Guest-Post: Rethink Youth Ministry

It’s time to end the “insanity” of typical youth ministry

Start a revolution.

Greg Stier

 

  

Someone once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.“

This is true in life. This is true in youth ministry.

For the last 50 years youth ministry has pretty much stayed the same. We do the same kinds of meetings we’ve always done (midweek, Sunday morning, etc) and do the same kinds of things in those meetings (play games, sing songs, give announcements, teach a lesson, eat snacks, etc.) In addition to these same-old weekly meetings, we do the same kinds of annual events (winter retreats, summer camps and special events) where the same types of things happen.

We do the same thing over and over again, week after week, month after month, year after year…and expect different results.

But, for the most part, the results are the same…and extremely disheartening.

According to one massive research project (greatopportunity.org) we are losing one million Christian teenagers per year, and will continue to do so for the next 35 years, if something doesn’t drastically change. These teenagers aren’t just leaving their churches. They are leaving their faith completely.

To keep doing what we are doing is insanity. Something must radically change.

So what’s the solution? Is it to dump the whole concept of youth ministry? No! No! No! We will never reach the next generation if we stop focusing on reaching and discipling Gen Z.

It’s not time to stop doing youth ministry.

It’s time to stop doing it the WAY we are currently doing it. It’s time to do what Jesus did to reach, train and mobilize his mostly teenaged disciples.

• He prayed with unparalleled wisdom on who to focus on (Mark 3:13)
• He invested in the few and mobilized them for mission (Mark 3:14)
• He trained them along the way (Luke 10: 1-20; Luke 11:1-13)
• He offered salvation as a free gift to everyone but required 100% commitment to be a part of his leadership team (Luke 14:15-35)
• He had a strategy of disciple multiplication that is as relevant now as ever (Matthew 28:18-20)

…and so much more!

What if we let the “youth ministry” philosophy of Jesus drive our youth ministry model? What if we focused on building a strong leadership team (aka “the disciples”) who were all in to lead the way for spiritual growth and Gospel Advancement for the other teens in our youth groups? What if we stopped catering to the apathetic kids to try to get them to like us and enjoy youth group and started really making and multiplying disciples?

Sound unrealistic?

Tell that to Doug Henry, a full-time law enforcement officer in Missouri who doubles as a youth leader. He has built his youth ministry on these principles. God is using him and his on-fire-for-Christ teenagers to shake his town for Jesus.

Tell that to Jerrod Gunter, a youth leader in inner city Memphis, who has implemented these principles and kicked off a city-wide (and growing nationwide) ministry called Riotstarters, whose goal is to change the way youth ministry is done in the inner city and mobilize urban teens for what he calls “a Gospel solution” to the problems these teens uniquely face.

Tell that to Morgan Marshall, who leads Storyline church’s youth ministry in my home town of Arvada, Colorado. She and her team have a vision of being used by God to help reach every single one of the 14,000 teenagers in Arvada with the Gospel. Morgan knows that to do this a Gospel Advancing network of youth leaders must be built so that youth groups can work together to see “every teen everywhere” in Arvada hear the Gospel from a friend.

Tell that to Don Olding, a Continent shaking South African ministry leader who has launched these principles in countless youth ministries across 12 African countries through his amazing ministry Go-Live-Dare . His mission is to see every teen everywhere in Africa hear the Gospel from a friend. The movement has so much momentum in Africa that he and his family are moving to Italy in 4 days to work with Stefano Longo to expand it all across Europe.

Talk to any one of the 10,000 youth leaders worldwide who have decided to, by God’s grace, stop the insanity of typical youth ministry and, instead, start a revolution in youth ministry!

What does it look like? How do you get started? Click here.

It is time to stop doing the same things again and again and expecting different results.

It’s time for a new philosophy of youth ministry (that’s actually 2,000 years old!)

For a deeper dive on this philosophy download my free book Gospelize your Youth Ministry and read it!

 

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                        Sallman  Head of Christ

    Someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am—

  so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave.

                                    Mark 1:7 NLT                                                                                          

I am a Greater King—infinitely more authoritative than all earthly rulers.

