Note 2.0

          Keep alert and pray.  Otherwise temptation will overpower you.

               For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak.

                                      Matthew 26:41 NLT

Stay awake!

     Do not let the Devil catch you napping—sleepwalking is dangerous.

     Hell's traps can easily ensnare you when you are only half awake.

     While Jesus sweat blood in Gethsemane, his disciples snored.

      Do better than them—keep watch with Me through the hours of this day. 

Pay attention!

     Do not emulate Judas, seeking a time to betray Me—look for ways to serve.  

     Carelessness causes moral tragedy and distracts from life's noblest use.

     Watch your p's and q's; otherwise, you could misspell purity and quality.   

     Do not waste the days I give you—life is not a dress rehearsal.

Be careful!

     Satan is not a teddy bear, but a roaring lion shredding unsuspecting victims.

     You do not play volleyball in a minefield; do not be fast and loose morally.  

     If you throw caution to the wind, you will live to regret it.

     Be vigilant as you journey through life, or you could trip and get hurt. 

Stay busy!

     Never go to sleep on the job, or you’ll be embarrassed at the end of the day.

    Avoid pretense—never turn My will into a charade to impress others.

     Jesus went around doing good—copy his example; do not just go around.

    Idleness is the devil’s workshop—Christlikeness demands an active life.

Watch out for the tempter!

     Self-sufficiency self-destructs; cocksureness sets you up for a great fall.    

      Basking in your fantastic ego, you’re never more vulnerable for temptation. 

     Racing helter-skelter in hectivity?  The evil one can catch you off-guard. 

     Hungry? Anxious? Lonely? Tired? HALT! 

Pray!

     Your noble intentions may be strong, but your resistance is weak.

     Disciple, will you desert your Master?  Soldier, will you cut and run?

     Subject, will you disown your King?  Friend, will you turn traitor?

     Nothing is bitterer than denying Me—you would weep your heart out. 

     Let My warning flash through your mind, and you will not have to cry.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                              

Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                           Out of the depths I cry to Thee, O LORD.

                                               Psalm 130:1 MLB

In heartache, reach for God in prayer.

          From valley depths, cry out to the Lord.

          Hurting, ask for His help—heaven pays attention to desperation.

          In your frail misery, look to Omnipotence for emotional support.

          Jesus is ready to listen when you need to talk.

           Tell Jesus all your trials, you cannot bear these burdens alone;    

           In your distress He kindly will help you; He ever loves and cares for His own.

            [Elisha A. Hoffman] * 

     In holiness, revere God because of His pardon.

          Vindicated by deliverance, consecrate yourself to the Savior.

          Forgiven by Christ’s mercy, live by His salvation.

          Do not mull over past mistakes—the Lord forgives and forgets.

          Do not wring your hands over tomorrow—God is already there.

           When the world allures you to evil, and your heart is tempted to sin,

           Tell Jesus, and He will help you over the world the victory to win. * 

     In hope, rely on God’s promise.

          Visioning daybreak, commune with your Father.

          Faithing morning, gaze on the Bright Morning Star.

          Count on heaven’s promises—they brighten the future.

           Beneath life’s crushing load, when you are bending low,

           Toiling along the way with painful steps and slow,

           Look now!  Glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing –

           Rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing. [Edmund H. Sears]

          In a WWII concentration camp, a Jewish girl wrote in her diary—

               There will always be a small patch of sky above,

                 and there will always be enough space to fold two hands in prayer.   

     In help, rejoice in God’s Providence.

          Victorious by Holy Spirit dynamics, celebrate infinite power.

           In a festive mood, enjoy heaven’s symphony of love.                   

          Unshackled from addictive evil, revel in perfect freedom.

          Whatever your situation, know God is completely aware of it.

          In difficult circumstances, cultivate joyful inner-stances.

          When the hill is steep, climb in the energy God provides.

          On high seas, stay on an even keel in perfect peace God gives.  

