heavens, a shining frame, their great Original proclaim. The unwearied sun, from day to day, does his Creator’s power display, And publishes  to every land the work of an almighty hand.” (Joseph Addison, 1672-1719).

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.

Day after day they continue to speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.

Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. The sun rises at one end of the heavens

and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.”

(Psalm 19:1-6 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

After the Lord gave me the privilege and joy of writing Gentle Whispers from Eternity and it was published in March 2013, I began praying that God would bless this book to change lives and glorify His name around the world. This prayer is being answered in amazing ways.

Gentle Whispers from Eternity has now been published in Urdu, the language spoken by millions in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. The book is currently being translated into Telugu, the primary language spoken in India’s second largest province; publication is scheduled for later this year. Jesudas David, missionary translating the book into Telugu, said he believes the book “will create a spiritual atmosphere in the Christian world in India and also around the globe.” Olga Tsifrynets, who teaches in a seminary in Kiev, has expressed her desire and intention to translate the book into Ukrainian and Russian. Veronika Lihov, who ministers to the homeless in Crimea, has offered to translate the book into Russian. I praise God for working in the hearts of these people to get His Word out to the world through this book.

It is exciting to know that Jamil Thomas, translator of Gentle Whispers from Eternity into Urdu, is distributing the book to individuals, pastors, priests, teachers, churches, and institutes. Pastor Thomas has given several lectures on the introduction and purpose of the book to people of various religions. Readers are sharing  that they have been encouraged by the book. A bishop in Faislabad said he uses the book to prepare his sermons. A priest in Toba Tek Singh said he “found the book very, very beneficial.”  A reader in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, wrote “I have done proof reading of many Christian books, but I found this very much different. The first time in my life I truly felt that Jesus is the only God and Lord. Every day I use it in my morning prayer; it seems to be the second Bible.”  These stories excite me and encourage me to keep sharing the book every way I can. It is clear that my prayer that the book have worldwide impact is being answered.  

For a couple of months, I had no contact with Jamil, and wondered why—perhaps he was heavily involved in other ministry projects (you can see how comprehensive his work is by checking his website www.Aim4Faith.org.  Then last week I received an email, sending pictures of people who had received copies of Gentle Whispers from Eternity, in which he said “we had very bad days after 11^th January. I wanted to write email, but I was not able to write you.”  When I asked, “Do you mean bad weather?” he responded: “No, my wife and I were coming back from villages where we had distributed Bibles and Gentle Whispers from Eternity to 30 people, when a group of militants attacked us, beat us badly, and took my laptop, camera, books, Bibles and motorbike. I was in hospital for 3 days and my wife remained there more than a week, so depressed and worried that she had a heart attack and stayed there 15 more days in ICU. We were out of the home and they broke into our home and took my desktop computer and printer from my office. Then they sent me a letter to stop preaching and stop distributing Bibles, Gentle Whispers from Eternity, and other Christian material. Thank God we are okay now and God has given us our lives back to proclaim His Word among the nation like Pakistan.”

When I asked Jamil for permission to share his story, he replied, “Yes, brother Johnny. You can share it with many more people, we need your prayers. What a wonderful thing if people from another continent pray for us in Pakistan.”

I have been thanking God for His marvelous answer to my prayer that He would bless, with a global influence, the book He inspired me to write. Now I’m earnestly praying for Jamil Thomas and his wife, faithful servants of Jesus Christ—that God will protect them as the apple of His eye and hide them in the shadow of His wings. Will you join me in prayer for their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being?  Please also join me in prayer for Jesudas David in India, Olga Tsifrynets in Ukraine, and Veronika Lihov in Crimea—that God will give them grace to persevere in their translation goals of Gentle Whispers from Eternity—for His glory alone.

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

After the Lord gave me the privilege and joy of writing Gentle Whispers from Eternity and it was published in March 2013, I began praying that God would bless this book to change lives and glorify His name around the world. This prayer is being answered in amazing ways.

Gentle Whispers from Eternity has now been published in Urdu, the language spoken by millions in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. The book is currently being translated into Telugu, the primary language spoken in India’s second largest province; publication is scheduled for later this year. Jesudas David, missionary translating the book into Telugu, said he believes the book “will create a spiritual atmosphere in the Christian world in India and also around the globe.” Olga Tsifrynets, who teaches in a seminary in Kiev, has expressed her desire and intention to translate the book into Ukrainian and Russian. Veronika Lihov, who ministers to the homeless in Crimea, has offered to translate the book into Russian. I praise God for working in the hearts of these people to get His Word out to the world through this book.