   As Savior, I was Servant King;  as Judge, I will be Sovereign King of kings.

   You are unworthy to be My subject. By My mercy, you are—be thankful.

   Be subject to change.

I am a Greater God—infinitely more awesome than all false gods of the heart.

   Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—I alone deserve your wholehearted allegiance.    

   You are unworthy to be My creation. By My choice, you are—be reverent.

   Know your place.

I have a greater message—infinitely more significant than any of your own ideas.

   Truthful language in the Book from Heaven is greater than political correctness.    

   You are unworthy to be My messenger. By My will, you are—be enthusiastic.

   Preach My Word.

I extend a greater calling—infinitely more truthful than hell’s propaganda.

   Ready for action? Willing to move out of your comfort zone to serve Me?

   You are unworthy to be My evangelist. By My grace, you are—be loving.

   Tell My story.

I offer greater teaching—infinitely more transforming than human philosophy.

   Apply My teaching, and call Me Rabboni—your very own Teacher.

   You are unworthy to be My disciple. By My love, you are—be studious.

   Keep in mind what I have to say.

I have greater power—infinitely more effective than any other force.

   I exorcise demons—erasing guilt, tumbling pride, ending vendettas.

   You are unworthy to be My ambassador. By My Spirit, you are—be confident.

   Take My hand.

I demonstrate a greater attitude—infinitely more noble than your petty ambition.

   I practiced downward mobility to show the secret of greatness—servanthood.  

   You are unworthy to be My servant. By My example, you are—be faithful.

   Walk in My steps.

         © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                 

Day 313, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

YOUR  POWER — THE HOLY SPIRIT

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 The Invisible Christ

It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be treated as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

He chose to share oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying fleeting pleasures of sin.

He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of the Messiah than own treasures of Egypt,

for he was looking ahead to the great reward that God would give him.

It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt. He was not afraid of the king.

Moses kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

                                                     Hebrews 11:24-27 NLT

Motivated by an unseen face,  leave the sinful world behind you.

You have never seen Me, but trust Me anyway and you will be blessed.

Thrill of physical pleasure, comfort of things, and pride of ownership

     cannot match the joy of My company and the reward of My approval. 

Professing faith in Me, you are under obligation to live like Me—

     Christlikeness is a moral imperative, not just an ethical ideal.

When I return to reign over the earth, you will see Me as I really am.

     If you really believe this, make a conscious effort to be ready. 

Like Enoch, walk in habitual fellowship with Me.

You live in two worlds—one visible, one unseen except with heart eyes.  

Radically hoping for a better life on the other side of resurrection,

     rest assured you will see your living Redeemer with your own eyes.

Looking forward to a tearless, deathless, painless, sinless place,

     anticipate unimaginable surprises and eternal ecstasy.

Live honorably—uncompromisingly purify your heart. 

Worshiping an invisible King,  refuse to be intimidated by Earth’s ruler. 

The snake that sank hateful fangs into My body was pulverized at the cross. 

The spirit at work in unbelieving hearts will be defeated by My Holy Spirit.

Your Accuser will ultimately lose his battle against your Advocate. 

You have never seen your Defense Counsel, yet I take your side faithfully. 

When you stand before Me acquitted, you will celebrate like never before.

Until then, draw near Me and experience joy too wonderful for words. 

At My return, every eye will see Me—in the meantime, continue.

Like David, be a person who develops a heart like Mine.

Like Noah, hammer away until you finish the task I assigned you.

Like Sarah, learn that nothing is too hard for Me, then laugh for joy.

Like Abraham, move out in confidence and find I take good care of you.

Live courageously—unflinchingly persevere in following My orders.

Serving the behind-the-scenes God,  keep Me first until you see My face. 

Live by faith, not by sight—remember the truly essential is invisible. 

Allow nothing to take the first place in your heart I alone deserve. 

Make My cause your focus—make My grace your survival technique.       

Like Abraham, look forward to a promised land beyond what you can see. 

