Discipleship Network Forum

Rejoice in the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God];

for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart.]

Psalm 33:1 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE

     Praise Me for musical celebration—let your heart sing because of My inspiring symphony. Let the rhythm of Life put a spring in your step. Confessing the name of Jesus, make it a habit to give Me the credit due for life’s blessings—let your speech honor Me. Praise Me for praise.  

     Praise Me for the message of Christ—let your heart sing because of invaluable salvation. Forgiven by his blood, strengthened by his grace, equipped to do his work by his strength, hopeful by his promises—tell love’s never-ending story to all who will listen. Praise Me for peace.    

     Praise Me for merciful clemency—let your heart sing because of incredible solace. Time after time, Israel’s high priests carried blood into the Most Holy Place as an offering for sin, and then burned the bodies outside the city limits. The Great High Priest himself became the definitive offering for sin—dying on a cross outside Jerusalem’s gates. His blood is the final evidence of My love.  Praise Me for pardon.

     Praise Me for magnificent creation—let your heart sing because of the inspiration of nature. First believe, then understand this truth—I made the universe out of nothing! Praise Me for perfection. 

     Praise Me for My mastery of countries—let your heart sing because of My international supervision. The best country is yet to come. Praise Me for something greater than patriotism. 

     Praise Me for My mindful concern—let your heart sing because of My intimate solicitude. I made you, understand you, and care for you. I will never orphan you in life’s storms. Praise Me for Providence.         

     Praise Me for My mighty command—let your heart sing because of My infinite strength. Military forces sometimes deter aggression, but I am the true Superpower. Do not fear mere mortals; they can hurt, but they cannot destroy.  Praise Me for My power.

     Praise Me for being your Mainstay and Confidence—let your heart sing because of My invariable stability. Praise Me for permanence.

     Attitude determines your living. Even in dungeons, I inspire hymns.    Other prisoners will be listening—be sure to sing well!

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

God will redeem me from the power of Sheol (the place of the dead);

He will receive me. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

Psalm 49:15 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE

     You cannot stare directly for long at the sun or at death—the first would blind you; the second would overwhelm you. Nevertheless, I encourage you to pause and ponder a moment your human mortality and My promise of immortality. 

     Trusting in fleeting riches is deceitful. Money cannot buy time. Neither can it compare to spiritual wealth. When you die, you will leave everything behind;    but who you are is yours forever. Be careful what you become—invest in heavenly treasures that thieves cannot steal, rust cannot corrupt, and moths cannot destroy. Set your heart on eternity. Make Me your highest joy.

     Triumph in My faithful redemption and deliverance from death. What I promised Israel I promise you—I will ransom you from death, and redeem you from the power of the grave. 

     By faith, you can look death squarely in the face, and exultantly proclaim Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? Thanks be to God, who gives me victory through the Lord Jesus Christ. The philosopher Heidegger spoke of the inevitability of nonbeing,  implying people eventually cease to exist. Do not believe such gibberish. You are a creation of the Immortal One—sculpted in My image, you will continue to exist as long as I do! You can overcome fear of      the awful enemy of death by trusting My Son who rose triumphantly.              

     Travel optimistically toward the future of rejoicing I have planned. I am leading you toward a glorious destiny—immortality and heaven! Each step you take brings you one step closer to home. Chardin conceptualized an Omega Point—             a singularity in time of infinite density and temperature, toward which the universe will collapse in a backward Big Bang he called the Big Crunch,          an implosion with enough energy to bring back to virtual life all creatures that ever lived. Jesus does not just philosophize—He promises that all the dead in their graves will hear his voice and will rise again, some to enjoy eternal life, others to endure agonizing separation from good. The Alpha and Omega is the ultimate answer to a grave situation—I show you the path of life, bless you with pleasure of My company, and will greet and embrace you in heaven.    You are not in a funeral procession to oblivion, but a victory parade to glory!     

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond;  Gentle Whispers from Eternity

There are many methods that we can look to in order to develop a dynamic prayer life. But what if the best method isn't a method at all, but rather a viewpoint?

What if the best way to view prayerfully sitting before the Lord is to see it as one-on-one discipleship with Him - or as I like to call it; "The One-on-one discipleship"?

Reading through the Old Testament we get to read front-row accounts through centuries of Heroes of the Faith learning how to walk by faith not by sight before the Lord. At the beginning of that journey, Abram has no idea what's about to hit him when the Lord offers him the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17). Abraham's descendants struggle to maintain a pursuit of God that resembles that of their forefather. Centuries later again - Moses comes along at a crucial moment and proposes what had to have been just the most radical notion to them - to trust God to lead them from slavery to independent nationhood.