          In emotional valleys, look heavenward and triumph. 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                 

Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

Thinking . . . for a Change

 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
     but let God transform you into a new person             
             by changing the way you think.
                     Romans 12:2 NLT

Think purposefully—begin each day with the end in mind.

    Make it your habit—your daily aim—to live a lifestyle that honors Me.   

    Stay in step with My mission—testify to Love to all who will listen.  

    Aim at nothing and you will hit it—target noble goals and find success.

    In view of all I have done for you, surrender to Me as a living sacrifice.

    When you grow weary, gaze again at My cross—and struggle on.

    If your mind is dedicated, your blessing will be sure.

Think of paradise—keep in mind the future is as bright as My promises.

    Let heaven permeate your thoughts—live in celestial anticipation.

    Your final address is a mansion—look forward to eventual triumph.

    Do not be preoccupied with things—look ahead, not just around.

    Do not wring your hands in panic—look up, not just out.

    Do not be trapped by earthly cares—look forward, not just inward.

    If your mind is determined, your soul will be saved.

Think purely—consecrate yourself to live a holy life.

    Fill your mind with trash, and you will live in a garbage dump.

    Fill your mind with truth, and live in grand and glorious splendor.

    Think wrong, and you will live wickedly; think right and live rightly.

    Let My Holy Spirit bring about a metamorphosis from the inside out.

    If your mind is disciplined, your body will be sanctified.

Think after Christ’s pattern—live for others, not just for yourself.

    Be a humble servant—maintain a Christlike attitude.

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

    I condescended to be a servant—think you are too good for that?

    Be thoughtful of others’ needs, and find life’s truest meaning.

    If your mind is devoted, your heart will be satisfied.

© Pastor Johnny R Almond                         

Day 336, Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

GUEST POST ~ “Let’s be talking about Jesus.”

Dr. Paul Cedar

Lausanne * MissionAMerica Coaltion * The Table Coaltion

“Let’s be talking about Jesus.”  That was the theme of a recent article in Our Daily Bread devotional booklet a few days ago. It is a wonderful insight that has been resonating with both of us during the past few days.  That’s what our ministry is all about - talking about – sharing - our Lord and Savior – Jesus! Then it happened to us again when we were departing from the theater last Friday evening after viewing the wonderful film ,“The Jesus Revolution!”  And now, we’re trusting – we’re praying that we can use every opportunity - to speak – to share all about Him – Jesus!  To let others know – all about Jesus! 

It is something that every one of us could and should be doing!  We can share His Name when we are with Christian friends.  We can share Him when we are with our neighbors or in other settings of non-Christians. Of course, we always need to do sowith love, gentleness and sensitivity without using our church “insider” vocabulary that often “turns off” outsiders.  

Without a doubt, Jesus is the most wonderful, loving, captivating person who has ever lived on this earth.  He personified the life of love.  He not only preached about love, He lived it!  And He has invited us to live the life of love; to share His love with others.  As we do, let us be talking more and more about Him - Jesus

Dr. Paul Cedar

GUEST POST ~ "Christmas" Can Be Any Day of the Year

As I read Scripture daily, pray and watch the continued loss of Christian influence in our culture, I often ask: “What can be done to reveal Christ’s mission to the world?” Or, “How do we make an impact on our neighbors so that our message about Jesus risen and reigning as Lord will be truly heard?”

Two recent experiences of mine shed light on my response. The first came when I delivered books from my library to Tyndale House Publishers to be shipped to a buyer in Florida. (I once had 12,000+ books. Now I have less than 1,300. My goal is to keep what I will use and make sure my physical effects do not present a problem for my family to deal with when I pass.) Anyway, I had packed some 45 boxes and drop-shipped them from the Tyndale warehouse. The warehouse person who met my friend and I to help unload these books was an exceptional man who treated us both with amazing care. I thanked him and invited him to have lunch with me a few days later. I was surprised when we told me that he was not a Christian. The more I probed carefully into his story the more clear it became to me that my new friend was not turned off by working with Christians. In fact, he spoke well of the culture he had worked in for decades. I plan to spend more time with him in the days ahead but here is my point: working for a Christian company, as a non-Christian, was not a negative for him. That tells me something very positive about the culture of Tyndale House. 

