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Hull's Memorial Baptist Church
 Pastor's Blog 
Monday, October 19 2020


Beautiful Temple

 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 Force 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 Creator imaginative enough to engineer beautiful worlds.

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 Mind 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 Arm 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.
 

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 09:34 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, September 28 2020

Crown Point at Columbia River Gorge, Oregon  

My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth.
PSALM 121:2 NLT 

Your desperate search reflects your anxiety.
     Hurting, you go on an intense quest for relief.
     At the end of your resources, you look high and low for assistance.
     Where on earth can you find a reason for optimism?
     Where will you turn when your strength is depleted?
     Will majestic mountain ranges be of any help?

My divine solution reveals the answer.
     Transcendent, I made the heavens—I surely can help you.
          I keep track of stars I whispered into being—I do the same for saints.
     Immanent, I made earth—I certainly can encourage you.
          I am nearer than hands and feet—I am closer than your breathing.
     Omnipotent, I made the mountains—I can help you climb them.
          Live fearlessly, persevering in the strength of Christ.

My dependable sleeplessness keeps Me awake.
     I never doze off or fall asleep on the job of guarding you from evil.
          You are never unsafe on My watch!
     Like a sentry guarding the ramparts of a fortification,
          I shield your emotions and thoughts day and night.
     Hold My hand—I will keep you from stumbling into Satan’s traps.
          Focus on your Invisible Means of Support until glory dawns.

My defensive shelter is your assurance.
     My promise is an unlimited liability clause, ensuring a bright future.
     I direct traffic patterns of the galaxies—I guide your life.
     I designed all the planets—I made you the unique person you are.
     I engineered the universe—I work behind the scenes shaping you.
     Technology can invent gadgets, but it cannot comfort your heart.
          Philosophy can grapple with life’s meaning, but it cannot give it.
          Science can describe physical laws, but it cannot create them.
     Rely on My faithful love, and you can rejoice in all circumstances.
          Seek My changeless heart, and you will find rest for your soul.
          Give Me the credit due, and you will enjoy a contented heart.
     Looking for help? Look no further—I am All You Ever Really Need in life.                                          

                                                  

                                        (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                                   Day 241, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:06 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, September 14 2020

                                

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
PSALM 118:24 NLT

 

Rejoice in My foundation of trust.  
     
Whatever courses other people may take today, nestle near your Shepherd’s heart.
     Sing the melody of grace notes I composed on your heart’s keyboard.
     Do not wait another day to celebrate grace—never postpone joy!
     My undisturbed peace is the joy of your heart.
     Heaven helping you, I am your Cornerstone.

Rejoice in My faithfulness over time.
     Whatever changes may happen in your life today, be certain I will not vary.
     I Will Always Be Who I Have Always Been—you can be sure of that.
     I love you no less today than yesterday—tomorrow will not change that.
     My unvarying Providence is the joy of your heart.
     Heaven instructing you, I am your Compass.

Rejoice in My fearlessness in trouble.
     Whatever catastrophes may happen in your life today, rely on My protection.
     I promise never to abandon you as an orphan in life’s storms—relax.
     Humans cannot defeat the Almighty; mortals cannot conquer the Immortal.
     My unfailing protection is the joy of your heart.
     Heaven reassuring you, I am your Courage.

Rejoice in My fortress in trials.
     Whatever consternation may attack your mind today, trust your Shepherd.
     Small faith takes you up to heaven; great faith brings heaven down to you.
     My unruffled poise is the joy of your heart.
     Heaven invigorating you, I am your Confidence.

Rejoice in My festival of triumph.
     Whatever confusion may swirl around you today, focus on rejoicing.
     Sing every heartbeat; pray every hour; dance every step.
     When should you get over blessing Me? Never!
     My unending praise is the joy of your heart.
     Heaven inspiring you, I am your Cheerfulness.
   
                                           

                                    (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
                           Day 240, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:15 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, September 07 2020

Warner Sallman  Head of Christ 
 

            Alleluia! Praise Yahweh, all nations; extol him, all peoples,
          for his faithful love is strong and his constancy never-ending.

