Discipleship Network Forum

In John 7:25 Jesus said,

“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement.”

I am not addressing these remarks to everyone. But some of you will allow God to lead you deeper into His holiness.

• Holy thinking begins by discerning your own heart.

We all need to allow God to show us our hearts to discern the vulnerability and flaws hiding there. In Psalm 139 David Prayed,

Search me, O God, and know my heart!

    Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me,

    and lead me in the way everlasting!

What words have you spoken, what opinions have you held, or attitudes have you indulged that are false or in any way ungodly? Holiness demands repentance. The Epistle of James warns against being the kind of person who looks into a mirror and forgets what you saw without washing your face or combing your hair. This may include admitting, with a little private irony, weaknesses in your own positions. If you cannot see them, you have not examined yourself closely enough.

• This has to include examining your desires and motives.

Do you believe something because it is right or because it is comfortable? Do you think something is right because it benefits you? Does your opinion make you popular with your friends? Holiness seeks to please God and God alone. Jesus was clear about this. In John 7 He said His teaching was not His own but His Father’s. Verse 18 says,

“Anyone who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; 

but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, 

and in him there is no falsehood.”

• Holy thinking calls us to examine our influences.

This must go deeper than searching for excuses for people who influence your thinking. All of these things that I am listing require supernatural help. They must be bathed in and directed by prayer. One of the most difficult things here is discerning if what you read or hear or have seen in any media is right and true. This will require constant prayer and the struggle of discernment. You will have to wrestle with these things in your heart. 

Let me remind you of something emphasized in John 6 and 7. Jesus was saying he had come from heaven. Some people said he couldn’t have come from heaven. They knew his parents. Others pointed out that he came from Galilee, and the Christ was to have been born in Bethlehem. You may know scriptures that answer these and other questions. But few people listening to him had any means of answering them. Those who believed had to say, in effect, that even though they could not answer all their questions, no one could do the miracles he did if he had not come from God. Jesus gave us a promise that will help in John 7:17.

 “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will,  

he will know whether the teaching is from God

or whether I am speaking on my own authority.”

Do you long for His will?

• We must also consider the thinking of those who disagree with us.

This actually relates to examining our influences. In this world of polarizations, it is easy to be influenced by reaction, often over reaction, to those we do not agree with. It can be godly and sometimes persuasive to search for points of agreement between you and someone with whom you disagree. Can you see their point of view? Can you find areas where you can cooperate with them?

As with last week’s post, I am not listing access to my books or other blogs.

Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more.

RIGHT JUDGMENT

“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement.”

John 7:25

I am struck by the rendition of Philippians 4:5 in the e.s.v. It reads, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” Good reasoning is a spiritual discipline. In the early centuries of Christianity the church grew rapidly partly because of our fearless compassion shown in the plagues that swept the cities of Europe and the east. Now when our world is being ripped apart with strong and dangerous delusions, I pray we may touch hearts around us with our reasonable words and lives.

Make no mistake about it. This is a matter for serious and urgent prayer. I intend to give you some biblical reasoning in relation to this subject, but any effort in this direction will require God’s people to pray as we have begun to pray for many things in our day.

• This needs to be a matter of prayer because the need for right judgment is so serious.

Our faithfulness to God depends on our godly perspective of the world around us. Many things that we see happening can be alarming. I referred to Philippians 4. The k.j.v. renders the word translated “reasonableness” in verse 5 as “moderation.” We are living in days of intransigent extremes and hateful perspectives. We can be reasonable because the Lord is near. The passage continues, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Our witness to the world will depend on our reasonableness being known to everyone around us. This must be a matter of earnest prayer.

• This needs to be a matter of prayer because right judgment is difficult.

The confusion around us, like many things we are seeing today, was foretold in Scripture. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 says, “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false.’”

God is sending “strong delusion” as righteous wrath upon our world. We must pray lest we be swept up in these things. And like the compassion shown by the early church, which we will also need in full measure, our witness to the world must reflect wise discernment.

• This needs to be a matter of prayer because right judgment is spiritual.

In a warning that relates to this Jesus said in Matthew 24:24,

“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”

Right judgement in our lives must be a matter of prayer because it is developed from a vervent relationship with Christ.