Again - a few centuries later and now God's chosen people are pitching God their own vision - they want a King. God warns them.

Does this remind you of how God introduces His vision for our lives to us - and then walks us through it? Sometimes we get what He's talking about right away. Sometimes we don't.

Discipleship is first and foremost what happens as God teaches us and reveals to us His heart as He answers this prayer with a resounding yes, says no to that one, and waits silently for us to lean in ever closer and closer to hear Him better on this other matter.

In the beginning when we're young and full of youthful certainty oh my do we love His yeses. But as we grow older, and hopefully much wiser - we learn to love all of His answers. They are all Him. They all reveal His tender-loving Father heart for us. They are all a part of His holy discipleship.

That's all! Thanks for reading. May the King of the Universe disciple you closer to His heart every day.

The days are different. Some days I find myself with high energy, desiring to accomplish much. Then on other days, I just want to sit on the porch and sip coffee. Carl Sandburg expressed it this way: “There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud.” However, Helen Keller countered with “One can never consent to creep when one feels the impulse to soar.” The idea that compares youth to soaring like an eagle, is mentioned several times in the Bible, but its application should not be limited to the young. In Old Testament days, there was a popular idea, based on a rabbinical story, that the eagle renewed its youth (actually, renewed its plumage), in extreme old age. In Psalm 103:5, the psalmist refers to the fresh and vigorous appearance of the bird with its new plumage, “your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Understanding that belief, Isaiah wrote, “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). While he wasn’t commenting directly on the Isaiah passage, A. W. Tozer wrote, “In almost everything that touches our everyday life on earth, God is pleased when we’re pleased. He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our maker’s praise without anxiety.” So, on your high energy days, go ahead and soar like the eagle, and on other days, creep on out to the porch, and pull up a chair.

An alarming report recently grabbed my attention:

A seven-year study of the causes of death among teens in America observed that the top three causes of death were accidents, homicide, and suicide.* Almost half­ of those tragedies—about 68,000 deaths—were accidents, and most of those accidents—about 46,000—were by motor vehicle.

  Sit back for a moment and reflect with me. What led to those 131,000 deaths? Bad choices. The general principle: Bad choices take away life; wise choices add life.

  Those dramatic statistics help me focus on a vital priority in my “intentional grandparenting”: I need to help my grandchildren become wiser and wiser. They need to show in their attitudes and behavior that (1) they understand the consequences of their choices and (2) have the wisdom to choose well.

  My lead-off blog in this series about “intentional grandparenting” focused on the alarming message of Judges 2:10. It challenged us to engage intentionally in the ministry of “intergenerational discipling” by praying for—and influencing—each of our own grandchildren to begin their individual, redemptive relationship with God.

  Once they begin that relationship with Him, they need to nourish it by cultivating wisdom. God’s Word says much about living and choosing wisely. It is a lifelong commitment that builds on “fearing” the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) as a way of life.

  The Hebrew word in the Old Testament that is translated “wise” is used in various contexts. In the context of life in general, this word describes a person who is skillful and practical at living in harmony with God’s expectations. We find this word most often in the “wisdom literature”: Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.

  How does wisdom show in our grandkids? Proverbs 3, 4, and 5 show us that the proof of our grandchildren’s developing wisdom is their increasing knowledge, understanding, and ability to make the right choices at the right time and in the right way. Are they understanding and choosing wisely in a few situations, or in many situations? Their consistency in this is a measure of their developing maturity.

  What difference does wise living make? Its impact is significant:

• A lifestyle of walking wisely is our highest offering of worship to God (Ephesians 4:1; 5:1-2; James 3:13, 17).
• Walking wisely brings personal peace in relationships and situations, rather than anxiety and chaos (Proverbs 1:32-33; James 3:14-18).
• Our wisdom is a witness to those living in darkness who watch us (Deuteronomy 4:6).
• Walking wisely helps our children and grandchildren set an influential example as they teach their future children and grandchildren the wisdom of loving and walking in harmony with God (Deuteronomy 4:9).

  Loving Father in heaven, please help    (name of each grandchild)    to take another step forward in Your wisdom this month. Please open my eyes to a way that I can be an example for them and an encouragement to them along their journey into the wisdom of honoring You by choosing well. For Your glory and in Jesus’ name, amen.

© 2019 John Garmo

* NCHS data brief, no. 37. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, 2010.

This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past,

but now it has been revealed to his own holy people. 

This is the secret: Christ lives in you, your assurance you will share in his glory.

Colossians 1:26-27 NLT

Christ’s promise in your mind is your hope of an eternal destiny of joy.

Christ’s love in your heart is your guarantee of a heavenly home.

Christ’s Spirit in your soul is your security you are bound for glory. 