Live purposefully—untiringly proclaim My story until you see My smile.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond             Gentle Whispers from Eternity     

Creative Arts Provoke Emotion That Leads To Action

The power of the creative arts to provoke the emotions of empathy, anger, love, hope, hate, fear, which specifically lead us to take an action, is why it is imperative for preachers of the Gospel to not miss this tool.

 

 

I believe it is why Jesus employed stories...parables, to express a complex idea in an easy to remember iconography.

 

We are in dangerous times as Christian leaders. As the culture continues to fragment and gather into warring tribes, the demand for level heads has never been higher, but the ability to carefully share simple answers to complex issues is nearly impossible with words alone.

 

The value of films like Superspreader (superspreaderfilm.com) which goes far in taking a snapshot of the recent past of 2020 and the ramifications then (and now and soon to come again) of standing, or in this case, singing for freedom; and JESUS REVOLUTION (https://jesusrevolution.movie/), which retells of the Jesus movement revival that spurred out of a similar cultural upheaval in our country over 50 years ago, is that the viewers can see for themselves the hope that Jesus brings, without uttering a word. The power of Sight and sound cuts through the veil of emotions to open hearts to the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in an extremely effective way.

 

We know the arts change hearts. It's partially why we are where we are today culturally.  The 'Christian' movie business was on a pretty constant upward trajectory until COVID hit and now the shutdown of the theaters as much as the shutdown of the church has reverberated with fewer films of faith in theaters and those which have appeared, have not performed well for various reasons.

 

Though we don't need the movie system to grow the influence of Christ in our society, there is a potential of missing millions of people who are even more likely to avoid attending a church in person now then before. So seeing films like this come to theaters become the only sermon many will ever have an opportunity to hear.

 

For those pastors who say the value of online entertainment is just as good as in person theatrical releases, I would point to the same issue with online church services vs. in-person church attendance.  And I say this as a purveyor of livestreaming for churches (Catalyst acquired sermon.net during Covid), the in-person e

xperience creates a fixed position which disallows fast forwarding and allows the power of the moment to sit in a heart much better than online.  Though there is value to livestream preaching and teaching, there is no true substitute for the shared experience with others in corporate worship and teaching.  It is the same with film.  These films in particular could serve as a launching point for revival happening in individual hearts which could affect our nation on a macro-scale.

 

 

Kyle Thompson

https://catalystresourcegroup.com

Christians may understand the urgency of evangelism and their role in leading people to Jesus, yet not know what the Bible says about how to share their faith.  In other words, many get the “why” and “who”, but not the “how”.  Few churches are preparing members well to present the Gospel and respond to typical questions.  Instead, most offer churchgoers a get out of evangelism (and discipleship) free card, simply instructing them to tell their story and invite people to next Sunday’s service.  Entrusting pastors with our responsibility to make the case for Christ is not biblical.  However, it accomplishes several goals of contemporary church growth models taught by many seminaries, consultants, and authors:

• Foster dependence – leadership is the subject of countless pastoral articles and books
• Breed loyalty – centralize around a place, leaders, and “sticky” relationships
• Avoid inconvenience – of those with limited bandwidth for more commitments
• Ensure comfort – realize most have little appetite for risking careers or friendships
• Justify giving – pay for the right to pass difficult tasks on to “professionals”

The lack of evangelism training makes it even more intimidating to speak up in what is already a challenging environment to “come out” as a Christian.  Ironically, it’s the unwillingness to boldly confess Jesus as Lord and live out His model of evangelism (Prayer/Care/Share) that led to the prevailing perception of Christians as intolerant.  Yet we make matters worse, causing people to wonder whether our faith is credible, as we become increasingly reluctant to talk about it.  Only assuming personal responsibility for the Great Commission, Jesus’ final marching orders before His ascension, can end the vicious cycle of churches not equipping for evangelism as the climate becomes more hostile to evangelism.