I will write more about this next week. I am praying for wisdom for you and for myself in these days.

For several reasons I am not listing access to my books or other blogs here. 

Albrecht Durer  Praying Hands 
 
 

                                   Trust in the LORD with all your heart;  do not depend on your own understanding. 
                                                      Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
                                                                             PROVERBS 3:5-6 NLT 


Practice unquestioning trust in My strong love.
     Be optimistic—rely on My promises to brighten the future.
     Confide in Me and live confidently—rest assured in My omnipotence.

Worship your Unrivaled Lord.
     I am eternally the same—unchanging in a constantly changing world.
     I have always loved you, and I always will.

Serve Me with unreserved devotion.
     Unconditionally and wholeheartedly give Me your finest effort.
     Live and work with this one thought in mind—My smile.

Submit to My unlimited mastery.
     Physically, take care of your body—it is a temple of My Holy Spirit.
     Sexually, practice self-control—My Holy Spirit can discipline impulses.
     Financially, give Me My due—you just manage, but I own everything.
     Emotionally, sail through high seas on an even keel—I am your peace.

Travel joyfully on an untarnished journey.
     I am the Travel Companion of the uncompromisingly righteous.
     Travel grace’s beautiful boulevard, revelation’s scenic route,
          faith’s winding mountain path, liberty’s freeway, love’s avenue,
          and the breathtaking high road of ultimate significance.

Apply uncommon wisdom.
     Self-confidence without taking My Word to heart is the mark of a fool.
     Accepting Scripture as the Final Answer is the mark of the truly wise.
     Steer clear of detours into the limiting world of human logic.
     Stay off the toll road of self-indulgence.
     Avoid the dead-end of pessimism.
     Have the uncommon sense to follow My map through life’s maze.


                                        

                                (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
                       Day 251,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

I have a long-time friend and colleague who recently tested positive for COVID and pneumonia. He is currently hospitalized in the ICU area of a major hospital. When I talked with him, he shared with me that he told his Dr. that hundreds of people were praying for him. Then he asked the Dr. if he knew this Jesus, to whom people were praying? It reminded me of a day several years ago, when my wife was about to undergo a very complicated, and serious surgery. I explained to the Surgeon that as a Seminary professor, I had hundreds, perhaps thousands of former students – ministers and missionaries – praying for him from all over the world. There followed several interesting conversations. Last week I purchased gift cards to give to special people this Christmas. When the cashier gave me the cards, I realized they were “Happy Birthday” cards rather than “Merry Christmas” cards. I called it to her attention and she offered to make a correction. My response was simply never mind, since on Christmas, we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. A brief, but significant conversation followed. This is what we do. We look for every opportunity to bear witness, as we are instructed in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be ready to give a defense . . . for the hope that is in you.”

Phil Miglioratti and John Armstrong

talk about the limited view of Church

that is infecting/destroying churches!

Hear Here >>>

You will name him Jesus. 
He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
     The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.   
     He will reign over Israel forever;  his Kingdom will never end! 
Luke 1:32-33 NLT

His name is greater than all names—Savior freeing us from sin. 

His identity is greater than any person—Son of God helping us u to live.  

His throne is greater than any government—equity ensuring justice.

His Kingdom is greater than all nations—realm brightening the future. 

His forgiveness is greater than all sin—unfailing mercy inspiring joy.

His grace is greater than any problem--Wonderful Counselor giving hope.

His love is greater than any force—Everlasting Father stabilizing in change.

His light is greater than all darkness--holy radiance guiding us Home. 

His peace is greater than all chaos--Prince of Peace calming our fears.  

His power is greater than all doubt--Mighty God battling our insecurity.

His blessing is greater than evil’s curse—Omega having the last word. 

     The best that politicians, philosophers, and scientists have offered has not been good enough.  The ultimate solution to problems plaguing the world for centuries is Jesus.  Jesus is our last, best hope. 
 

     In the chancel of Westminster Abbey, right above the spot where generations of kings of England have been crowned,

are inscribed these words from Revelation 11:15—
     The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.

     
     Only when He reigns will there be peace on earth. 
 

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 

As a well-educated broken one, I notice that many well-educated broken ones are not getting the message when it is delivered Evangelically. My prayer is that organized religion will at least look at Evanlogicalism.