Christ’s presence in your life is your foretaste of glory divine. 

The universe with its innumerable galaxies cannot contain Me—

     yet I have taken up residence in hearts of all who welcome Me.

Because I live in you—

     you can count on inheriting the blessing of sharing in My glorious reign; 

     you have been rescued from the dark side, and live as a child of the Light;

     you have been made a privileged citizen of My eternal Kingdom;

     you have been freed from sin’s addiction and destructiveness;

     you have been forgiven of sin’s guilt, and can face eternity fearlessly.

Certainty of eternal life is not based on doubtful faith, but trusting reliance. 

Promised glory is not mere wishful thinking—My promises will materialize. 

Your ultimate destination is a land beyond time, change and decay.

     Heaven on earth will be a deathless, tearless, painless, sinless place.

Looking forward to the ecstasy of infinite glory,

     you are motivated by a changed purpose—Christ, not yourself;

     you anticipate a changed destiny—heaven, not hell;

     you demonstrate a changed lifestyle—holiness, not wickedness.

Identified with Christ, you are victorious over sin and death now;

     and you are destined for unimaginable glory someday—

     more beautiful than any painting can picture,

     more joyous than any symphony can convey,

     more magnificent than any literature can describe.  

Roman generals returning from victory were greeted by a great procession

     lining streets and cheering, vanquished troops marching in chains,

     strange animals brought from subjugated lands, musicians and singers    

     celebrating conquests, his children robed in white riding trace horses,

     a slave riding with him in his chariot holding a crown for him

     and whispering in his ear, “All glory is fleeting.” And so it is. 

The one exception is Christ’s glory awaiting you—it is not too good to last.

An eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison will reward your faith. 

 © Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

Psalm 25:1 ESV

     I am the Most High God—Ruler of the universe, God above all, King of kings and Lord of lords. No judge is greater than Me—when you rest your case in heaven’s supreme court, no lesser court can overturn My ruling. When you sin, My Son pleads your case as your Defense Counsel.  My not guilty verdict is irreversible. 

     No commander outranks Me— when you follow My orders, you are following the best strategy to win life’s battles. When dark forces attack, they cannot extinguish the Light. 

     No force can overpower Me—so when you depend on My strength, you are energized and encouraged to tackle life’s challenges. Faith transforms impossible situations. Nothing is beyond My power— receive My help and you can do whatever I ask of you.

     Lifting up your soul to Me is your most uplifting experience.  In My Presence, you are as high as you can be. When you lift up your soul to Me, I lift you up. Finding Me is an uplifting experience. I am your Vindication—the Beginning of the journey.

     Leaning on Me guarantees your triumph. Faith in Me is an uplifting experience. Trust Me and enjoy peace of mind. I am your Victory—the Beauty of the journey.              

     Learning from Me educates you in truth. Familiarity with Me is an uplifting experience. Obey Me and I will make Myself real to you. I am your Vision—the Best of the journey.   

     Loved by Me, you are changed. Forgiveness is an uplifting experience.      I am the Secret of invulnerable joy. Unfailing Love sustains you every heartbeat. Mercy holds you together. I am your Vitality—the Blessing of the journey.   

     Lift up your soul to Me—loving God, ruling King, merciful Sacrifice.  Then you will experience life’s highest possible joy!

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond—Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer and did not withdraw his unfailing love from me.

Psalm 66:20 NLT

I have not rejected your prayer—I have responded to you.

When you confess your wrongdoing, I cleanse your soul.

When you cry out in desperation, I pay attention to your pain.

When you plead for help, I do not turn a deaf ear.

Prayer is always a local call—wherever you are, I can hear you.

Praise Me for an audience with the King.

I have not restricted your praise—I have released you.

You do not have to hide your faith as a secret disciple—breathe free.

You do not have to stifle your joy—sing My praises for the entire world.

I have made you genuinely rich by giving you a contented mind.

Praise Me for invulnerable joy greater than any earthly happiness.

I have not refused your pleas—I have reinforced you.

My awesome miracles on your behalf irrefutably prove My love.

Enemies of your soul, including the evil one, cringe at My power.

Trust in Me—and trouble will not get you down.

Stay close to Me—and the prince of the world will not conquer you.

Praise Me for supernatural assistance.

I have not removed your problems—I have refined you.

Adversity is My University—trust Me and pass the tests of your faith.

Low points teach you lessons you would never learn any other way.

The fiery crucible purges filth—trying floodwaters remove debris.

I defend in guilt, comfort in sorrow, and encourage in frustration.

Praise Me for being your Travel Companion on rough roads.

I have not renounced My promises—I have redeemed you.

My Son became a Sacrificial Lamb to buy your freedom from sin.