Current Process

Scripture lays out a process flow for evangelism in the ministries of Jesus and His disciples.  Rather than adopt that model, which would severely alter the lives of American Christians, churches condone and promote a set of less disruptive alternatives:

• Act nice – hope people notice and ask why you’re different
• Be holy – defer to God’s authority, getting out of His way since He knows best
• Tell your story – no one can argue with what you believe you’ve experienced
• Extend Invitations – hand out cards or give directions to meet at your church

Asking members to invite friends and family has become the “go-to”, default growth strategy – in lieu of evangelism.  In fact, national advertising campaigns have been built around referring non-believers to churches – and charging referral fees for those “leads”!  Even the phrase “each one, reach one” often boils down to distribution of church flyers.  If the invitee rejects repeated offers, then the dutiful believer is off the hook – reassured they’ve done all they could to win that person to Christ.

However, inviting someone to a church service isn’t the right first step – or the entirety of God’s expectations – for evangelism.  Regardless of whether there may have been a period in American history that approach “worked”, that time has passed.  It was never an appropriate “entry point” and is certainly less effective now in our current cultural context:

• Promotes addition – rather than the Lord’s math of disciple multiplication
• Perpetuates myths – defines church as a place and members as “customers”
• Ignores mistrust – loss of faith in institutions means fewer will accept invitations
• Undermines worship – seeker focus decreases depth and authenticity of services
• Underutilizes capacity – members could access many people that pastors can’t

Mobilizing the entire congregation into the mission field of families, neighborhoods, and workplaces would spur far greater Kingdom impact.  Church planters begin externally focused to build networks, but many shift inward to manage the resulting growth.  Likewise, entrepreneurs start with an all-hands-on-deck mentality until expansion creates internal bottlenecks.  The difference is that entrepreneurs have sales and marketing staff, whereas when pastors shift focus inward, they tend to divert the “power in the pews” that direction as well – leveraging giftings for “church chores” and relegating evangelism to invitations.

Biblical Process

Instead of reflexively inviting those who don’t worship Jesus to a worship service, churches and Christians should follow the evangelistic model practiced by Jesus and the New Testament church:

• Prayer – because evangelism is our task but the outcome is God’s responsibility
• Care – because Jesus had the perfect words but almost always opened doors to evangelism through compassion
• Share – because Jesus demonstrated His love but then told people who He was/is

We can’t outpreach Jesus or produce any results without Him, so we should walk in His footsteps.  Churches did so for 1900+ years, serving as the food bank and homeless shelter, but have largely outsourced local missions to parachurch ministries.  In addition, few provide church-wide, intensive discipleship and evangelism training; therefore, not enough churchgoers understand Jesus’ Prayer/Care/Share model or live out His commands.

Some churches have not only made invitations the basis of their evangelistic “ask” of members, but also built invitation-based evangelism into their DNA – in the form of advertising.  In our Post-Christian culture, church advertising isn’t the right first step and is far more effective in “stealing sheep” (from other churches) than attracting non-believers.  The effort and cost of ads, facilities, programs, and other amenities that grow one church at the expense of less “attractive” ones, leave little room for Care and increase hesitancy to push “consumers” too hard to Share.  Invite/Involve/Invest was never a good growth plan for churches or the Kingdom – yet it remains the prevailing strategy today.

Prayer/Care/Share is not only the biblical process for evangelism for churches, but also for individual believers.  An invitation to a worship service is the last step, not the first, in the following (proposed) sequence:

1. Seek the Lord – to understand who to reach and prepare their hearts to receive
2. Build friendships – people don’t care what you know until they know you care
3. Speak openly – if they don’t see your need for Jesus, they won’t see theirs
4. Serve generously – get your hands dirty showing kindness as opportunities arise
5. Engage intentionally – involve in local missions projects to see God’s love in action
6. Share boldly – learn how to convey the Gospel in ways that resonate with them
7. Refer wisely – point them to verses and books that will educate and encourage
8. Inquire lovingly – see if they are ready to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior
9. Disciple personally – take time each week to meet, discuss, and answer questions
10. Introduce socially – have them over to get to know other Christian friends
11. Invite, finally – ask new believers to attend a small group or worship service

Imagine the impact on our nation’s spiritual and moral foundation if every Christian implemented Steps 1-10 rather than abdicating personal evangelism by skipping directly to Step 11.