It is not a new faith. It is just a different method of trying to give an understanding of how faith in Christ actually works.

If these well-educated broken ones can wrap their minds around Christianity in a logical way, Faith may travel to their hearts. The Spirit lives where the brain bone is connected to the heart bone.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/rick.skiba.1 for more on Evanlogicalism.

Photo below from:

David Schoeman

Warner Sallman  Head of Christ 

The LORD himself will choose the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! 
She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel – “God is with us.” 
ISAIAH 7:14 NLT

You are not alone, though you sometimes feel lonely—I am with you.

When you are unsure which way to turn, I am your Wonderful Counselor.
When you are feeling weak-kneed, I am your Mighty God.
When your life is falling apart, I am your Everlasting Father.
When you are frazzled by pandemonium, I am your Prince of Peace.
When you feel like you have made a fool of yourself, I am your Wisdom.
When you are burdened by your sinfulness, I am your Righteousness.
When you are struggling with impurity, I am your Holiness.
When you are chafing under sin’s shackles, I am your Redeemer.
When you are trying to break bad habits, I am your Liberator.
When you are needing companionship, I am your Greatest Friend.
When you are puzzled by life’s complexity, I am your Guide.
When you are wondering if you will survive difficulty, I am your Faith.
When you feel like singing the blues, I am your Jazz.
When you are tired in My work, I am your Energy.
When you are feeling guilty, I am your Defense Counsel.
When your heart is aching, I am your Comforter.
When you are disappointed, I am your Consoler.
When you are in peril, I am your Helper.
When fiery arrows of temptation are aimed at you, I am your Shield.
When you are on high seas, I am your Captain at the helm.
When you are riding an emotional roller coaster, I am your Seatmate.
When perplexing cares crowd your mind, I am your Center of Gravity.
When worry about needs steals your sleep, I am your Shepherd.
When the night seems interminable, I am your Light.
When your situation is uncertain, I am your Anchor.
When you are on sinking sand, I am your Solid Rock.
When despair threatens your soul, I am your Melody of Hope.
When tears soak your pillow, I am your Dawn.
When current events depress you, I am your Bright Morning Star.

When you feel a little down, remember your Greatest Blessing—God.

                                  (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                        Day 262,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Let every living, breathing creature praise God! Hallelujah!

PSALM 150:6 THE MESSAGE

Book One concludes with a doxology of unending praise—God alone is worthy of everlasting praise.

Book Two concludes with a doxology of unparalleled praise—God alone does glorious and miraculous things.

Book Three concludes with a doxology of unquestioning praise—God alone merits absolute worship.

Book Four concludes with a doxology of unrestrained praise—God alone deserves wholehearted devotion.

Book Five concludes with a doxology of universal praise—God alone inspires creation to heartfelt adoration.

With the trumpet of triumph, the harp of holiness, the lyre of love, the tambourine of thought,
     the dance of delight, strings of serenity, and cymbals of celebration—give tribute to the LORD.
Someday all living beings in the cosmos will sing praises to the Lamb.
     Until then, honor God by the way you think, speak, and behave.

The only perfect musical note produced is made by running water—heaven’s universal praise will sound like that!
The mighty crescendo of praise to the Savior will rise and swell—uniting the international chorus of people
     singing the praises of Jesus.
You will see Christ face to face.
You will hear His voice welcoming you home.
You will celebrate forever living in heaven on earth.

Heaven's never-ending love story is an unfinished symphony you hear now as “a foretaste of glory divine”
     (Fanny Crosby).
Holy Spirit gifts cheer you on in every phase of your journey,
     composing a melody of grace notes as a prelude to heaven.
As the overture of God's kindness in time fades away, and you step across the threshold of eternity—
     you will at last hear notes of the first movement clearly.
And when from death you’re free, you’ll sing and joyful be, And thro’ eternity you’ll sing on (American folk hymn).
                
                                                                      

                                                                  (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                                                         Day 250, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Aiden Wilson Tozer (1897 - 1963) railed against the corrupted faith of many in his day. 

To me, this seems to epitomise the “easy believism” of the church’s drift away from Biblical teaching: 

• ‘Believism’ - because it refers to the belief that church members have taken hold of; and

• ‘Easy’ - because it makes no demands on them.