                                       PSALM 117 TNJB



I am Controller of nations—Ultimate Solution to the world’s problems.
     Searching for stability? You will have to go beyond politics to find it.
          Nations around the globe are anything but united—they are unsettled.
          Swords outnumber plowshares—war costs more than agriculture.
          Spears outnumber pruning hooks—killing fields exceed orchards.
     One day the Prince of Peace will settle international disputes.
          My Son will fight the war to end all wars and unite the nations.
     All cultures need My calm; all governments need My control;
          all economies need My contentment.

I am Creator of all humans—Unique Savior of the world’s people.
     Seeking peace of mind? Approach My throne—it is mercy, not marble.
          My kindness is as sure as sunrise—you can count on it.
     Need cleansing for your soul? The blood of Christ purifies your heart.
     All colors need My clemency; all geographies need My comfort;
          all educational levels need My cleansing.

I am the Christ of Constancy—Universal Sovereign of the world’s praise.
     Hungry for something dependable? It is really Someone you need.
          My changeless love fills your life with consistency.
          My glorious reign fills your heart with courage.
          My eternal life fills your personality with celebration.

I am the Center of Faithful Love—Unending Song of the world’s peace.
     Yearning for joy? Hints of glory encircle you—greet the morning with praise!
     Whatever happens, stay focused on Me and enjoy perfect peace.
          Trust the Captain—sail through troubled seas on an even keel.
     My consoling music is your cheer; My gracious mercy is your communion;
          My encouraging meaning is your confidence.
     Looking for eternal significance? Ponder life’s Greatest Reality—
          I am the One Who Will Always Be Who I Have Always Been;
               I have always loved you, and I always will.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 239, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:23 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, August 31 2020

                    What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me? 
                                             PSALM 116:12 NLT


“Why should I do anything for him? What has he ever done for me?”
     Apply this commonly asked question to your relationship to Me—
          and the answer will become apparent.

What have I ever done for you?
     I listen when you pray.
          I am your Best Answer to prayer, All You Need in life—
               Language of Infinite Inspiration, Sunrise of Loyalty,
               Flame of Holiness, Window of Grace, River of Peace, Sunshine of Glory,
               Vision of Victory, Rainbow of Beauty, Solid Rock of Encouragement,
               Heartbeat of Love, Intellect of Wisdom, Orbit of Providence,
               Music of Joy, Starlight of Hope.
I preserve your life.
     You are alive not because you eat, but because of the Bread of Heaven.
I give you power when you are running low on energy.
     When you feel like you are going under, I under stand you.
     When you are falling apart under pressure, I stand under you.
I treat you royally so you can enjoy incomprehensible peace.
     I have rescued you from terror, so you are alive.
     I have rescued you from tears, so you are assured.
     I have rescued you from temptation, so you are alert.

Why should you do anything for Me?
     Because of all I have done for you, the answer is crystal clear.
     So the question then becomes, what can you do?
          Live in your Lord’s presence—enjoy the pleasure of My company.
          Persevere in your loneliness—trust Me and wait for the dawn.
          Praise My love—offer a daily sacrifice of thanks-living.
          Proclaim your loyalty—soldier on in the battle with evil.
               Humble in My Sovereign Presence, serve your Father.
               Holy by My Son’s pardon, gratefully sing My praises.
               Handed over to My Spirit’s plan, stack arms and surrender.
               Do more than stare up the steps—step up the stairs!

                                          

                                     (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                             Day 238, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:36 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, August 24 2020

Hubble Telescope 


Not to us, O LORD, but to you goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.

PSALM 115:1 NLT 
 

I alone deserve all the praise.
     Let My faithful love lead you to sincere and heartfelt gratitude.
     In spite of your obstinate waywardness, I go on steadily loving you.
     My persistent love will not let Me ever give up on you—be glad!
     In time and in eternity—be thankful.

I alone do whatever I please.
     Everyone and everything is ultimately accountable to Me.
     Rebellion spells ruin—submission means salvation.
     I am powerful over every plan—I am Sovereign over every strategy.
     I alone am fit to take the universe’s throne.
     I am totally, irrevocably responsible for everything—I am transcendent.