Transition Process

Churches that frequently ask members to invite friends but don’t provide evangelism training do so for a reason.  Churches that market through advertising but commit few resources to poverty alleviation do so for that same reason.  They have strategically positioned the institution, not people, as the definition of “church” – and members, not the “lost” in the community, as the definition of its “customer”.  It’s no coincidence the words “outreach” and “ministry” have also been redefined in today’s vernacular – “outreach” now means church advertising, not personal evangelism, and “ministry” now refers to church volunteering, not serving the poor in Jesus’ name.

Convincing churches to revert to the biblical definitions of all those terms will not be easy, nor will selling “cultural Christians” on the idea of reclaiming ownership of the Great Commission.  On top of that, it’s hard to envision overcoming the resistance that has built up against churches, Christians, and evangelism in our society as a result of failing to live out Prayer/Care/Share ever since the Invite/Invest/Involve revolution decades ago.  The only answer lies in recommitment to discipleship that fuels unreserved obedience to the words of Scripture by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Only the Lord can spark such dramatic repentance and revival.  Picture a body of Christ distinctly countercultural but not counter-culture – loving and caring yet not conforming or compromising.  No amount of inviting or advertising could be as attractional to non-believers as churches and Christians who look nothing like the divisive, judgmental, and intolerant world in which we live.

It’s Your Turn

Do you have suggestions for how to decentralize “church”, equipping and mobilizing more believers to carry out their biblical mission within their circles of influence?

                                                              I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.

                                                      I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done.

                                                    I will wait for your mercies in the presence of your people.

                                                                                   Psalm 52:8b-9 NLT

    You are liberated from yesterday’s guilt by my unfailing love. 

     Praise My Son forever what He has done!  Condescending from an eternal throne to earthly trouble, He became a human being.  Caring about how you live your life, He came to show you the best way.  Carrying your sins on his shoulders, He was crucified in your place. Conquering death and evil, He came back to life. 

     Jesus is your pardon for the past.  He forgives all your sins and heals all your soul’s dis-eases.  I am merciful and get angry very slowly.  I do not treat you as you deserve, or you would last no longer than a dandelion in a windstorm. I remove your rebellious deeds infinitely away from My mind.    

     Look forward to tomorrow’s glory in My unfailing love.

     I am the one and only God—I alone deserve your total allegiance.  Joining the bandwagon of naïve reliance on sophisticated technology will only make you feel hollow. Becoming part of the masquerade at the shrine of self-glorification will lead you to see something’s missing and unreal about that lifestyle.  I alone satisfy your heart.

     Jesus is your promise for the future. The current multiplicity of gods will someday give way to the one true God.  False gods of the heart will be forgotten when Christ reigns as King over the new creation. 

     Live gladly today by My unfailing love.

     Stand in the free air I give you to breathe, with your feet on My free turf, and thank your Creator for the gift of physical existence.  Gratefulness toward heaven is the most nearly perfect way to pray.  Praise Me in company with My faithful friends.  Sing your heart out to Me with songs I give you in the night and daytime melodies I inspire. 

     Jesus is your power for the present.  March forward in Christ’s triumphant procession, keeping in step with the Spirit cadence and holding your head high on your way home.  I will always be who I have always been—I have always loved you and I always will. Whatever I ask of you, I enable you to accomplish. In the strength I infuse into your innermost being, you are ready for anything life brings. 

© 2022 Johnny R. Almond                                                                                            Gentle Whispers from Eternity

       Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this:

    ‘Hear, O Israel!  The Lord our God is the one and only Lord.

       And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart,

             all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’

                      The second is equally important:

                      ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

             No other commandment is greater than these.”

                              Mark 12:29-31 NLT

So many things seem important to you, you get confused and frustrated.

Keeping all those plates spinning can be exhausting—

     so many critical projects demanding your immediate attention,

     so many people expecting so many things of you,

     so many tasks appearing on your to-do list.

How in the world can you ever hope to find the time to get it all done?

How can you decide which priorities deserve immediate, closest attention?

Listen to My voice—hear well the orders from your Commander.

There is nothing more important in your life than loving your Creator.

There is nothing more critical to do than worshipping your Redeemer.

There is nothing more significant than staying in step with your Sanctifier.

Love Me wholeheartedly—divided allegiance produces mediocrity. 