It results from a false Gospel that accepts:

• God’s love, but not his wrath on sin; 

• Forgiveness, but not judgement;

• Heaven, but not hell;

• Faith, but not repentance;

• Christ as Saviour, but not as Lord. 

A gospel that holds to Christ as Saviour, but not Christ as Lord, may sound like “good news”, but it is not God’s Gospel of Grace: for forgiveness offered through the free gift of God’s Grace can be received only through true repentance and faith. True repentance forsakes the world and the flesh to accept Christ as Saviour and Lord (Gal 1:6-7; 1 Jn 2:15-17). 

A heart that has received this false gospel is a heart that remains unrepentant, unchanged, and ultimately unforgiven! The Bible refers to them as “unbelievers” (2 Cor 4:1-6); we are not to be yoked with them (2 Cor 6:14-18). 

How did this happen? 

• Was it the preacher who failed to preach on sin, judgement, hell, repentance, and the Lordship of Christ?
• Was it the recipient who misheard the message?
• Was it the serpent who asked “Did God really say, ‘You must not ...’?” (Gen 3:1)
• Was it the recipient who “cherry-picked” the message? (Heb 10:26; 1 Jn 1:6-7,10)
• Was it the absence of God’s Holy Spirit without whom the true Gospel is rejected as foolishness? (1 Cor 2:14) 

Lord have mercy upon us! 

                    Albrecht Durer  Praying Hands 
 

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
PSALM 145:18 NLT 
 

My unsearchable greatness is your practical strength.
     Worthy of highest honor and praise, powerful beyond calculation—
          I am the Greatest Force.
               Above politics, I do more than make promises—I keep them.
                    Holy Radiant Light changes your night to brightest day.

My unparalleled generosity is your plentiful supply.
     Embraced by My heart’s tenderness, satisfied by My lavish care—
          I am your Gracious Father.
               Infinite resources satisfy your heart’s hunger and thirst.

My unfailing government is your positive solution.
     Submitting to My reign, giving allegiance to the King of kings—
          I am your Glorious Future.
               I heal your heartaches when life seems hopeless.

My understanding gentleness is your peaceful serenity.
     Understanding you when no one else seems to care,
          Standing under you when no one else can help—
               I am your Greatest Friend.
                    In your heart, you are already home—rest easy.

My unimaginable gladness is your praise song.
     Closer than hands and feet, nearer than your very breath—
          I am your Grand Festival.
               Rejoice in inner-stances and practice gratitude perpetually.
                    I am not distant—I am near to the trusting heart.
                         You do not have to travel to find Me—just pray.
 

                           (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                   Day 248, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

From my archives...

Preacher, Are You a Descendant of a Greek Orator or Hebrew Prophet?

Prophets, not Orators

by A.W.Tozer

And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, that I may plant the heavens, lay the foundations of the earth, and say to Zion, “You are My people.”

Isaiah 51:16

The Christian minister, as someone has pointed out, is a descendant not of the Greek orator but of the Hebrew prophet.

The differences between the orator and the prophet are many and radical, the chief being that the orator speaks for himself while the prophet speaks for God. The orator originates his message and is responsible to himself for its content. The prophet originates nothing but delivers the message he has received from God who alone is responsible for it, the prophet being responsible to God for its delivery only. The prophet must hear the message clearly and deliver it faithfully, and that is indeed a grave responsibility; but it is to God alone, not to men.

From “God Tells the Man Who Cares”, 85.

“Lord, I’m reminded this morning of the thought from the late seminary chaplain Richard Seume: ‘When your people sit in front of you on Sunday morning, they’re not interested in hearing another man tell them how to live their lives; they’ve come to hear a word from God.’ May that be my prophetic perspective this week. Amen.”

The Glory of God in New England
email: thegloryofgodinnewengland@gmail.com

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me.
Psalm 138:7 KJV 
 

You are a sojourner in ephemeral time.
     The universal law of human life is summed up in one word—walking.
          Life is a walk, a journey, and constant action forward.
     Walking means constant change of position.
          Yesterday’s circumstances are gone forever.
          Today’s circumstances will be in the past tomorrow.
     Life’s walk is constant—the wheels of life never pause.
     Life’s walk is rapid—a morning mist evaporating in blazing sun, a short story.
     Life’s walk is irretraceable—you cannot live one day again.
          Emily Dickinson is right, “That it will never come again
               is what makes life so sweet.”
     Each step you take brings you one step nearer your final destination.