It is exciting to know that Jamil Thomas, translator of Gentle Whispers from Eternity into Urdu, is distributing the book to individuals, pastors, priests, teachers, churches, and institutes. Pastor Thomas has given several lectures on the introduction and purpose of the book to people of various religions. Readers are sharing  that they have been encouraged by the book. A bishop in Faislabad said he uses the book to prepare his sermons. A priest in Toba Tek Singh said he “found the book very, very beneficial.”  A reader in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, wrote “I have done proof reading of many Christian books, but I found this very much different. The first time in my life I truly felt that Jesus is the only God and Lord. Every day I use it in my morning prayer; it seems to be the second Bible.”  These stories excite me and encourage me to keep sharing the book every way I can. It is clear that my prayer that the book have worldwide impact is being answered.  

For a couple of months, I had no contact with Jamil, and wondered why—perhaps he was heavily involved in other ministry projects (you can see how comprehensive his work is by checking his website www.Aim4Faith.org.  Then last week I received an email, sending pictures of people who had received copies of Gentle Whispers from Eternity, in which he said “we had very bad days after 11^th January. I wanted to write email, but I was not able to write you.”  When I asked, “Do you mean bad weather?” he responded: “No, my wife and I were coming back from villages where we had distributed Bibles and Gentle Whispers from Eternity to 30 people, when a group of militants attacked us, beat us badly, and took my laptop, camera, books, Bibles and motorbike. I was in hospital for 3 days and my wife remained there more than a week, so depressed and worried that she had a heart attack and stayed there 15 more days in ICU. We were out of the home and they broke into our home and took my desktop computer and printer from my office. Then they sent me a letter to stop preaching and stop distributing Bibles, Gentle Whispers from Eternity, and other Christian material. Thank God we are okay now and God has given us our lives back to proclaim His Word among the nation like Pakistan.”

When I asked Jamil for permission to share his story, he replied, “Yes, brother Johnny. You can share it with many more people, we need your prayers. What a wonderful thing if people from another continent pray for us in Pakistan.”

I have been thanking God for His marvelous answer to my prayer that He would bless, with a global influence, the book He inspired me to write. Now I’m earnestly praying for Jamil Thomas and his wife, faithful servants of Jesus Christ—that God will protect them as the apple of His eye and hide them in the shadow of His wings. Will you join me in prayer for their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being?  Please also join me in prayer for Jesudas David in India, Olga Tsifrynets in Ukraine, and Veronika Lihov in Crimea—that God will give them grace to persevere in their translation goals of Gentle Whispers from Eternity—for His glory alone.

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“To be ‘on edge,’ you are literally not centered — not being in your spiritual center.”  (Carrie Latet)

When life gets confusing, Christ is our personal Tour Guide.  If we trust and obey the Lord, He will accompany us on our wilderness journey to the promised land. Christ is our Comforter, Coach, Guide, Defense Counsel, and Teacher. He is right beside us—praying, cheering, advising, forgiving, and instructing. If we yearn for Christ to be more real to us, we must obey Him unquestioningly. If we sincerely want His guidance on the road He wants us to travel, we must not take a step without Him.

When life gets rough, Christ is our Storm Shelter. If we open the eyes of our heart, we’ll see evidences of Love all around—shining in mercy, grace, compassion, pardon, and kindness. If we are seeking stability in a quicksand world, we must take our stand on the Solid Rock.

When life gets complicated, Christ is our Greatest Friend. When the pressures are on, we’re privileged to talk problems over with Him. If we’d like to have a heart-to-heart conversation with Him, we have to quit doing all the talking and listen to what He has to say. Hearing His voice, He puts us at ease.  

When our self-image is fractured, Christ is our Faithful Shepherd.  We may have trouble believing this, but He really likes us. When we’re down on ourselves, He isn’t. When we don’t feel like taking another step, He lifts us up and carries us. Nestling near His heart, we feel secure.

When everything nailed down comes loose, Christ holds us together. When our world falls apart, we don’t have to. When we stop searching for the panic button, He gives us unshakable courage and incomprehensible peace. We will not go crazy, if we make Him Lord of our intellect. We will not spin out of control, if we surrender to Him as King of our personality.

When we’re “on edge”, we can recover our emotional balance by spiritual centering—focusing on Christ, our Center of Gravity. Making Him our Resting Place, we can relax.

The Lord replied, ”My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  (Exodus 33;14 NIV)

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 55 of Gentle Whispers]

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog & book info http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/