My second experience came when my daughter arranged for me to go with the twins to pack food at a nearby Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) warehouse. The drive and work took us about three hours. We packed enough food to feed three children in Ukraine for a whole year. But what impressed me was how the mission included Stacy and me helping two six-year old boys get into this witness for Christ’s kingdom. 

What a teaching moment! But, much like Tyndale House, FMSC made it clear that non-Christians were welcome to come alongside and help. This invitation to share with Christians in their mission was a wonderful way to “involve” all people in a basic human concern for the needy. I was impressed with the FMSC enterprise and their workers, who made us all feel like we were doing something important, which of course we were. 

Check out FMSC at: https://www.fmsc.org/

Here is my point. We can actually include all people in Christ’s mission of mercy in fresh and winsome ways that we have never seriously explored. I am convinced people are more likely to “hear” our message of God’s love when they share with us in showing that love. That is basic and it surprises far too many Christians who think our only witness is to talk about Jesus all the time and to oppose a culture they do not like. 

May you and your loved ones experience a wonderful Advent this year.  

John Arnstrong

    Give honor to the Lord for the gory of his name.  Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.  Psalm 29:2 NLT

     Be awed in My Presence. Keep in mind that except for grace, you would be helpless. Realize I am the Source of your poise and peace. Totally rely on Me. Reverence Me as your Master.

     Let me remind you that you are subordinate to the King of kings. Permit Me to formally educate you in life’s highest lesson; learn it well—there is a God and you are not Him. Take a low position before Me. Give Me the glory and the honor I alone deserve .Tremble before Me. Come down where you ought to be. Worship Me humbly.

     Be active in My power. Let My Spirit kindle your adoration. Yield to My influence, so you will be fired up with sparkling enthusiasm.

     I am Sovereign of the universe—obey Me in every dimension of your life. Worship Me with all your heart.

     Advance in My purity. I alone am perfect; however I want you to grow in My likeness. My plan is for everyday saints—24/7—until eternity. Dress your Sunday best Monday through Saturday also. Honor Me in all your thoughts, words, and deeds.

     Make living for Jesus Christ your life’s noblest purpose—realize dying to selfishness for Christ’s sake is the bridge to significance. Seek My inspiration to motivate you to be faithful. Search for My power to help you behave your beliefs and practice what you preach. Do more than meditate—get on with your assigned mission. My Son went around doing good—do not be content with merely going around, a big wheel going in circles.

     I have outfitted you with spiritual armor for the purpose of fighting. A full suit of armor is awkward equipment for an easy chair. Do not spend all your time getting ready to live—take time to really live. After all is said and done, there is more said than done—do not let this be true of you.

     Advance in the splendor of radical holiness. Reverse evil—really live! I made you pure in heart—you must make yourself pure in conduct.

     Make worship your lifestyle—not just on Sundays, but all the time; not just at church, but everywhere; not just in a pew, but on the road.

   © Johnny R. Almond                               

   Day 203, Gentle Whispers from Eternity         

The Lord God called to Adam, “Where are you?”

                       Genesis 3:9 NLT

     Sometimes your mind is so preoccupied with chasing the wind—arranging your busy schedule, balancing your budget, and mapping your future—you do not even notice Me calling you.

     I am not in the windstorm of your anxieties, the earthquake of your ego, or the fire of your frustrations. I speak to you in the hushed tones of providence and the still small voice of conscience.

    You are typically running so fast in your human race that you cannot hear Me walking nearby. You may think of Me as being at a great distance, but in reality    I am nearer to you than your hands and feet and closer than your breathing.  I would really enjoy your friendship. If you will stop hurrying long enough, slow down a few minutes, and take a walk with Me, I have a few questions for you.

     Where have you been? I have noticed that you have been extremely busy, actively pursuing earthly success. Do you understand that I have a higher standard by which to measure eternal significance? No matter how many rungs you climb, it would be humiliating for you to reach the top of the wrong ladder!