I keep all My promises to you—I am the God of My Word.

With all my heart, I love you—love Me the same way.

Praise Me for the honor of serving the God of Truth and Love.

 © Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 217 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Most of my early heroes were workaholics, and some were also perfectionists. What an amazing, yet deadly mix! No surprise then, that I developed the same two traits. Then I discovered that I was good at multi-tasking. Most of my life, friends seemed to be amazed at how much I could accomplish. I assume, to whatever degree that was true, it was because of the blending of these three ingredients. I had the “disease” of which Nigel Cumberland wrote in his book, 100 Things Successful People Do, “The new disease of our age is being OK doing everything at exactly the same time.” I envisioned myself like the guy at the circus who was able to spin multiple plates on rods at the same time. My secret was to work continually with one plate, until I could make it spin with perfection, then, slowly add plates, until I was spinning as many as the circus performer. As Jesus described Martha, He could have been describing me, “you are worried and troubled about many things” (Luke 10:41). I learned too late the wisdom in Ecclesiastes 4:6, “Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil.” But I did accomplish a great deal. For that I am both grateful and thankful. No regrets. I was asked the other day, what would I do different if I was eighteen years old again, with my life to re-live. My answer was, “with the exception of a cancelled summer try-out for a minor league baseball team, very little.” As the years of my life add up, one of the things I’ve discovered missing is the ability to multi-task like I used to be able to do. One man said he was fully capable of multi-tasking. He could leave his office, cross the street, read the directions to his next appointment, talk on his cell phone, and get hit by a car, all at the same time. I’m still somewhat of a workaholic and very much a perfectionist, but one thing at a time, please. Anyone else shifting from multi-tasking to single focusing?

Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.

Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 5:3 NLT

Good morning! This is a good time for you to praise Me. I watched over you and kept you safe through night’s refreshing sleep. My Spirit sang a lullaby to your heart—now I am your wake-up call. My compassions are new every morning. My faithfulness never fails. My mercy is infinite. In the morning—first thing when you awake—as the last thing you did before you closed your eyes in sleep, celebrate My love. Let prayer be the key to lock the night, and the key to open the morning. Morning is good—worship Me.

Good morning! This is a good time for you to petition My throne. Let Me know what troubles your heart, thank Me for answers to prayer, and I will bless you with peace beyond description or analysis or comprehension. Anxiety and doubt melt away on the holy ground beneath your knees. Morning is good—at My throne make all your wants and wishes known.

Good morning! This is a good time for you to exercise patience. Wait for Me—hope in My promises. Yearn for My Presence more than security guards long for the morning shift to relieve their tiring watch. Count on My Word. Morning is good—it is My waiting room.

Good morning! This is a good time for you to celebrate the sunrise of faith driving away fear’s night. Delightful daybreak drives away scary nightmares and dark depression. Though you weep through a long, dark night of the soul, joy will dawn. You may trudge through shadows of pain now, but you will dance in the glory of paradise in My good time. The return of the King will transform earth’s mourning into eternity’s morning. Morning is good—redefining the word wonderful.

Good morning! This is a good time for you to mark the beginning of a new day of your life. Recognize My guiding voice, renew your vow to be loyal to Me, and reshape your vision. In the dewy morning hours, rediscover Me as your Savior, Hiding Place, Song, and Center of Gravity. Morning is good—opening the windows of My love.

At daybreak lay your case before Me as your Defense Counsel. Resolve to keep your eyes on Me through every hour of this day. At sunset, you will have no cause to hang your head in shame—instead, you can celebrate the victories that began early in the morning.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 193 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Then Job replied to the Lord:

“I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.”

Job 42:1-2 NIV

The experience classroom is where you learn profound wisdom. The school of hard knocks presents a tough curriculum, but what you learn experientially alters you more than what you learn academically.

The first lesson you need to learn is that My power is unlimited. If you treat Me as Lord of your life, nothing I ask will be too hard for you to do. Humanly speaking, some challenges are outside the realm of possibility—     but within My realm of grace everything is possible.

Another reality you need to grasp is I have a plan for your life. I orchestrate a master plan for your good. Death’s terror, life’s problems, demon’s distractions, and the future’s worries cannot kill My love. Pain sculpts you into Christ’s image, if you submit to the Sculptor. Through difficult circumstances, I teach you the principle of trust. In the valley, you learn lessons you would never learn on the mountain.

The truth you most need to know is the reality of My Presence. Hearing about Me secondhand is interesting; seeing Me for yourself is transforming.     I am your Travel Companion on the journey of life. My Spirit shines brightly in your darkest night. Follow My lead, and you cannot go wrong. Trust Me, and you will forever be glad you did.