You are surrounded by earthly trouble.
     Life’s walk is not always on green grass under cloudless sky.
          There is much to enjoy on earth, but life is frequently problematic.
          Time educates you for eternity—adversity is My university.
     In hard circumstances, I teach you lessons you would not learn otherwise.

You are supported by eternal trustworthiness.
     The Grand Support of Human Life is equal to all your emergencies.
     I pledge that I will give you strength enough for every troublesome day.
     Corrie ten Boom said it well—“If God sends you on rough roads,
          He gives you iron shoes.”
     I am El Shaddai, the One Who is Enough, Almighty God—
          sufficient for every circumstance, eventuality, or probability.
     I am an ever present—not absent!—help in trouble.
     I am omniscient—I know your cares.  
     I am omnipotent—I can help you.  
     I am omnipresent—I am always with you.
     I keep you in trouble—far better than keeping you from trouble.
     I will finish what I started in you—we will embrace at the end of the road.

                                           

                                      (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                              Day 247, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

We sang a song last Sunday in the worship service that I had completely forgotten. It was a song from my youth, written in 1931 by B.B. McKinney, and based on Psalm 100:2, “Serve the Lord with gladness.” As we sang, I found myself wondering if there was any other way to serve the Lord. Could one serve the Lord with sadness? With anger? With indifference? With fear? I suppose so, but why would one want to do that? The kind of gladness that comes from serving the Lord, is greater than any earthly gladness. Greater than the gladness that comes from watching a child open a present. Greater than the gladness that comes from winning a medal or a championship. Greater than the gladness that comes from performing a perfect recital. It’s greater than fist pump gladness, high five gladness, hug-your-Mama gladness. If we serve the Lord correctly, all other emotions move toward gladness. Henri Nouwen said, “We need to remind each other that the cup of sorrow is also the cup of joy, that precisely what causes us sadness can become the fertile ground for gladness.” Can not the quote be just as meaningful when the word “sadness” is substituted with words like “anger, indifference, fear, etc.? Join me this week serving the Lord with gladness.

                              How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?  PSALM 137:4


When you are in a situation that makes you want to hang up your harp,
     you may wonder how in the world you can ever celebrate again.
Where is that toe-tapping rhythm, that spring in your step?

You are on alien soil in the ungodly world.
No wonder antagonists poke fun at your hymns of praise.
The world is “not a friend to grace to help you on to God” (Isaac Watts).
I am the One “who makes the woeful heart to sing” (Anonymous hymn).

When Paul wrote Philippians, he was not in a Statler Hilton luxury suite.
     Yet he published a message of joy advising believers to rejoice.
Hope can sing—heaven’s music echoes in listening hearts.
Faith can dance—heaven’s message encourages trusting souls.
Joy can celebrate—heaven’s mirth is in inner-stances, not circumstances.
Love can rejoice—heaven’s melody inspires invulnerable joy.

Horatio Spafford experienced this joy—even after his daughters died.
That ship collision in the Atlantic took their lives, but not his peace.
Sorrows like sea billows rolled over him, but it was well with his soul.

Richard Wurmbrand experienced this joy—even after 14 years in prison.
Brutally tortured until he could find relief only on his elbows and knees,
     he still sang a song a fellow prisoner wrote about Jesus.

Joni Eareckson Tada experienced this joy—even as a quadriplegic.
Confined to a wheelchair, painting with her mouth,
     she sang from her heart a song of trusting faith.

Betsie ten Boom experienced this joy—even in a concentration camp.
She knew they would be free, and she told her sister to tell everyone
     there is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.

You can also experience this joy.
Though you feel like sighing, your Greatest Friend can teach you a song.
By My grace, you can sing—even when you do not feel like it.
    