     Where are you now? After all your merry-go-round days, your hectic pace, your frequent moves, and your accomplishments in life, what is the current state of your heart? Do you feel fulfilled, satisfied, and content? Are you at ease and relaxed with who you are and what you have become? Are you hiding from Me? Or am I your Hiding Place?

     Where are you going? Have you pondered your direction? If you continue on the road you are traveling, where will you be ten or twenty years from now? Are you willing to trust Me with your destination? Will you allow Me to arrange your itinerary? Does your heart hunger to enjoy paradise? Care to go for a stroll?

        © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                             

Day 2, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                Jesus' appearance changed

           so that his face shone like the sun,

        and his clothing became dazzling white.

 When they looked, they saw only Jesus with them.

                         Matthew 17:2, 8 NLT

In a world of limitation, I am your infinite power. 

Take "if" out of you vocabulary—believe and say thanks. 

My power shines within your clay body—the Almighty works in you.

Rely on My grace and weakness is transfigured into strength.

In a world of despair, I am your immortal hope.

Shape up while there is time—toss out the garbage and clean house.

Do not sink in mud—raise your eyes toward the Bright Morning Star.

Look up and melancholy is transfigured into music and dancing. 

In a world of self-centeredness, I am your infallible God.

Pride builds a house of cards—I alone endure.

I created everything—I own everything—I control everything. 

Worship Me and apathy is transfigured into heartfelt praise.

In a world of mediocrity, I am your incomparable excellence.

Care more than the world thinks wise;  risk more than thought safe;

     dream more than thought practical—this is success in My eyes.

Aim for the best and half-heartedness is transfigured into quality.

In a world of rebellion, I am your invincible King.

No authority trumps Mine—no government overrides Mine.

The best thing you can ever do is humble yourself in My Presence.

Surrender your heart and chaos is transfigured into radiant calm.

In a world of darkness, I am your inspiring Light.

Gaze on the face of Jesus—see the brightness of divine glory.

Trust My Word—envision the beautiful future I have promised.  

Focus on Me and materialism is transfigured into eternal wealth. 

In a world of disappointment, I am your indescribable reward.

My smile will amply repay your efforts for the Kingdom’s cause.

Well done will be the best paycheck you have ever received.

Honor Me and heartache is transfigured into heaven.

© Johnny R. Almond                                         

Gentle Whispers from Eternity

 God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.

             Matthew 5:3 NLT

In a strutting world that values independence, I bless the desperate.

     VIPs struck on themselves receive nothing but disapproval from My hand.

     Beggars prostrate before My throne are blessed beyond imagination.

     The holy land of the broken heart is where I am most at home.

     The reward of humility is ultimate perfection—the Kingdom of Heaven.

In a pleasure-mad world pursuing happiness at any cost, I bless the tearful. 

     Those who cry their heart out over evil learn to laugh out loud. 

     Those who confess and repent discover the ecstasy of My salvation. 

     Yearn to see My face—I will reward you with the pleasure of My company. 

In a dog-eat-dog world obsessed with power, I bless the gentle. 

     The unbelieving world scorns the meek, but they are heaven’s favorites.

     Now the God-controlled and Spirit-sensitive get pushed around.

     But mark My Word—someday their reward will be owning the earth.

In an unfair world focused on personal needs, I bless hungry souls.

     Starved for justice?  Wondering if I will ever balance the books?

     Just wait and see—crooks and thieves will have their day in court.

     Being embraced in My arms will be reward enough for a lifetime of abuse. 

In a ruthless world oppressing lower classes, I bless the merciful. 

     I am unfailingly kind to you—be sure you are kind to others.

     Receiving undeserved mercy will be ample reward for your compassion.

In a dark world of perversion, I bless the pure-hearted.

     Get your mind and heart right, and you will see Me with eyes of your heart.

     When eternity dawns, you will see Me face-to-face—incomparable reward.

In a warmongering world, I bless the peacemakers.

     You are a subject of the Prince of Peace, so do your best to live peacefully.

     Genuinely love others, patiently endure trouble, and pray day and night.