You need to learn the value of intercessory prayer. Even after Job’s friends misjudged and harshly criticized him, he prayed for them. When people hurl accusations at you or question your motives, you may not feel like praying for them; but faith demands that you do. Jesus intercedes for you. Follow His example—be thoughtful of others’ needs.

Learn day-by-day the riches of My provision. I blessed Job in the autumn of his life more than in the spring. I will do the same for you. Everything you need—in every season of life—I will lavishly provide. Whatever happens, count on Me—everything will be fine.

Finally, you will learn the reward of My peace. Like the wine at Cana’s feast, I saved the best for last for Job. Double blessings after his ordeal confirmed My love. He persevered, so I caused a joyful outcome. Endure hard times, and I will bless you with lasting joy. Learn My lessons well—then graduate from Adversity University with highest honors.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 192 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Joe and Mary enter the church and talk to long-term friends. They get a cup of coffee and ask how Sarah how she’s enjoying their new house. Joe and Mary sit down in their familiar seats by the center aisle so they can leave quickly. They sing some songs, hear a message, and then go home.

A church culture has dominated a mission culture in many of our churches. Too many "Christians" are busy playing church instead of seeking the heart of Jesus. As a result, the church is declining in the US.  Jesus’ example and teaching
in Luke 5 helps us change a church culture to a mission culture.

1. Obey Jesus’ word

After not catching any fish, Jesus asked Simon to let down his nets in deep water for a catch. By obeying His word, their nets broke with so many fish.  Simon Peter fell down at Jesus' feet saying he was sinful. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men." They left everything and followed Him (Luke 5:1-11).  Obey  Jesus' word and admit sinfulness to bear fruit in evangelism.

2. Pray for spiritual power

A leper was cured immediately when he saw Jesus and begged to be made clean. Jesus ordered him to see a priest and make an offering for his cleansing as Moses commanded and as a testimony. News spread as great multitudes gathered to hear Jesus and be healed of their sicknesses.  Often times, Jesus would slip away to pray alone (Luke 5:12-16).  Pray to provide power for physical and spiritual healing. 

3. Show compassion for sinners

Because of the crowd, some men carrying a paralyzed man went up on the roof and let him down through tiles to set him in front of Jesus. So skeptical and condemning Pharisees would "know the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," the paralyzed man rose from his stretcher where he had been lying and went home, giving glory to God (Luke 5:17-26). Show compassion instead of condemning sinners.  

4. Share a clear verbal witness

Jesus told a tax-gatherer named Levi to follow Him. He left everything behind and followed Him (Luke 5:27-28). Witness verbally and challenge people to follow Christ so they will repent.

5. Socialize with those who need to know Jesus

After Levi invited other tax-gatherers and gave a big reception for Jesus, the Pharisees and scribes grumbled at His disciples saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax-gatherers and sinners?" Jesus answered that since the sick need a physician, He was calling sinners to repentance, not the righteous (Luke 5:29-32). Influence sinners by having meals and personal relationships. 

6. Delight in God's presence

The religious leaders said John's and Pharisees' disciples fast and offer prayers, but "Yours eat and drink." Jesus answered that it was appropriate for his disciples not to fast since He, as the bridegroom, was present with them now and not later (Luke 5:33-35). Delight in God's presence and have fun relating with others. 

7. Use new methods

One doesn't tear a piece from a new garment and put it on an old garment since it won't match the old. You also don't "put new wine into old wineskins, otherwise the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good enough'" (Luke 5:36-39). Use new methods for greater effectiveness in making disciples.

 To move from a church culture to a mission culture, I will do the following:

1. Obey Jesus' word and admit sinfulness to bear fruit in evangelism  
2. Pray for physical and spiritual healing
3. Show compassion instead of condemning sinners
4. Witness verbally and challenge people to follow Christ so they will repent
5. Influence sinners by having meals and personal relationships
6. Delight in God's presence and have fun relating with others
7. Use new methods for greater effectiveness in making disciples

For more posts, go to www.markpomeroy.com

Father’s Day is a special time for families—but that doesn’t mean it’s always an easy time. Like any holiday, Father’s Day can either be pleasant or painful, magical or mayhem. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on the heritage you’re leaving as a parent or grandparent, but that can be a cause for either celebration or concern.

Picture the family line of a good friend of mine. If the whole gang could somehow be brought together for a family reunion, I can only imagine the sparks that would fly.

• One of my friend’s female ancestors slept with her father-in-law and bore him twin boys.
• Another member of the family tree was a prostitute, known for being a very convincing liar.
• The family line included someone from a despised ethnic group that had its origins in incest between a father and daughter.
• Two ancestors were involved in an adulterous relationship, and the man ultimately killed his lover’s husband to keep the affair from being discovered.
• Several ancestors had multiple wives, and others were known for worshiping idols.

