Sallman Head of Christ
 

         Magnificent Obsession 
 

Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
                     Colossians 3:11 NLT

 

Live victoriously—celebrate My greatness.
     I died to defeat sin; I arose to resurrect you to a new life.
     Because I rose from the dead, I can raise you above evil ways.
     Victorious over death and sin, march in heaven’s triumphal procession.
     Keep up your enthusiasm for My work—it is never a waste of time.
     One of My resurrection people, let nothing in the world get you down.
 

Think vertically—anticipate My glory.
     Searching for a better approach to life than dying with the most toys?
     Set your heart on a place moths, rust, and thieves can never touch.
     Do not be so preoccupied with things you forget your destination.
     Do not wring your hands in worry—fold them in worship.
     Walk steadily toward heaven’s gate—soon we will be face to face.
     One of My redeemed people, count on My dream coming true.
 

Behave virtuously—manifest My goodness.
     Making the journey from earth to heaven, watch your step.
     Run from sexual sin—look for an exit when temptation corners you.
     Learn to be content—avoid greed by gratitude.
     Get rid of road rage—be considerate of fellow travelers.
     Avoid slander, lies, and dirty language—tell the truth lovingly.
     Change your wardrobe—throw away filthy rags of your old nature.
     Rely on My Presence in your heart, and be changed from inside out.
     Make Me your Center of Gravity, and your actions will be transformed.
     Make a conscious effort to be like Me—one day you will see My smile.
     One of My righteous people, strive to be holy and faultless in My eyes.
 

Serve valiantly—depend on My grace.
     Rejoice at the privilege of serving Me—whistle while you work.
     Remember I am your Boss—do quality work in My Name.
     You are accountable to Me—do not worry about what others think.
     One of My representative people, always do your best to honor Me. 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                  Day 347, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church.

Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much.

But the person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for.

                            1 Corinthians 8:1b-3 NLT

Smart alecks feel no need for God.

     Know-it-alls never seek wisdom flowing from above.

     Proud VIPs chasing personal agendas never kneel before Me. 

     Self-sufficient do-it-yourselfers see no need of heaven’s help. 

     Knowledge swells your head . . . love stretches your heart. 

     Don’t kid yourself into thinking you’re really smart. 

     You, like all other human beings, have a lot to learn. 

     There are two lessons you need to learn very well—

          I am totally, eternally, irrevocably responsible for all.

               I am God, with wisdom found nowhere else.

          You are ultimately responsible to Me for the way you live. 

               You are not God, so you need wisdom to live rightly.

Narcissists feel no attraction to God. 

     Self-centered, they miss life’s true Center of Gravity.

     Wrapped up in themselves, they make a very small package.

     Concerned with their business, they have no time for Mine.

     Egomaniacal, they self-destruct in their own little world.

Humble believers feel love for God. 

     Proud minds resist grace . . . tender hearts receive it. 

     Recidivists run from My way . . . repentant souls cling to it. 

     Hard-hearted are ingrates . . . the forgiven sing My praises. 

     Self-reliant love themselves . . . the God-reliant love Me.   

     Humble hearts realize I know everything about them—

          habits, hang-ups, hopes;  roads untaken; unspoken words.

     The meek don’t know it all, but trust the One who does. 

     Reveling in My loving care, believers face the future joyfully.

     Holding My hand, My disciples walk the path of the best life. 

     Nestling near My loving heart, believers know real joy. 

     Following My lead, sheep of My fold find their way home. 

     Loving Me wholeheartedly, saints celebrate My Providence. 

     Giving Me all their cares, My children live carefree.   

     I know the hairs on your head, and the hurts in your heart.

     False gods do not care for you, but I do—trust Me and see. 

© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond             Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
                                                        Philippians 4:13 NLT

Be cheerful in a sad world—mute negative melancholy with unfailing music.
     Celebrate My pardon—your name is indelibly registered as a citizen of heaven.
     Celebrate My Presence—at My side, there is joy too wonderful for words.
     Celebrate My peace—the world system cannot supply it; neither can it steal it.
     Celebrate My promise, one thing that is for sure—I will never forsake you.
 

Be calm in a chaotic world—replace negative worry with unquestioning worship.
     The cross is a plus sign in a negative world, changing everything for the better.
     Do less “what-if” supposing, more “leaning-on-everlasting-arms” reposing.
     I am in control—in charge behind chaos scenes, orchestrating the grand finale.
     Climb into My hammock—feel soothing wind of grace, and relax in My arms.
 

Be careful in a careless world—overcome negative ideas with unvarying truth.
     Want to be a person of integrity? Then reflect on timeless truth.
     Want to live honorably? Then meditate on honorable thoughts.
     Do not fall for Satan’s tiring old line that it does not matter what you think!
 