     Do not be uppity, be a smart-aleck, or try to get even.

     Live like this and I will reward you by calling you My child.

In a hateful world ridiculing commitment, I bless the persecuted.

     You may be ostracized now, but someday you will be honored.

     You may be told to sit on the back row, but I will seat you at My head table.

     You may be mistreated now, but I will reward you beyond your dreams.

The rewards offered by the King of kings are not always obvious in time.

     What I have in store for surrendered hearts will be seen only in eternity. 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond        

   Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Guest Post ~ #Reconceive Future Church

                                                                Hubble Telescope Image 

You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God.

                There is no other God; there never has been and never will be.

                               I am the Lord, and there is no other Savior.

                                              Isaiah 43:10-11 NLT

I am the only Resource sufficient enough to supply all your needs.

I am the only Counselor caring enough to calm your worries.

I am the only Fortress secure enough to overcome your fears.

I am the only Friend loyal enough to stay beside you in every storm.

I am the only Savior compassionate enough to forgive your rebellions.

I am the only Strength strong enough to do the impossible.
                                
I am the only Commander smart enough to win your life’s battles. 

I am the only Name meaningful enough to give all the world hope.

I am the only Example holy enough to inspire your noblest effort.

I am the only Power awesome enough to give you absolute confidence.

I am the only Guide wise enough to see you through life’s maze.

I am the only Warrior skilled enough to help you conquer temptation.

I am the only One consistent enough to stabilize you in change. 

I am the only Prince peaceful enough to calm you in chaos and turmoil.

I am the only Mind imaginative enough to engineer a beautiful world.

I am the only Comforter caring enough to help you survive hard times.

I am the only Being worthy enough to merit your heartfelt worship.

I am the only Way clear enough to direct you through uncertainties.

I am the only Truth honest enough to believe at all times.

I am the only Life vital enough to guarantee your eternal destiny.

I am the only Authority comprehensive enough to rule every kingdom.

I am the only Master mighty enough to hold you together in trouble.

I am the only King immortal enough to conquer the enemy of death.

I am the only Lord perceptive enough to understand you at all times. 

I am the only Foundation reliable enough to stand under you always.

I am the only Helper capable enough to unify your fragmented life.

I am the only Influence transforming enough to make all things new.

I am the only Antidote effective enough to turn pandemonium to peace.

I am the only Force strong enough to guard you in devastation.

I am the only Heart loving enough to pardon sins and remove guilt.

I am the only Mind wise enough to manage the universe. 

I am the only Solution ultimate enough to solve the world’s problems.

I am the only Light intense enough to make the future bright. 

I am the only Physician skilled enough to heal your soul’s diseases.

I am the only God infinite enough to totally satisfy your hungry heart.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                        

Gentle Whispers from Eternity

The Lord has already told you what is good, what he requires:

                     to do what is right, to love mercy,

                   and to walk humbly with your God.

                                  Micah 6:8 NLT

There is nothing you can give Me to make up for evil done.

     Writing a ten thousand dollar check would not change a thing. 

     Funding a cathedral would not pay off your transgressions.     

     Underwriting a missionary team to foreign lands would not erase sin.

What I am looking for in human beings is really very simple—

     obedience to My commandments, honest endeavor to do right;

     compassion toward others, kindness and mercy for the struggling;

     humility before Me, taking Me seriously.

I desire a responsive LIFE, not just response in offerings.

     In gratitude for My steadfast faithfulness, surrender your heart to Me. 

     Prove you love Me by doing your best to meet My demands.

In a world that offers you many options, I offer you basically two—

     obedience, resulting in the blessing of life;

     or rebellion, resulting in the curse of death.  

It’s up to you which road you travel, but keep consequences in mind.   

Every thought, word and deed is an accurate boomerang.

If you decide to ignore heaven’s requirements, you will suffer for it.

You heard right—I said requirements. 

My laws are not suggestions—they are orders from Higher Headquarters.

My commands are not recommendations—they are clear requirements.