Love Me with all your emotions—be sincere in your feelings. 

Gaze at Skull Hill and see proof of My love, then love Me more.

Walk with Me joyfully—enjoy the pleasure of My company.

Love Me with all your ego—be serious in your faith.

Creatively serve Me—love Me through your unique personality.

Honor Me supremely, above all else—avoid false gods of the heart.

Love Me with all your energy—be strong in your focus.

Go beyond announcing affection—demonstrate it by everyday actions.

Obey Me conscientiously and passionately—walk in My steps faithfully.

Love Me with all your education—be sharp in your fact-finding.

Ennoble your mind by daily intake of Scripture—intelligently serve Me.

Change the way you think and you will change the way you live.

Let Me be more than just words to you—let Me be your First Love.

You do not get near My heart by traveling, but by loving.

Fall in love and stay in love with the Lover of your soul.

Whatever you plan today, do not overlook orders from Higher Headquarters.

   © Johnny R. Almond                                       Gentle Whispers from Eternity

THE LAW OF GRACE

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GUEST~POST: Centered-Set Thinking

By Glenn Barth @ GoodCities.net

While there are many individual beliefs and actions that create a successful communitywide initiative like the Sleep Out Campaign, at the core is a central unifying vision to help families in need. The involvement of churches in Plymouth and Wayzata in this initiative is an outward sign of belief in and application of the good news of the gospel in the context of these communities. When people unify around serving families in need they are coming together around what they care about. While this may reflect a transcendent belief such as the golden rule, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” it is not primarily a theological unity that is sought, but a humanitarian one. This is also known as centered set thinking.

Centered set thinking was first introduced through Dr. Paul Hiebert of Fuller Theological Seminary and popularized by Sam Williams and Eric Swanson. It’s at the core of my writing in my book, The Good City. 

 

In a nutshell, this concept advocates that Christians go beyond simply partnering around theological beliefs (as people do when becoming members of a church) and join others around those people, values, and things we care about (see diagram below).

Centered set thinking opens the door to all kinds of unlikely partnerships around nearly every issue that matters in cities and communities. As a coach, I work with community groups in cities working on issues of foster care, jobs, sex trafficking, alcohol and chemical abuse, education, hunger, housing, and more. When we partner with others who care about the same issues, it opens the door for myriad conversations that might not otherwise happen. This approach invites people to become engaged in a good cause that will transform lives and create good cities

 

SCROLL . . . for another Guest-Post on Centered-Set Thinking

     The Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details!

                   There is really only one thing worth being concerned about.

                    Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her.”

                                                 Luke 10:41-42 NLT

Distracted by trivial pursuits? My Kingdom is life’s noblest quest.

     Beside yourself? You are better off beside Me.

     Falling apart? Fall on your knees.

     Wringing your hands? Take My hand and I will take good care of you.

     Worried sick? Follow My prescription for excellent health.

Give careful attention to My words—wiser than Satan’s propaganda.

     Rest in green meadows of trust—calmer than the world’s rat race.

     Relax beside peaceful streams—better than the comfort of noise. 

     Walk obedient paths—more honorable than rebellious detours.

     Live fearlessly, even in death’s shadow—bolder than bravado.

     Enjoy the pleasure of My company—sweeter than sin’s temporary thrill.

Stay close to My heart and avoid the stranger from hell out to hurt you.

     The evil one wants to steal enthusiasm, kill joy, and destroy influence.

     I want to give you high purpose, invulnerable joy, and eternal impact.

Sit at My feet—let Me settle down and be at home in your heart.

     I am your Most Honored Guest—give Me your undivided attention.

     Do not fret over the work you must do, turning life into a long rush hour.

Worship begins with silence—hush so you can hear My voice.

     If you ever hope to really get to know Me, you will have to slow down.

     If you yearn to find deep rest, I can teach you how to relax.

More than self-confidence, you need faith in your Savior.

     More than Scripture memorization, you need devotion to the Living Word.

     More than assent to My claims, you need intimacy with your Master.

     More than regimented obedience, your need genuine love for your Lord.