Be content in a greedy world—cancel negative whining by uncommon contentment.
     Tranquility results from being, not having—contented people are truly rich.
     I am El Shaddai, the Enough God—depend on My infinite resources.
     Learn to be satisfied in all situations by treasuring your relationship to Me.
 

Be capable in a grueling world—conquer negative despair by unflagging optimism.
     You’re weak, but I am strong—in relationship with Me, you can cope with life.
     The power of positive praying is the source of competence.
     Quiet confidence in Me is the key to strength and the secret of perseverance.
 

Be confident in an uncertain world—destroy negative anxiety with undying hope.
     Let Me have all your cares, then you can enjoy a carefree existence.
     In My strength, you are ready for anything the world throws at you.
     Trust Me, then you will receive blessings you never imagined possible.
 

Celebrate the Dynamic Mystery residing within your heart—live positively.
 

© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond                      Day 346, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

   The Lord came and called as before, “Samuel!  Samuel!”
        Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”

                       1 Samuel 3:10  NLT

    

     You have never heard Me speak audibly, but you have heard My gentle whispers echoing in your conscience, creation and Scripture.  Written and natural revelation prompt you to worship, praise and serve Me. 

    
     The universe sings My praises and displays My breathtaking craftsmanship. A language without syllables is written large across the skies, speeding across the intergalactic network at the speed of thought.  Sun, moon, and stars silently hint at My invariable faithfulness. 

     I open My heart to your heart. My Holy Spirit lives within you, so you are under My control. Life is best when I am in charge. My Spirit leads you and marks you Mine. I inspire your innermost being in the quest for truth. Redoubling your efforts does nothing to strengthen moral muscle. Do-it-yourself spells defeat—life on My terms spells victory. 

    
     I guide you by My Book from Heaven. Its track record of accurate prophetic fulfillment should encourage you to believe it. I am the Living God. I have spoken in the Scriptures. I mean every word I say. I will do everything I have promised. 

     My law is perfect, putting a spring in your step. My life map is accurate, making you wise. My commandments are right, bringing enjoyment to relationships. My instructions are billboard clear, keeping you traveling on the right highway. 

    
     I speak to you clearly through My Son. In Him, Love is plain as day.  Everything about Him exactly represents My nature. His powerful words hold everything in the universe together, including you. He is near to My heart—draw near to Him, and you will be too. 

     Stand in awe that I speak from My heavenly throne to your earthly situation. You cannot fathom the mysteries of how I communicate with your heart,      but you can understand Me. 

    
     Listen for your Master’s voice—love My life-changing lessons. 

     Listen for your Master’s voice—learn My eternal truth. 

     Listen for your Master’s voice—live My servant way.

     You have ears to hear. Are you listening? Can you hear Me now?
 

© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                 Gentle Whispers from Eternity                

Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of Law of the LORD as it had been given through Moses.

When the king heard what was written in the law, he tore his clothes in despair.

“Go to the Temple; speak to the Lord for me and the remnant of Israel and Judah.

     Ask him about the words written in this scroll.   

     We have not been doing what this scroll says we must do.”
2 Chronicles 34:14, 19, 21 NLT
 

     My Textbook for Living had been lost during reigns of evil kings. Found and read to Josiah, he realized drastic changes were required to bring the nation he
governed back into line with My commands.
 

     The Book from Heaven is My gift to earth, telling you of My care. My never-ending love story is recorded in the pages of Scripture.

     The Book of Holiness is My instruction manual on how to live. My inspired Word teaches you eternal truths, makes you sense what is wrong in your life, gets you back on track, and helps you avoid derailment.

     The Book of Books tells of My greatness and exalts My lordship. It records My creation of the universe out of nothing, My holding it all together with invisible hands, and My supervising galaxies—and you.

     The Book of Life reminds you of My encouraging grace—illuminating your lonely darkness with My Heartwarming Presence. Nothing can extinguish Holy Radiant Light.

     Every time you reopen Scripture, you rediscover the Book that makes all the difference in your life. No other book transforms your attitudes and actions like the Holy Bible. No other book so convicts you of sin and makes you want to respond with true remorse and repentance.

     The world’s greatest literature cannot compare to the treasures of My law. No poetry matches the Psalms. No novel is more charming than the saga of My love. No story is more captivating than Scripture.

     The world’s profoundest wisdom cannot hold a candle to the truth of My Word. The most thoughtful philosophies cannot touch the human heart like Christ’s parables. All the best books ever written, placed side by side, could not rival the divine library of Scripture.

    
     Do not leave My Word on a bookshelf to collect dust—that is no better than hiding a scroll in the Temple. An unread Bible is as useless as a lost one.       The best Bible study? Read it over, think it through, pray it in, and live it out.  An obedient life is the best translation your world will ever read.
 

      © By Pastor Johnny R. Almond             Day 176, Gentle Whispers from Eternity