I alone am dynamic in power.
     With My mouth, I give My Word from heaven for living on earth.
     With My eyes, I am omniscient—seeing right through your pretense.
     With My ears, I hear—I have time to listen when you need to talk.
     With My crucified hands, I carry you when you cannot carry on.
     With My nail-transfixed feet, I travel life’s road right beside you.
     Infinite over idols; Creator, not created—I am trustworthy.

I alone deliver you by My protection.
     If it were not for My help with life’s obstacle course, you would fall.
     If it were not for My shield against Satan’s temptations, you would fail.
     With My assistance, you do more than get by—you are triumphant.

I alone delight in your peace.
     I am Caretaker of the universe—and I am taking good care of you.
     I am Superintendent of stars—and I am shepherding you to heaven.
     I am Creator of planets—and I am conducting you in the proper orbit.
     Incredible as it seems to an impersonal world, I am thinking about you.
     Live with eternal significance--transformed to the glory of God!

            
                                

                                    (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                                  Day 237, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 09:15 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, August 17 2020

Happy are those who fear the LORD. PSALM 112:1
 

Joy is the clearest evidence of My Presence.
     My openhanded blessings let you enjoy life in every dimension—

In the reading of My inspired Scripture
     Mine the gold and silver of the Book from Heaven—treasure My Word.
     Mull My orders over hour after hour—think them through, pray them in.
     My words are honey for your soul, not bitter medicine! Relish them!
     Looking for significance in the pages of the Bible? Obey the Author!

In the riches of My infinite supply
     Out of My limitless wealth in glory, I make your cup overflow.
     Out of My inexhaustible resources, I provide more than enough.
     Like to enjoy life to the hilt? Develop a contented mind.

In the remembrance of inviolable security
     You will not be overwhelmed by guilt—you are overshadowed.
     Your name is indelibly written in blood in the Book of Life—relax.
     Yearn to celebrate blessed assurance? Trust your wounded Savior.

In a reputation of invariable strength
     Spectators of the Faith Marathon may marvel at your perseverance.
     Approaching burnout? Refuel with My Spirit and soar like an eagle.
     Trying to unlock the secret of facing hard situations? Use the Christ Key.

In the Rock of invulnerable steadiness
     My invulnerable joy transcends the fragile happiness of circumstances.
     Facing uncertainties, you have more than faith—you have your Father.
     Looking for peace and tranquility? Surrender to Me unreservedly.

In the reflection of My Indwelling Spirit
     I am always with you—do not let despair get the best of you.
     I am your Night Light—let Me shine through your personality.
     What has been said of Me can be seen in you—if you truly believe.
     Desire to experience joy beyond words? Get in step with My Spirit!

                                        

                               (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                      Day 236, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 11:11 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Tuesday, August 11 2020

                                 

                                 Albrecht Durer  Praying Hands
 

In return for my friendship they denounce me, and all I can do is pray!
                                       PSALM 109:4 TNJB

I am the One and Only God—your Only Recourse in effective prayer.
     No matter how sweetly you treat some people, it does not change them.
     You would be kind, but they would kill.
     When all you can do is pray, seek My wisdom to know how.

I am the Omniscient God—able to execute retributive payback.
     You do not live under the old covenant, where vengeance ruled.
     You live under the new covenant, where getting even gives way to love.
     Pray for those out to get you—shine sunlight on the ill-intentioned.
     I alone will set the record straight—I alone am unerringly fair.
     When all you can do is pray, trust that I will make justice prevail.

I am the Omnipotent God—able to reinvigorate you with power.
     In My faithful love, I energize you to keep on keeping on.
     When you are broken-hearted, I heal your soul’s diseases.
     When you are weak-kneed, I encourage you for the hard tasks.
     People shake their heads at you; I smile on you, the apple of My eye.
     Others curse, but I bless—critics’ barbs will boomerang.
     I will mute opponents’ jeers by My everlasting joys.
     My supernatural might works best in your human weakness.
     You are never stronger than when you are relying on Me.
     You are never greater than when you are on your knees.
     When all you can do is pray, feel your weakness become strength.