                               

                          (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond

                 Day 246, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Yahweh, my heart is not haughty. I do not set my sights too high.
I have taken no part in great affairs, in wonders beyond my scope.
I hold myself in quiet and silence, like a little child in its mother’s arms.
PSALM 131:1-2 TNJB

 

Let Me work in your heart to give you assurance for today’s mission and confidence for tomorrow’s mystery.
     Give up sins and become an innocent child in My heavenly kingdom.
     Avoid sophisticated pride—cultivate childlike trust.
     Instead of your maybe, use My shall—learn the vocabulary of trust.
     An angelic trumpet will inaugurate Christ’s kingdom—listen for it.
     Evil, death, crying, and pain will become obsolete—be sure of it.
     If life falls apart, do not scream to high heaven—whisper and I will hear.
     I am the Answer to your heart’s questions.

Let Me work in your heart to make Christlikeness your high ambition.
     Permit Me to replace your haughty prancing with humble walking.
     Allow Me to teach you life’s main lessons—I am God and you are not.
     Kneel and discover the holy land beneath your knees.
     Struggle on toward moral resurrection from the hell-bent world.
     My Son reached out in love—do not seclude yourself from others.
     Society would make you selfishly ambitious—I have a better idea.
     I am your Highest Quest.

Let Me work in your heart to replace your anxiety with childlike trust.
     I am your Harbor—anchor your soul, and enjoy holy silence.
     I am your Mighty Fortress—nestle, do not wrestle, and rest easy.
     I am your Vital Breath—breathe deeply in faith, and relax.
     I am your Life—pray with every heartbeat, and live life fully.
     I am your Provider—wean your soul from fretting, and be content.
     I am your Father—depend on My blessings, and ditch worry.
     I am your Savior—receive My pardon, and live guilt-free.
     I am your Helper—quiet your heart before Me, and stay calm.
     I am your Peace—mute life’s noise, and enjoy My company.
     I am your Quiet Zone--pause awhile, and refuel for the journey.

                                    (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                             Day 245, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

I am old enough to remember when politicians campaigned on their record instead of campaigning against the record of their opponent. Repeatedly during this election, I have been forced to watch TV commercials from candidates on both sides, telling me why I should not vote for their opponents. There is a difference is recognizing the record of an opponent, and posturing one’s self against that record vs. spewing half-truths, mistrust, venom, accusations, and pure unjustified hatred. I don’t remember who wrote it, but a few years ago I remember reading an editorial that prophesied that the day would come when we would vote against candidates rather than voting for candidates. That day may have arrived. I think if a candidate came along who campaigned on the basis of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount, I would vote for him or her, regardless of their party affiliation. “ You have heard that it was said . . . ‘hate your enemy.’ but I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44). It may be time for Uncle Sam to kneel at the mourner’s bench.

Beautiful Temple 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. PSALM 122:6 NLT

 

The Song of Ascent on your life’s journey is Jesus.
     Omnipotence protects you from evil—live fearlessly.
     Omniscience rules and overrules all of life—live confidently.
     Omnipresence accompanies you everywhere—live joyfully.
     Walking toward the Holy City, reach for Christlikeness.
     Pray Francis’ prayer—be My instrument of peace.
     Learn peace and relax—you have already won!
     Making the pilgrimage of faith, experience the meaning of life.
     Homeward bound, travel the Way to the Truth of Life.

The serenity of the Almighty is your joy.
     Sing My praises—let My love inspire a song in your heart.
     March to My cadence—let My leading put a spring in your step.
     Tranquil in the honor of citizenship in the new Jerusalem,
          where cruel war will fi nally give way to worship—
     Live peace and look forward by faith to a quiet place in heaven
          where songs in My Presence will gladden your heart.
     Anticipating peace forever, believe in the morning that lasts.
     Happily blessed, triumph over chaos by My gently whispered calm.

The symbol of your assurance is Jerusalem.
     You are a child of the King, so faithfully dance the jig of joy.
     No fear, chaos, anxiety, or turmoil will ever mar glory’s realm.
     Death, heartache, and disease will be obsolete in My kingdom.
     Celebrating My gift of hope that paradise will be restored,
          the Peaceful Prince reigning from new earth’s capital city—
     Love peace and rest in My care, secure in heaven guaranteed.
     Waiting for My promised future, count on the Messiah of Love.
     Humbly believing, trust eternity’s golden daybreak to bring peace at last.


                                               

                                        (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                                Day 242, Gentle Whispers from Eternity