     More than zealous hectivity, you need heartfelt loyalty to your heart’s King.

     More than dead-end legalism, you need to walk the high road with Christ.

To-do list impossible? Fragmented? Going in circles, getting nowhere?  

     I can calm your restlessness and give you proper direction.

     Let Me vector your mind and heart in the direction of the cross—

          only then will you make spiritual headway.

     Concern yourself with one absolute essential—relationship with Me—

          only then will your life make sense. 

         (c)  Johnny R. Almond 

Gentle Whispers from Eternity                            

Dear friends,

During the month of July we are praying and discussing the sphere of ARTS

Read Ruth Webb's article here https://prayerstrategy.org/pray-for-the-arts-2022/

God bless

Bjorn and Lilian Schmid

Prayer Strategists and Coordinators

info@prayerstrategy.org

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Sydney – Australia

           If anyone wants to come after Me                                     

                   he must deny himself,

 take up his cross day after day and follow Me.

                        Luke 9:23 MLB

If you want an extraordinary life, you must make extraordinary choices.

If you wish to stand out from the crowd, you will have to stand up for Me.

If you yearn to reside in the highlands, you must move out of the swamp. 

Self-denial is not the way of the world, but it is the way of true wisdom.

“What’s in it for me?” worldlings ask—“How can I help you?” is better. 

Epicureans party and make merry, but they live empty and pointless lives. 

My followers cry their heart out over sin, then live rich and meaningful lives.

The cross is I, crossed out—your ego put in its place in the light of Calvary.

Egocentricity paves the road to hell, but self-sacrifice reflects heaven’s heart.

Cross-bearing is the last thing most want, but it is the first thing I ask of you.

Egotists hold life tightly, then miss the deeper meaning of existence.

My followers lose themselves in My service, and discover true significance.

Shouldering a cross means splinters, reminding you of My sacrificial love. 

Initial enthusiasm often dies when trouble hits, but real disciples persevere.

Discipleship means following Me, your Master, wherever I lead.

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

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

Who you say I am determines your staying power—conviction keeps going. 

Follow Me not just on some ideal future day—today is the day of service. 

Avoid procrastination of life’s most serious business—seize the day!

A selfish, warped world is out to get all it can for itself.    

But I call you by My Holy Spirit to live a better life—for Me, for others.

Do not begin all your prayers with I — do not conclude them with me.

I did not expect to be waited on hand and foot—neither should you.

I am your Example—do you really think you are too good to live My way?

Move beyond your own wants—consider the needs of your neighbors. 

Avoid exclusive focus on personal ambition—think of others’ agonies. 

Determine in your heart to go with Me all the way to the cross.

Do not pay attention to the crowd’s ridicule or waving palm branches—

     just ride your little donkey as best you can. 

Even in pain and loneliness—even when it gets rough—keep following.

The Via Dolorosa was not a cake walk—following Me has not gotten easier.

But if you walk in the steps of My wounded feet, you will never regret it.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond              Gentle Whispers from Eternity

STEPS TO VICTORY
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                     Why am I discouraged?  Why so sad? I will put my hope in God!
                  I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!
                            Psalm 42:11 NLT

     In your grief, surrender through your trials. Crying sad tears as society scoffs at faith’s radical perspective? Heartbroken as skeptics make fun of your optimistic creed? Sighing and singing blues as cynics deride your hopeful stance? Wondering where I am as atheists question My existence? Return to Me.

     In your grappling, search through your trouble. Thirsty for significance in a world experiencing spiritual drought? Reach out for Me. Yearn for My Presence as a deer pants for the brook. Do not settle for anything less than infinite joy. I do not ration My Holy Spirit—it cascades from My heart to yours—drink deeply at the Fountain.

     In your gladness, sing through your travels. Nostalgic about how it used to be? Reflecting on good old days when crowds celebrated My love? Remember high points of worship. Conduct therapeutic self-talk—respond to disturbing inner voices. When you are down-in-the-mouth, place your hope in your Creator.  Fix your eyes on your Face Healer—I will put a smile on your face. Reflect on your relationship to the One who will always be here for you.