I am the Omnipresent God—able to teach you how to sing for joy.
     Others may slander you, but I stand at your side.
     I am the Paraclete—forever faithful, called alongside to help you.
     I am your Greatest Friend, no matter how others mistreat you.
     However chaotic life gets, come to rest in My gentle grace.
     No matter what happens, find a reason to be thankful.
     Never, never, never stifle the Holy Spirit!
     To know the heartbeat and happiness of worship—keep praying.
     When all you can do is pray, believe that is enough.


 

                       (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond

                Day 235, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 11:38 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, August 03 2020

Rembrandt  Jesus Calming the Storm

Nevertheless He regarded their distress when He heard their cry;
And He [earnestly] remembered for their sake His covenant
and relented their sentence of evil [comforting and easing Himself]
according to the abundance of His mercy and loving-kindness.

PSALM 106:44-45 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE
 

Review your uncomplimentary history in honest confession.
     Sometimes you are a lot like the ancient Israelites—
          dull and slow to catch on—not seeing the light until you feel the heat!
          defiant and stubborn—rebelling against your own best interests!
          distracted and sidetracked—forgetting your Creator and Lord!
          dissatisfied and searching for more—desires running wild!
          demented and substituting lesser gods—worshiping counterfeits!
     When you realize you are in trouble, I hear your cries for help.
     The Master of the sea hears your despairing cry, lifts you from the waters,
          and keeps you safe
(James Rowe, “Love Lifted Me”).
     In My mercy, you are liberated and pardoned.
     In your sinful feelings, stay afloat by My grace.

Rejoice in the unparalleled happiness of My celebration.
     Think over the glorious miracles I have performed on your behalf.
     Pull out all the stops and praise Me—you cannot ever overdo it!
     Love will not let you go—rest your weary soul in Me.
     In My music, you are lyrical and peaceful.
     In your sad feelings, stay afloat by My gladness.

Rely on the unfailing hope of My covenant.
     My promise of a bright future is what keeps you from going under.
     Joy seeks you through pain, so do not close your heart to Me.
          Trace the rainbow through the rain, remembering morn will be tearless

          (George Matheson, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go”).
     Life’s sea is wide, and your boat is small—but I will not let you drown.
     In My mind, you are loved and pitied.
     In your sinking feelings, stay afloat by My goodness.

Waves overwhelming? Wind ferocious? Frightened by high seas?
     Trust My unfailing love—and stay afloat.

                                
                                        

                               (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                      Day 234, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 03:23 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, July 13 2020


When you send your Spirit, new life is born to replenish all the living of the earth.
PSALM 104:30 NLT
 

I am the Unrivaled Sovereign Force.
     Learn two lessons well: 1) I am God; 2) you are not!
          I give life meaning by indelibly writing love letters on your heart.
               I am the Lord of Life.
                    Resign as Universe CEO—and experience My peace.

I am earth’s only Secure Foundation.
     I am your Driving Motivation and Enduring Success.
          I am the Light of Life.
               Rely on Me absolutely—and exult in My power.

I am your Satisfying Food.
     Make My Word more important than your daily bread.
          Identify with My Son and internalize His life—really live!
               I am the Life of Life.
                    Let My Spirit restore you—and enjoy My provision.

I am your Sheltering Fortress.
     Nothing in the world outshines the glory of My Presence.
          On high seas, seek My face—do not let fear get the best of you.
               I am the Love of Life.
                    Take refuge in Me—and enter My protection.

I am Mercy’s Smiling Face.
     Permit My Holy Spirit to work in you—become more like Christ.
          I am the Laughter of Life.
               Be renewed by Me—and emulate My perfection.

I am your Heart’s Singing Faith.
     Soar with My Wind—celebrate real freedom.
          I am the Lyrics of Life.
               Rejoice in Me—and echo My praise.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 233, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:04 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email

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    Hull's Memorial Baptist Church
    420 Enon Road | Fredericksburg, VA 22406 | PH: 540.371.4124