If we confine worship to Sunday church services, ritual overshadows relationship. To walk with God 24/7 is life's greatest adventure!
“The worship of God is not a rule of safety—it is an adventure of the spirit, a flight after the unattainable.”
- Alfred North Whitehead
What does your heart ache for—really, truly, above all else?
Does your inner being yearn for a close walk with God?
Does your soul long for Jesus to be real to you?
Have you declared “I will not let you go unless you bless me”?
Does anything else in life compete for the noblest quest?
Are you doggedly journeying toward heaven’s gate?
Do you want to win against sin? You can, with God’s help.
Persevere in the wrestling match all through the night.
At daybreak you will see Christ’s face—struggle on.
"Your name will no longer be Jacob … It is now Israel,
because you have struggled with God … and have won."
(Genesis 32:28 NLT)
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized
Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
[This devotion was based on/adapted from Day 22 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
Johnny Russell Almond's Posts (166)
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Can you imagine life without God? With all the trouble in this old world - -including "wars and rumors of wars" -- how could we possibly find peace?
“I know not where His islands lift / Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift / Beyond His love and care.”
John Greenleaf Whittier, “The Eternal Goodness”
Can you imagine life – with all of its challenges, disappointments, pains, and problems – without God?
With all there is to be afraid of in this dangerous world, how could we possibly manage to stay calm?
Considering the trouble in this world – with “wars and rumors of wars” – how could we find peace?
Gladly, we do not have to stay in the subjunctive “what if” mood long to realize God is with us.
If our Creator and Savior did not accompany us every heartbeat, our life would be intolerable.
Gloriously, the Lord Jesus Christ is with us 24/7, so loneliness does not get the best of us
Because God Almighty is with us, we are guaranteed an unlimited liability clause—
Ferocious death, mysterious life, sinister demons, current fears, future worries,
hellish forces, precarious locations, and deep despair cannot overpower us.
We could not make it on our own—do-it-yourself does not work by itself.
It is a great blessing to trade the subjunctive mood for a praise song.
It is a good prayer, now and then, to thank God we are not alone.
If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me…
Genesis 31:42 NIV
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized
Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
[This devotion was based on/adapted from Day 21 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
"In this modern world we live in, love is ended before it's begun." Commitment--an old-fashioned word--is still the key to lasting marriages and enduring relationships. God's love is the ultimate example.
“Thrice blest whose lives are faithful prayers, Whose loves in higher love endure;
What souls possess themselves so pure, or is there blessedness like theirs?”
- Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Waterfalls of time cannot extinguish love’s eternal flame.
Rivers of catastrophe cannot drown its commitment.
Love is stronger than death—love endures forever.
Love hangs on through hours, days, weeks, and years.
Love perseveres through glacial passage of time.
Love is infinitely patient—it never gives up.
In life’s waiting room, we calmly anticipate God’s tomorrow.
The trial of our faith will determine if we truly believe God.
God is being patient with us—let’s be patient with Him.
At Calvary, He crossed His heart to express His undying love.
Our Savior Jesus paid for His bride with His lifeblood.
We can prove our love for Him by obedience.
God has planned a marriage feast to honor the Bridegroom.
Engagement gives time to get ready for the wedding.
Before we know it, the great day will arrive.
Jacob spent the next seven years working to pay for Rachel.
But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days.
Genesis 29:20 NLT
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized
Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
[This devotion was based on/adapted from Day 20 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
In a nightmarish world, it's good now and then to dream of heaven.
“The toe of the star-gazer is often stubbed.”
- Russian proverb
Sadly, our experiences on earth can be nightmarish.
Idealists “in a dream world” sometimes stub their toe on “reality.”
“Two men look out same prison bars; one sees mud, the other stars” (Langbridge). |
Dreaming of a better world, at the top of the staircase is God—
Author of perfect dreams, Means to the end, Final Step to reach the goal,
Stairway to the stars, Reality behind dreams, Energy to climb steps and attain visions.
The sky is not the limit—aim for the company of the immortals!
Dare to dream grand dreams—heaven open, angels on the stairway of hope.
Trust your Father’s protection as you traverse the twists and turns of the dreamy spiral.
