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

                                   Psalm 130:1 MLB
 

     In heartache, reach for God in prayer.

          From valley depths, cry out to the Lord.

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

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

          Jesus is ready to listen when you need to talk.

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

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

            [Elisha A. Hoffman] * 

     In holiness, revere God because of His pardon.

          Vindicated by deliverance, consecrate yourself to the Savior.

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

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

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

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

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

     In hope, rely on God’s promise.

          Visioning daybreak, commune with your Father.

          Faithing morning, gaze on the Bright Morning Star.

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

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

           Toiling along the way with painful steps and slow,

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

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

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

               There will always be a small patch of sky above,

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

     In help, rejoice in God’s Providence.

          Victorious by Holy Spirit dynamics, celebrate infinite power.

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

          Unshackled from addictive evil, revel in perfect freedom.

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

          In difficult circumstances, cultivate joyful inner-stances.

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

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

          In emotional valleys, look heavenward and triumph. 

         © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                 Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
     but let God transform you into a new person

             by changing the way you think.

                               Romans 12:2 NLT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Let heaven permeate your thoughts—live in celestial anticipation.

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

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

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

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

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

Think purely—consecrate yourself to live a holy life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Be a humble servant—maintain a Christlike attitude.

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

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

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

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

 

© Pastor Johnny R Almond                         Day 336, Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

      Give honor to the Lord for the glory of his name.  Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. 

                                                          Psalm 29:2  NLT
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   © Johnny R. Almond                               Day 203, Gentle Whispers from Eternity         

 God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
                                                           John 3:16 NLT

The world is the object of My love.

     Looking down from heaven, I dearly prized the people of all nations.  

     Understanding the hopelessness of the human situation,

          I compassionately and mercifully provided a perfect solution.

     Observing sinners scurrying around like cockroaches in dark alleys,

          I sent Holy Light to show them a nobler way to live.
 

My Son is the offering of My love.

     I am Love—I proved it once and for all by sending Jesus to earth

          to make it possible for you to be My friend forever.

     I did not dispatch My Son to condemn and pass sentence on you—

          but to forgive you of your transgressions.

     The bloody sacrifice on Skull Hill was the highest price He could pay.

          He suffered excruciatingly when He took your sins on His shoulders.
 

Belief is the opportunity of my love.

     Relying on Jesus places you in My eternal care.

     Believing means more than nodding your head in mental assent—

          it means trusting His words and relying on Him for power to change.

     Jesus’ death on the cross is the only remedy for your sin.

     Your eternal destiny hinges on what you do with My Son.
 

Eternal life is the optimism of My love.

     Not guilty is the verdict I reach when you kneel in repentance and faith.

     Safe and sound is your ensured state when you surrender to Me.

     Eternal life is not just living forever—that would be hell without Me.  

     Eternal life is a new earthly life in time—

          and a heavenly life without death, sickness, or evil in eternity.

     How can you be sure I will honor this insurance policy? You have My Word.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                        Day 321, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Spiritual Coordinates

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

                                              Genesis 3:9 NLT

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

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

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

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

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

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

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                               Day 2, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

               Jesus' appearance changed

           so that his face shone like the sun,

        and his clothing became dazzling white.

 When they looked, they saw only Jesus with them.

                         Matthew 17:2, 8 NLT

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

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

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

Rely on My grace and weakness is transfigured into strength.

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

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

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

Look up and melancholy is transfigured into music and dancing. 

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

Pride builds a house of cards—I alone endure.

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

Worship Me and apathy is transfigured into heartfelt praise.

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

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

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

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

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

No authority trumps Mine—no government overrides Mine.

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

Surrender your heart and chaos is transfigured into radiant calm.

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

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

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

Focus on Me and materialism is transfigured into eternal wealth. 

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

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

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

Honor Me and heartache is transfigured into heaven.
 

© Johnny R. Almond                           Gentle Whispers from Eternity

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

                                                Matthew 5:3 NLT
 

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

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

     Beggars prostrate before My throne are blessed beyond imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     Receiving undeserved mercy will be ample reward for your compassion.

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

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

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

In a warmongering world, I bless the peacemakers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                            Gentle Whispers from Eternity

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

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

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

Isaiah 43:10-11 NLT
 

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

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

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

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

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

I am the only Strength strong enough to do the impossible.

I am the only Commander smart enough to win your life’s battles. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am the only God infinite enough to totally satisfy your hungry heart.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond       Gentle Whispers from Eternity

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

             to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

                                                          Micah 6:8 NLT
 

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

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

     Funding a cathedral would not pay off your transgressions.     

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

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

     obedience to My commandments, honest endeavor to do right;

     compassion toward others, kindness and mercy for the struggling;

     humility before Me, taking Me seriously.

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

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

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

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

     obedience, resulting in the blessing of life;

     or rebellion, resulting in the curse of death.  

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

Every thought, word and deed is an accurate boomerang.

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

You heard right—I said requirements. 

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

My commands are not recommendations—they are clear requirements.

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

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

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

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

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

Why do right?  Because I said so.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do as I say, and all will be well.

         © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                   Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Traveling Land my salvation—

so why should 

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

Psalm 27:1a NLT
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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