Christlikeness is more than an ethical ideal—it is a moral imperative.

Life Curriculum has required courses, including these three core ones—

    Doing what is right—living by the Book, not your unruly urges;

    Being kind to others—being aware they fight a hard battle, like you;

    Walking humbly with Me—keeping in mind you are not God, I am.

Why do right?  Because I said so.

Why be kind?  Because I am not hard on you.

Why be humble?  Because you are limited, weak, mortal, and finite.

Let Me remind you again of what you can do to make My heart sing—

     choose to do the right thing, whatever the majority does;

     be kind to everybody you meet, regardless of how they treat you;

     walk humbly with Me, remembering I am God and you are not.

Do as I say, and all will be well.

         © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                   Gentle Whispers from Eternity

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?

                                       Psalm 27:1a NLT

     The light of courage dispels the darkness of cowardice. Faith is the antidote to fear’s poison. Fear Me and you need fear nothing else! Trust the Solid Rock in a quicksand world—I will never disappoint you. Stay close to My heart—change will not throw you. Rely on Me—storms will not dismay you. Build on Christ as your Foundation—be well.

     The light of conquest dispels the darkness of defeatism. The dark side cannot vanquish the trusting heart, because I am the Victor. I am your Strength, so do not let anything Satan hurls at you scare you. Jesus plus any problem equals victory. Hide in Me, your Fortress—win.

     The light of communion dispels the darkness of self-centeredness. I am your Salvation, so you can be satisfied in all circumstances. Happiness comes and goes, but joy stays. I am your Felicity—worship.

     The light of companionship dispels the darkness of loneliness. I am your Song, so you do not have to be sad and down-in-the-mouth. In the hymn “Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus,” Anna Russell reveals an unfailing source of music: “There is never a day so dreary, .never a night so long, but the soul trusting Jesus will somewhere find a song.” I am your Friend—enjoy My welcome.

     The light of counsel dispels the darkness of ignorance. My guidance may seem slow in coming, but is a reliable light to guide your way. Live more by faith, less by sight. Use faith eyes to see invisible realities. I am your Father—live by My wisdom.

     The light of confidence dispels the darkness of pessimism. There is Light beyond light at the end of the tunnel of despair—and it is not the headlight of an approaching train. No matter how depressing current events get, you can look forward to My promised tomorrow. The future is as bright as My promises. I am your Future—just wait!

     A new day is dawning. You can choose to be anxious about it, or you can choose to be enthusiastic about it. How you choose will determine how your day goes. Gaze reverently on the cross—it shines as a plus sign dispelling all darkness.

     Do not reclaim unnecessary lost baggage of fear, negativism, egocentricity, melancholy, conceit, and despair—now is the perfect time to lose your luggage. Walk as a child of the Light—travel light!

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                Day 201, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

#ReimagineCHRISTIANITY...in Ex-Christian America

Note: Grid News published this report.

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul.  
Just as you have told people about me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome.”  
                                            Acts 23:11 NLT

Hear My voice in creation—

  laughter in streams, music in birds, joy in the breeze.

    Listen—be encouraged to live life to the fullest.

Hear My voice in children—

  spontaneity in chatter, freedom in play, love in talk.

    Listen—be encouraged to enjoy life’s adventure.

Hear My voice in the center of your being—

  nearer than hands and feet, closer than breathing.

    Listen—be encouraged to march ahead chin up.  

Hear My voice in circumstances—

  whatever happens, giving you reasons for gratitude.  

    Listen—be encouraged to live gratefully.

Hear My voice in the church—

  unique personalities at the cross to hear My Word.

    Listen—be encouraged to live a life of love.

Hear My voice in My calling—

  teaching you to nestle near My heart.

    Listen—be encouraged to follow a sacred purpose.

Hear My voice in My commandments—

  ringing true in a deceptive world,

  shining bright in a dark world.

    Listen—be encouraged to live obediently.

Picture - Cross Roads Camp;  Lowesville, Virginia 

 © Pastor Johnny R. Almond       

Day 333, Gentle Whispers from Eternity