Daydreaming is sweet, but it is time to wake up and start climbing.
Way-dreaming is better—not just staring up the steps, stepping up the stairs.
We will celebrate heaven’s dream come true with the Star-maker at the top of the stairs.
He dreamed of a stairway that reached from earth to heaven.
Genesis 28:12 NLT
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized
Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
[This devotion was based on/adapted from Day 19 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many;
not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
- Charles Dickens
God blesses us, not because of who we are, but in spite of it.
In the face of our self-centeredness and deceit, God still loves us.
Heaven’s blessings flow from God’s good heart, not from our goodness.
We should not get the idea we somehow merit God’s smile by personal virtue.
It is more rewarding to revel in enjoyed benefits, than to fret over what we do not have.
It is sweeter to count many current blessings, than to ponder a few historical disappointments.
It would be unwise to demand that God give us what we deserve—if He did, we would really be poor.
Love enriches us immeasurably—to avoid being an ingrate we must be humbly grateful, not grumbly hateful.
It is rewarding to inventory the cornucopia of heaven’s gifts supplying all our needs—
faith to counteract worry, family to solve loneliness, health to relish life, income to pay bills,
pardon to cancel guilt, tomorrow to inspire hope, heaven to give us Someone to look forward to.
Whatever fails, we can be sure God’s blessings never will; He will never go back on His Word—thank God!
I blessed him with an irrevocable blessing.
Genesis 27:33 NLT
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized
Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
[This devotion based on/adapted from Day 18 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
"In this dark world, there's a bright light shining." It's good to be reminded of who that bright light is.
“Sadness flies on the wings of the morning and out of the heart of darkness comes the light.” (Jean Giraudoux, 1945)
Observation of current events shows the world’s darkness.
In Syria—tyranny has slaughtered 100,000 innocents.
In Iran—pride announces ships en route to America.
In Ukraine—corruption makes streets a war zone.
In Afghanistan—chaos still disturbs the peace.
In Iraq—suicide bombers perpetuate terror.
Meditation on Christ's Presence floods our soul with light.
In temptation—He calls us out of sin’s shadows into holy, radiant light..
In loneliness—He radiates hope into our hearts by His promises. .
In hubris—He humbles us by the object lesson of the sun.
In ignorance—He teaches our mind timeless truth.
In our darkest hour—He whispers sweet peace.
In despair—He shines the bright light of hope.
In anxiety—He always leaves the light on.
Light beyond light is our Night Light.
“From there Isaac moved to Beersheba, where the LORD appeared to him on the night of his arrival.
‘I am the God of your father, Abraham,’ he said. ‘Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you.’”
Genesis 26:23, 24 NLT
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized
Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
[This devotion was based on/adapted from Day 17 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
Think the only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it? There's a far better way.
“No one can ask honestly or happily to be delivered from temptation unless he has
honestly and firmly determined to do the best he can to keep out of it.”
- John Ruskin
Is your future for sale? What would you eat in exchange for your soul?
You may be tempted to act impulsively to satisfy insistent appetites.
Stop to consider long-range effects before gobbling sinful morsels.
Old-world forbidden fruit tastes good, but has a bitter aftertaste.
Ordering from Satan’s menu is invariably asking for trouble.
With God’s help, Resist impulse buying in hell’s cafeteria.
Every temptation you resist will prove to be a victory.
Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew.
Esau ate and drank and went on about his business,
indifferent to the fact that he had given up his birthright.
Genesis 25:34 NLT
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized
Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
[This devotion based on/adapted from Day 16 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
“’Tis man’s to fight, but Heaven’s to give success.”
- Homer, Iliad, 9th century B.C.
Succeeding by heaven’s definition is greater than succeeding by human standards.
Winning the fight of faith is infinitely more fulfilling than winning the Super Bowl.
Cheering fans, media coverage, and worldwide fame fade before God’s smile.
If we dare travel a road paved with grace, God promises enduring success.
He designed a purpose for our journey and a unique mission statement.
God has assigned work to us He has not entrusted to other people.
Heaven’s part in our success is to keep holding us together,
dispatch angel battalions to watch over us in our journey,
direct us by signs, and encircle us with kindness.