And you think you have some crazies in your family lineage?! The good news is that God is able to redeem terrible situations like these and transform them with His amazing grace.

How do I know? Because the Friend I’m referring to is Jesus.

Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1 reveals all of the sinful and dysfunctional ancestors I’ve described, and yet this was the human lineage of the Son of God. Instead of being able to boast of a spotless family lineage, the Bible describes our spotless Lord and Savior as “a root out of dry ground” (Isaiah 53:2).

So what does this mean for you and me? Several things:

1. Experiencing and extending God’s grace. You need to experience God’s grace and then extend it to your imperfect, dysfunctional family members—just as you’re hopeful they will offer grace to cover your If the twisted members of Jesus’ family tree could find grace enough to become a part of His royal lineage, then surely there’s hope for your weird relatives as well.
2. No more blame-shifting. It’s time to quit blaming others and making excuses for our past. Sure, your family upbringing may have been a mess. But God stands ready to turn your MESS into your MESSAGE—if you’ll let Him. Through divine intervention, your family tree can undergo a new beginning today. You don’t have to fall into the same old sins and strongholds of your earthly heritage, because you’ve been redeemed from the “futile way of life inherited from your forefathers” (1 Peter 1:18). In Christ, you’re a new creation, no matter who your earthly ancestors were (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. Facing the facts. If I were writing the book of Matthew, I would have been tempted to doctor the records and “sanitize” Jesus’ family tree. Couldn’t Matthew have just listed all the success stories and none of the embarrassments of Jesus’ ancestors? Yet the beauty of the gospel is that it transforms sinners—people like you and me. If people were already perfect, they wouldn’t need to be transformed. So the next time you wish you could erase some names from your family tree, think again. Face the truth, and let it set you free (John 8:32).

During this special holiday, perhaps you’ll experience some regrets or face some things that deserve repentance. Yet as you allow God’s grace and mercy to fill your heart, you will be able to see your heritage in a new light, celebrating your family lineage more wholeheartedly than ever before.

Armed with this new grace-inspired vision, I pray the Lord will use you to bring hope and healing to those around you who need it most.

God has no grandchildren.

Reading through the Old Testament book of Judges recently, a sentence jumped off the page and jabbed at my heart: After them another generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works He had done for Israel (Judges 2:10 HCSB).

Really?! How could this happen to people whose parents and grandparents had “worshiped the Lord throughout Joshua’s lifetime and during the lifetimes of the elders who outlived Joshua,” and who had seen all that the Lord had done for them (Judges 2:7)? And what were the consequences?

The answer to that last question comes clearly and dearly in the next four paragraphs of Judges 2: They abandoned the Lord. They embraced idols. Their loving but justifiably angry God disciplined them through defeat by neighboring nations. Their hearts turned toward Him only when they were under duress. Whenever He intervened and relieved their stress, their hearts returned to their rebellious ways.

The answer to the first question, apparently, is that very little intergenerational disciple-making happened within those families — or it was very poorly done.

I thought about our grandchildren. Will they grow up not knowing the Lord or the works He has done for us, his chosen people (1 Peter 2:9)?

“Not on our watch,” my wife and I declared. Although their parents are a primary influence on our grandchildren, we as grandparents are a strong secondary influence on them in such matters.

This blog series outlines key steps that we, and other kindred spirits, are taking to become even more intentional about our spiritual legacy — our impact — as grandparents. We’ll focus on clear understandings, firm convictions, strategic tools in our grandparenting treasure chest, and fruitful outcomes. Let’s begin . . .

Our commitment to intentional grandparenting is founded on certain rock-solid realities. Our convictions drive our values, and our values drive our attitudes and behaviors. That so, here is one basic conviction (of several) that wise grandparents embrace:

It’s true: God has no grandchildren.

In Judges and throughout the Bible, we see that a person’s relationship with God is not “grandfathered” through someone else’s relationship. We may have a relationship with God that is similar to that of an ancestor or mentor—but our relationship with Him comes directly and only through God the Son.

“So what?” you may ask. One implication of this for grandparents is that we need to recognize that relationship as spiritual priority #1 for each grandchild. We need to pray for their saving and growing relationship with God. Then we need to enable or support it appropriately.

Questions for discussion or journaling:

1. In my situation, what are one or two appropriate ways to enable or support their relationship with God?
2. In my situation, what are one or two inappropriate or risky ways to enable or support their relationship with God?

O Father in heaven, please bring each of my grandchildren into a saving and growing relationship with You. Help me to enable that and to encourage them in appropriate ways that You ordain. In Jesus’s name and for Your glory in and through them, amen.