     In My goodness, struggle through your tension. Whatever disturbs or dismays you will pass, but I never change at all. Look forward to looking back on whatever has worried you on earth. Remembered from eternity’s perspective, difficulties will be blessings. Heartaches are steppingstones along an upward-winding trail. Be patient and poised—heaven will never be surprised by any emergency.

     Trust My guidance and unfailing love—gladly sing My praises. Faith quakes will stop. Storms will subside. The sun will shine again. Rely on Me—       nestle near My loving heart. In your midnight hour, believe in Me and you will hear nocturnal echoes of heaven’s melody of hope. Trust Me, no matter how sad life gets—then you can dance the jig of joy. Remember what a Jewish girl named Etty Hillisum wrote in her diary as she endured a World War II concentration camp: “There will always be a small patch of sky above, and there will always be enough space to fold two hands in prayer.”

     In My grace, smile through your tears. 

                © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                    
Day 207, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

#IReadThis...in Biblical Archeology

1177 B.C. - The Collapse of Bronze Age Civilization:

     "Are we at the beginning of another perfect storm of stressors on our interconnected societies?'

     "Are we headed for a collapse of multiple elements of our complex global society?"

     "If our interconnected world is nearing the breaking point, are there lessons we can learn from the Late Bronze Age collapse to help prevent or stave off our collective demise?"

     "We should be aware that no society is invulnerable. Every society in the history of the world has ultimately collapsed. The collapse of similarly intertwined civilizations just after 1200 B.C. should be a warning to us that it can certainly happen again."

IMHO, citizens of this world should be concerned, even despair. Citizens of God’s Kingdom should be concerned but instead we must “lift our eyes to the hills…” Our response must be faith-provoked, biblically-based rather than flag-waving political platforms.

                                   We know how dearly God loves us, 

because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

                                          Romans 5:5 NLT

Faith is the key to heaven’s infinite resources—

     unlocking a treasure chest enriching the depths of your innermost being. 

Jesus’ redeeming cross work brings forgiveness of sins to contrite hearts.

His death in your place makes friendship possible with your Creator.

Kneeling in repentance and trust, you enter a place of highest privilege—

     ruled by the King of kings, loved and cared for as the apple of God’s eye,

     inseparably united to the Sovereign of the universe.

Explore these deep treasures placed in your heart—live humbly.

Hope in God’s promises is a powerful antidote to the poison of despair.

Looking around can be discouraging, but looking forward lifts your spirit.    

Faith is more than believing I can—it is knowing I will.

Rest assured I will keep My Word—the future is as bright as My promises. 

Listen to hope’s future melody—laugh cheerfully in anticipation of heaven.

In the meantime—until glory materializes—dance to heaven’s jig of joy.

The Bright Morning Star shines in your heart—live confidently.

Joy in problems is a precious alleviation for the pain of despondency. 

Adversity University teaches valuable lessons you’d never learn otherwise.

Hang in there—character-building experiences draw you nearer Me.

My Spirit cascades through your personality bringing out-of-this-world joy. 

I intend to finish what I started in your life—enjoy the divine process.

The Mighty God energizes your heart—live delightfully

Peace in perplexity is a practical answer to the puzzle of distress.

Pressure will not crush you;  perplexity will not make you give up and quit;

     and getting knocked down will not stop your forward progress 

     if you follow My recipe for peace—

          pray about everything, and thank Me for answers;

          in response I will guard your mind and heart by thoughts of My Son. 

Peace is My gift—something the world cannot give or take from you. 

When perplexing cares crowd your inmost self, I am near to cheer your soul. 

When anxieties fill your mind, I am near to comfort and renew your faith.

The Prince of Peace reigns in your heart—live calmly.

Love in My Presence is priceless assurance in the pressures of doubt. 

I have marked you as belonging to Me by placing My Spirit in your heart.

Adam’s family line brings death, but Christ’s family line brings life.

Celebrate your identity, call Me Father, and count on your Greatest Friend.        

The name of the eternal city is The Lord Is There—that is why it is heaven

The Everlasting Father lives in your heart—live optimistically. 

 © Pastor Johnny R. Almond

Gentle Whispers from Eternity