Our part is to humbly walk in God’s Presence,
obey His clear instructions, wait patiently,
and above all else to pray as we go.
Yearning for authentic success?
The Lord will do His part.
Will we do ours?
The Lord, in whose presence I have walked, will send his angel with you
and will make your mission successful.
Genesis 24:40 NLT
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized
Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
[This devotion was based on/adapted from Day 15 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
“The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, vitality and hope.
It enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy.”
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison (1953)
How would you describe your usual outlook on the future?
“The Lord might provide?”—hoping for divine help to survive.
“The Lord could provide”—feeling God will help if He chooses to.
“The Lord will provide”—exercising radical faith whatever happens.
If death occurs, there will ultimately be a day of resurrection.
Whatever we need between now and not yet, God will furnish.
If nothing works out like we wish, God will strengthen our character.
If hard times come along, we will still be able to find reasons to be grateful.
It is good to keep in mind that the cross is a plus sign—
changing negativism to positivism, checkmating death by life,
canceling transgression by forgiveness, conquering hate by love,
eclipsing crucifixion by resurrection, converting skeptics into believers.
We can be optimistic because God’s infinite power sustains, and His unfailing love comforts.
We can be optimistic because God promises that goodness will prevail at the dawn of eternity.
God looks on the bright side—far brighter than we could ever imagine from our limited perspective.
Rest assured—the future is just as bright as the trustworthy promises of the quintessential Eternal Optimist.
The Lord Will Provide.
Genesis 22:14 NLT
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized
Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
[This devotion based on / adapted from Day 14 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
The person who says "I don't pray because I don't need anything" is naive.
Sooner or later, we all realize our desperate need for God.
“Life for most of us is full of steep stairs to go puffing up and later, of shaky stairs to totter down;
and very early in the history of stairs must have come the invention of banisters.”
- Louis Kronenberger, The Cart and the Horse, 1964
Every human being is inherently a dependent creature.
At frequent intervals, we feel need of assistance.
When we are born, we are totally helpless.
And when we die, we are there again.
So help me, God, we cry for help.
The Almighty made the universe—He can surely help us.
He holds earth up by invisible cables—He holds us together.
Relying on our Redeemer, we can soar gracefully on eagles’ wings,
endure without exhaustion, and survive “normal” days without fainting.
Counting on the reality of God’s Presence, we can learn to fly above worries,
run faith marathon fueled by His Spirit, and walk everyday paths with equanimity.
When we are out of breath in the midst of life’s arduous uphill climb, God climbs with us.
And when our weak knees tremble on difficult paths in mortality’s shadow, God walks with us.
Every person who trusts God can testify He is our Invisible Means of Support every step of life’s way.
“God is with you in everything you do.”
Genesis 21:22 NIV
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
[Devotion adapted from Day 13 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
Power outages can be very disruptive. But there's an Unlimited Power Source that never fails.
To whatever side you turn, you are forced to acknowledge your own ignorance and the boundless power of the Creator.”
- Voltaire
The anonymous hymn-writer speaks for all honest souls—“I am weak, but Thou art strong.”
By now you and I should have learned that we are morally weak, typically sinful, invariably limited.
Feeling the impact of being made of dust, we discover that much in our life is far beyond our pay grade.
On the other hand, our faith acknowledges that absolutely nothing is too difficult for Almighty God.
At His command, the universe snapped to attention and began its precision march through space and time.
The Creator of heaven and earth directs intergalactic traffic patterns so they intersect perfectly like clockwork.
If this day seems too hard for us to manage, God promises to graciously provide response-ability.
If an intractable habit has us near the threshold of despair, God will provide victory as we trust and obey.
If tomorrow’s uncertain horizon makes us tremble, God reassures us that His promises will brighten the future.
“Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
(Genesis 18:14 NLT)
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
[Devotion adapted from Day 13, Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
“This is the day the LORD has made. Don’t mess it up.”
- Anonymous
Detouring from the narrow path would mess up today—steadfast obedience is better.
Whatever courses other people may take, nestle near your Shepherd’s heart.
Denying God’s goodness would mess up today—counting on His faithfulness is better.