© 2019 John Garmo

Joe and Mary enter the church and talk to long-term friends. They get a cup of coffee and ask how Sarah how she’s enjoying their new house. Joe and Mary sit down in their familiar seats by the center aisle so they can leave quickly. They sing some songs, hear a message, and then go home.

A church culture has dominated a mission culture in many of our churches. Too many "Christians" are busy playing church instead of seeking the heart of Jesus. As a result, the church is declining in the US.  Jesus’ example and teaching in Luke 5 helps us change a church culture to a mission culture.

1. Obey Jesus’ word
After not catching any fish, Jesus asked Simon to let down his nets in deep water for a catch. By obeying His word, their nets broke with so many fish.  Simon Peter fell down at Jesus' feet saying he was sinful. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men." They left everything and followed Him (Luke 5:1-11).  Obey Jesus' word and admit sinfulness to bear fruit in evangelism.

2. Pray for spiritual power
A leper was cured immediately when he saw Jesus and begged to be made clean. Jesus ordered him to see a priest and make an offering for his cleansing as Moses commanded and as a testimony. News spread as great multitudes gathered to hear Jesus and be healed of their sicknesses.  Often times, Jesus would slip away to pray alone (Luke 5:12-16).  Pray to provide power for physical and spiritual healing. 

3. Show compassion for sinners
Because of the crowd, some men carrying a paralyzed man went up on the roof and let him down through tiles to set him in front of Jesus. So skeptical and condemning Pharisees would "know the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," the paralyzed man rose from his stretcher where he had been lying and went home, giving glory to God (Luke 5:17-26). Show compassion instead of condemning sinners.  

4. Share a clear verbal witness
Jesus told a tax-gatherer named Levi to follow Him. He left everything behind and followed Him (Luke 5:27-28). Witness verbally and challenge people to follow Christ so they will repent.

5. Socialize with those who need to know Jesus
After Levi invited other tax-gatherers and gave a big reception for Jesus, the Pharisees and scribes grumbled at His disciples saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax-gatherers and sinners?" Jesus answered that since the sick need a physician, He was calling sinners to repentance, not the righteous (Luke 5:29-32). Influence sinners by having meals and personal relationships. 

6. Delight in God's presence
The religious leaders said John's and Pharisees' disciples fast and offer prayers, but "Yours eat and drink." Jesus answered that it was appropriate for his disciples not to fast since He, as the bridegroom, was present with them now and not later (Luke 5:33-35). Delight in God's presence and have fun relating with others. 

7. Use new methods
One doesn't tear a piece from a new garment and put it on an old garment since it won't match the old. You also don't "put new wine into old wineskins, otherwise the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good enough'" (Luke 5:36-39). Use new methods for greater effectiveness in making disciples.

To move from a church culture to a mission culture, I will do the following:
1.  Obey Jesus' word and admit sinfulness to bear fruit in evangelism
2. Pray for physical and spiritual healing
3. Show compassion instead of condemning sinners
4. Witness verbally and challenge people to follow Christ so they will repent
5. Influence sinners by having meals and personal relationships
6. Delight in God's presence and have fun relating with others
​7. Use new methods for greater effectiveness in making disciples

For more posts, go to www.markpomeroy.com ;

I am the way, the truth, and the life.

No one can come to the Father except through me.

John 14:6 NLT

I am the only Road that leads to the destination of glory.

Convicted of sin, do a repentant U-turn and travel the King’s Highway.

Challenged by righteousness, set out to be like your Sinless Savior.

Convinced of judgment, make a conscious effort to prepare yourself.

My death on the cross paved the highway to the Father’s future.

My blood on your soul marks you as a child of God He will not disown.

Follow the Way—and be confident of reaching heaven.

I am the only Reality that defines goodness.

Lied to by the dark prince, turn a deaf ear to his brainwashing.

Led by the Spirit of truth, listen well and learn life’s greatest lessons.

Loved by the One knowing you best, stay near and enjoy My company.

My light liberates you to sing for joy in the Father’s freedom.

My Spirit in your mind teaches you truth you would not learn otherwise.

Learn the Truth—and be changed for good from the inside out.

I am the only Redeemer who distributes grace.

Attacked by the evil one, do not forget that he is a hateful killjoy.

Attracted by the Holy Spirit, surrender and know life in all its fullness.

Approved by the Father, revel in His love and rest assured of heaven.

My promise guarantees the bright tomorrow of the Father’s festival.

My melody in your heart instructs you in faith’s dance of joy.

Celebrate the Life—and be cheerful in all circumstances.

I am the Way to the Truth of Life.

Your search for heaven, significance, and vitality ends in My heart.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 323 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Recently I woke up thinking about an intriguing phrase in Paul’s statement to the Colossians:

²⁷ to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. ²⁹ For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me (Colossians 1:27-29 NASB).

Wow. Paul knew what his purpose in life was! He realized he had a mission to proclaim Christ and make disciples, and he also recognized that God’s mighty power within him was enabling him to fulfill that mission.

So what is YOUR mission and MY mission? Do we have a clear grasp on the answer to that question?

Of course, to some extent our mission should be exactly the same as Paul’s – the Great Commission given to every Christian. However, in other ways, our purpose is a unique and personalized calling the Lord has given us. For example, Paul and Peter were contemporaries and both were apostles. Yet they didn’t have exactly the same calling and focus.

A few more thoughts…

• Paul said he had been given a “high calling” and “upward call of God” (Philippians 3:14). In the same way, we should recognized that we’re called to go HIGHER! We must resist the temptation to settle for a LOW or substandard Christian life.

• Acts 13:36 says David “served the purpose of God in his own generation.” That should be our objective too! In each generation, God has certain things that are particularly on His heart. Do we know what He desires to do in this generation?

• For each of us, there are SEASONS for how God’s calling is being walked out in our lives (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Ecclesiastes 8:5). For example, when we’re raising young children we must inevitably give that responsibility a great deal of our time and attention.

So…

I encourage you to prayerfully write a personalized mission statement like Paul did, ending with his conclusion: “for this purpose I labor.”

Psalm 84:5 promises, “Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage.”

Blessings to you on the pilgrimage to your high calling!

You are Yahweh, Most High over all the earth, far transcending all gods.

Psalm 97:9 TNJB

I am Most High over earth—exalt Me above false gods of the heart.

Idols are low-life—I am the Infinite High God.

Idols are deaf—I pay attention to every prayerful word.

Idols are heartless and insensitive—I care deeply about you.

Idols are blind—I am aware of every agony, attitude, and action.

Take the high road of eminent domain, not the low road of idolatry.

Surrender to My Transcendent Highness!

I am Most High over everything—understand that idolatry is insanity.

Decisions built on atheism construct a dead-end road.

Take the high road of enthusiastic devotion, not the low road of irreverence.

Submit in thoughtful homage!

I am Most High over ethics—live as a child of the Light.

Avoid shadows—do not scurry like a cockroach in dark corners.

Stay close to My heart and make Me the Tour Guide on your journey,

     then you will not be down-in-the-mouth for fear of being found out.

Take the high road of excellent determination, not the low road of iniquity.

Struggle on in My transforming holiness!

I am Most High over eternity—feel for people who are joyless.

Let your heart go out to those who do not worship Me—

     people who will one day sadly experience My wrath firsthand.

The other side of mercy’s coin has a cutting edge—there is hell to pay!

Take the high road of expectant deliverance, not the low road of incredulity.

See the terrifying hereafter!

I am Most High over ecstasy—honor My reign as King of the cosmos.

I am Lord of the universe—so all will ultimately be right with the world.

With very little to celebrate in your unbalanced world,

     here is a great reason to rejoice—I am redeeming you from sin.

Someday it will become crystal clear that I am absolutely right—

     and that I am earth’s Rightful Ruler.

Take the high road of exultant delight, not the low road of indifference.

Sing in triumphant happiness!

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 230 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Several times recently I have heard it said that God showed “favor” on someone or some group. Wondering where this phrase originated, I went to multiple translations of the Bible, until I found in the Holman Christian Standard Bible, the following translation: “May Yahweh look with favor on you” (Numbers 6:26). And why had I never seen this verse before, I asked. So, I went to my New King James Bible, as well as a few other translations and found the familiar words, “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). Ah ha! In the church where I spent my early teenage years, the choir often closed the worship service by singing this blessing, a blessing passed on by Moses to the children of Israel. The priests were solemnly to bless the people so that they would enjoy God’s favor, as the smile of a loving Father upon His children. In scriptural language, the light of God’s countenance is His expressions of favorable regards, His favor. I didn’t know that, when I was growing up. I just thought it was a nice way to end the worship service. But the choir was pronouncing God’s favor on worshippers. It has been a long time since I’ve heard a choir sing this blessing, but some days, I desperately desire the countenance of God’s favor, and wish it for others.

If, as the Beatles say, all you need is love and if, as the scripture says, God is love, is it possible to have authentic,  transforming, forgiving empowering, love without a relationship with God?

If you say you believe in God, you cannot not have love as your motivation and message in everything you say and do.

If you truly believe that all you need is love, and there truly is a God who is love, you cannot say a relationship with that God is optional.