Whatever changes happen in your life, rest assured your Father will not vary.
Despairing when trouble hits would mess up today—unflinching faith in God is better.
Whatever catastrophes may come your way, rely on unfailing divine protection.
Doubting God’s Providence would mess up today—implicit trust in God’s care is better.
Whatever consternation may attack your mind, hold to your Shepherd’s hand.
Down-in-the-mouth grumpiness would mess up today—singing His praises is better.
Whatever cantankerousness whines, rejoice—that’s why God made this day.
“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 ESV
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
[This devotion adapted from Day 240 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
Sometimes, if we're honest, we struggle with faith--especially when life is hard. How can we learn to trust God in the difficult times? I hope the thoughts on my blog help you.
“Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.”
- English proverb
Plato was right—everyone is fighting a hard battle.
So is the English proverb—we do not know how others hurt.
So is Scripture—God has a heart, and He genuinely cares about us.
We celebrate His nearness when life is a picnic, then wonder where He is when life hurts.
We should have learned by now life is not all sweetness and light—roses have thorns.
Our faith is severely tested in trouble’s crucible, but we believe pain has a purpose.
Pressure changes coal to diamonds; friction polishes gems; pain helps us mature.
God does something far better than removing trouble—He is with us in trouble.
And in the process we learn lessons we would never learn anywhere else.
In fear, our faith has a chance to develop; in doubt, we learn to trust.
In anxiety, we receive assurance; in the dark, we wait for sunrise.
In terror, we bask in His comfort; in horror, we discover hope.
Adversity is God’s university—we still have a lot to learn.
“The Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him,
‘Do not be afraid, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.’
That evening, as the sun was going down, Abram fell into a deep sleep.
He saw a terrifying vision of darkness and horror.”
Genesis 15:1, 12 NLT
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
[This devotion adapted from Day 10 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am only for myself, who am I?”
- Rabbi Hillel (32 BC – 7 AD)
Independence cares for self, but ego can get us into trouble.
We need to watch out for our well-being, but not for ours only.
Individualism enriches all of life, but a personality cult devalues others.
Diversity makes our lives interesting, but narcissism isolates and infuriates.
Identity hinges on relationships—egomania displaces the joy of love and service.
Focusing exclusively on “me, my, and mine” is evidence of a serious case of “I” trouble.
Calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them,
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
Mark 8:34-35 ESV
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
“Sudden resolutions, like the sudden rise of the mercury in the barometer,
indicate little else than the changeableness of the weather.”
- Julias Charles Hare, Guesses at Truth (1827)
The problem with most resolutions is they are too safe, sensible, and self-centered.
If our goal is just to feel good about self, resolutions will focus on cosmetic changes.
If we are serious, we will contemplate restructuring our lives and changing life patterns.
What if we actually made nobler resolutions?—
Instead of resolving to lose 10 pounds to improve our looks,
we resolved to eat less and donate money saved to feed the hungry?
Instead of resolving to get more exercise this year,
we resolved to exercise our faith by praying, walking with God,
climbing mountains of challenge, and running patiently in hope marathon?
Instead of resolving to spend less time in front of the TV,
we resolved to translate what we believe into how we behave,
and radically practice our professed creed in our everyday conduct?
Instead of resolving to add tasks to our to-do list,
we resolved to focus on the Christian’s highest ambition—
becoming more like Christ our Savior in our attitudes and actions?
“One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
[Philippians 3:13-14 NLT]
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
“Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.”
- Jonathan Swift
Today is Epiphany—the celebration of the revealing of Jesus as the Christ to the Gentiles.
The magi, Persian star-gazers, traveled four months from their home to see Jesus.
This Child will mature beyond nativity until He addresses all human need—
consoling and cheering perplexed believers in their innermost being,
responding graciously to every sincere and desperate prayer,
giving answers greater than any questions ever asked.
We have not observed Christ’s star in the east,
but with faith eyes we can see Christ—
the light shining in a dark world,
the bright morning star.
“God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
"The life of every [person] is a diary in which [he or she] means to write one story, and writes another;
[his or her] humblest hour is when [he or she] compares the volume as it is with what [he or she] vowed to make it."
—J. M. Barrie, from The Little Minister (1891)
January takes its name from the Roman god of doorways, beginnings, and the rising and setting sun—
a god named Janus with one head and two bearded faces looking in opposite directions.
This month is a good time to do some looking back and looking forward.
The looking-back part could recount the ways we have experienced God at work in our lives over the last year.
We could offer prayers of thanks for the help and blessings we received from our Heavenly Father,
and heartfelt repentance for times we failed to be the person God called us to be.
The looking-forward part could involve commitment to grow in both faith and works,
and integrating sincere discipleship more fully into our daily lives.
We could ask “What would Jesus have me do?”—then do it.
We need to radically simplify our lives—“This one thing I do” (Philippians 3:13), not “these many things.”
We need to slow down, to “be still, and know” God (Psalm 46:10), wholeheartedly seek God (Jeremiah 29:13),
sanctify our hearts (1 John 3:2-3), surrender to God’s will (Proverbs 3:5-6), and serve Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).
We need to sing His praises whatever our situation or circumstances (Psalm 138:1), and shape up (Isaiah 64:8).
There’s no doubt we have a lot of work to do. There are no shortcuts to spirituality. Christian faith is a lifelong process.
On New Year’s Day, many think in terms of resolutions—promises to make changes, many of which never happen.
We need more than resolutions—we need to ask for God's help in shaping us into who He calls us to be.
“One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14 ESV
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
“Come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; Come ye, come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, born the king of angels; Come and adore Him, come and adore the Lord.”
- Bonaventure
The faithful—people who have faith in Jesus Christ—know out-of-this-world joy in relationship with Him.
The triumphant—people who experience victory over sin through Christ—celebrate His Presence in their hearts.
The subjects of the King of kings submit to His sovereignty over their lives—adoring Him as their Center of Gravity.
The Wonderful One brings sparkle into our life—effervescent enthusiasm cascades through our innermost being.
The awful one makes every effort to steal enthusiasm, kill joy, and destroy influence—his pleasure is our pain.
The Good Shepherd inspires adventure, blesses us with indestructible joy, and builds influence for good.
The child born to the virgin Mary, and the son given to the human race to be our Savior is honey to our taste.
The song we learned years ago is still true—“Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.”
[paragraph adapted from Day 264, Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
“A child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders.
These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
(Isaiah 9:6 NLT)
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness.
It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”
- Helen Keller
God has great expectations of us—unwavering loyalty and unquestionable integrity.
His Word challenges us to keep our heart clear of evil and overflowing with compassion.
Heaven’s work for us on earth is to stay as near as we can to God’s heart and reflect His nature.
God is perfect and He expects us to aim for perfection—all other ambitions pale in light of Christlikeness.
Some people say this is an impossible dream, claiming that we are helplessly shaped by the age in which we live.
But we can rise above cultural corruption if we take God seriously and let His Spirit change us from inside out.
God expects better things of us than society—contentment instead of greed; gratitude, not pride in possessions.
Above all, God expects those of us who believe to grow up spiritually—advancing in holiness over a lifetime of faith.
Day by day, incrementally—the person who clings to life’s noblest purpose looks a little more like Jesus.
[Adapted from Day 11, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized]
“The Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.’”
Genesis 17:1 NLT
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
“Faith is the Pierless Bridge / Supporting what we see / Unto the scene that we do not.”
- Emily Dickinson
At times, it feels like we’re on the edge of a ravine with no way across.
It’s a long way to the bottom; it’s a long way to the other side;
with no visible means of support, God asks us to step out.
If we are honest, we must admit our fear and doubt.
Listening to God’s voice, we hear His gentle whisper—
“Do not be too hard on yourself when you waver in faith.
I know you sometimes tremble contemplating the unknown
and shudder at mystery that is too meaningful for you to take in.
In fear, keep faith in Me; in doubt, trust Me; in anxiety, rest assured;
in the dark, look for dawn; in terror, receive My comfort; in horror, hope.”
[paragraph adapted from Day 10, Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
If we are humble, our heart can see what our eyes cannot.
If we take that first step, the Bridge will get us home.
The Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him,
“Do not be afraid, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”
Genesis 15:1 NLT
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
