Cross-examined

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves.

If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is in you, it means you have failed the test.

                            2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT

Pause awhile—take time to ponder your relationship to your Creator.

     Are you gloating in your wisdom, strutting in your athletic ability,  

          boasting of your bank account—or glorying in truly knowing Me?

     In the light of the cross, cross-examine your heart.

Can you pass the Christ test?

     Are you relying on your imaginary goodness or My infinite goodness?   

     Have you humbly knelt at the foot of the cross, giving Me your heart?      

     If the mercy of Christ is with you, you can be confident facing eternity.

Are you experiencing the celebrative thrill of My Presence in your heart?

     Do you delight above everything in the pleasure of My company?

     Do you trust My promise to be with you every heartbeat and step?

     If the fellowship of the Spirit is with you, you can sing whatever comes.

Is Christlike transformation changing you for the better day by day?

     Do you stay near Me by immediate repentance when you wander?

     Do you adjust your attitudes to conform to My Word’s holy directives?

     If the grace of Christ is with you, you can live with a clear conscience.

Do cordial ties make your life pleasant and rewarding?

     Are you interested in what others do, crossing boundaries of your ego?

     Are you habitually flocking together with Jesus’ sheep?

     If the love of God is with you, you can learn to value others above self.

Does calm tranquility characterize your everyday life?

     Do you panic when problems arise, or do you pray?

     Have you found the equilibrium equation—iron shoes for rough roads?

     If the peace of God is with you, you can relax.

© by Pastor Johnny R. Almond            Day 342, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                     “That isn’t necessary—you feed them. Bring them here.”     

                                “It’s all right. I am here! Don’t be afraid.”         

                                     “All right, come,” Jesus said.                             

                                            Matthew 14:16, 18, 27, 29 NLT
 

My commanding word transforms the little in your hand into abundance. 

Your deepest wants are lavishly supplied by My miracle-working ability. 

Situations that are impossible for you are no problem for the Almighty.

I am the Mighty God—absolutely nothing is too hard for Me to handle.

Shamgar gave Me the ox goad in his hand, and he defeated Israel’s enemies. 

David gave Me the smooth stones in his hand, and he conquered Goliath.

Moses gave Me the staff in his hand, and he led My people out of bondage.

Paul gave Me the pen in his hand, and he wrote most of the New Testament. 

A boy gave Me five barley loaves and two fish, and his lunch fed thousands. 

Give Me your little talent—I will change it into a great blessing for many.

Give Me your one life—I will open heaven’s windows in limitless blessing. 

Give Me your needs—I will take such good care of you, there’ll be leftovers. 

At My word, take a seat at My table and satisfy your hungry heart.

My comforting word enables you to sail on troubled seas on an even keel. 

Realizing who I am, you can move beyond fear and find courage to live.

As a father coaches his child, I speak tender words to see you through. 

As a friend sticks by a friend, I walk alongside you and reinforce you.

In quiet solitude, I restore your equilibrium and strengthen you to carry on. 

No one understands you like I do—no one stands under you like I do.

I am the Prince of Peace calming you on earth’s chaotic roller coaster. 

I am the Wonderful Counselor guiding you through life’s perplexing maze. 

I am the Captain of your vessel reassuring you in the world’s scary storms.  

Whatever your days may demand of you, My grace will supply.

When the sea is high and your spirit is low, I keep you from going crazy.

At My word, quit wringing your hands and fold them in serene prayer.

My challenging word invites you to attempt the humanly impossible.

If you want to walk on water, you’ll have to climb out of the boat.

If you want to experience adventure, you’ll have to leave your comfort zone. 

If you want to think new thoughts, you’ll have to think outside worn boxes.

I am the Everlasting Father incredibly stabilizing you in changing situations.

You may wonder how long you can tread water, but I will keep you afloat.

You may feel you cannot go on, but My grace will help you persevere.

You may be unable to figure out how things work, but I will direct your steps.

You may be afraid of gusty winds and high waves, but I will give you courage.

You may feel you are walking alone, but I am on the water right beside you.

At My word, get out of the boat. 

© by Pastor Johnny R. Almond                            Gentle Whispers from Eternity

        The Perfect Gift

                     Thank God for his Son—

                a gift too wonderful for words!

                  2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT
 

Be grateful for My Precious Gift—your Cornerstone in a changing world.

     No human language can fully express gratitude for His loyal friendship.

     Sun, moon, and stars quietly reflect His Name’s majesty and glory.

     Jesus is your Faithful Redeemer—quiet your heart and enjoy His freedom.

     Silence is the humble soul’s reverence.

Be grateful for My profound grace—your cleansing in a corrupt world.

     Christ’s unmerited favor and mercy are gifts too wonderful for words.   

     Words may express affection, but actions tell the true story.

     You are saved by grace—prove your love by serving your Savior.

     Service is the holy soul’s response.

Be grateful for My personal gladness—your celebration in a sad world.

     My song is your unparalleled rapture—putting a spring in your step.

     I teach you hope’s eternity-melody—I teach you faith’s time-dance.

     No day is so hard, no night so long, you cannot find a reason to sing.

     Singing is the happy soul’s rejoicing.

Be grateful for My powerful goodness—your Center of Gravity in a bad world.

     Traveling the high road is possible through strength Christ provides.    

     Friendship with the Sovereign is unrivaled relationship—true wealth.

     Satisfaction is the hungry soul’s resource.

Be grateful for My perfect guidance—your compass in a confusing world.

     I guide by tranquil streams now—and to life-giving springs forever.

     Trust the infallible directions of God’s Providential Spirit.

     Stillness is the homeward-bound soul’s restoration.

Be grateful for My promised glory—your confidence in a despairing world.

     Faith in the Bright Morning Star transforms you into an eternal optimist.

     Christ in you is glory previewed—peace in pandemonium.

     Serenity is the hopeful soul’s rest.

 © Pastor Johnny Almond                     Day 341, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                                        Clay Hallelujahs

 This precious treasure—light and power that now shine within us—is held in fragile clay jars,

that is, in our weak bodies.  Everyone can see our glorious power is from God and not our own.

                Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

                                      2 Corinthians 4:7, 16 NLT
 

Forever light on Christ’s face is My best portrait of Incarnate Truth.

     Light beyond light is your Center of Gravity.

     Here is the Greatest Reality you can ever ponder:

          I Will Always Be Who I Have Always Been—

               I have always loved you, and I always will.

     Get to know My Son better—enjoy the pleasure of His company.

Frail life of clay is a container of boundless power, an interior treasure.

     Your human body is mortal, finite, limited by space and time.

     Yet I choose to make your heart My home.

     I am Light in your darkness—the dark side cannot conquer My love.

     I am Power in your weakness—the evil one cannot vanquish My grace.

     Avoid staggering in dirty places—walk as a child of the Light.

Finish line is the challenge to believing perseverance in intense trial.

     Endurance is underrated—those who finish the race win My smile.

     When perplexed, pray—gaze again at My cross and hang on.

     When tempted by easier roads, refuse to compromise—soldier on.

     Do not let fatigue or criticism force you to resign—re-sign and work on!

     I remember you are weak—remember I am strong, and you will make it.

Forward look is the celebration of beautiful paradise, the infinite triumph.  

     Discouraged? You are headed for a sinless, deathless, painless place.   

     Disappointed by false advertising? Heaven is not too good to be true.

     Disillusioned by fleeting pleasures? Heaven is not too good to last.

     One day, in eternity, you will join saints and angels in celestial hallelujahs.

     Until then—today, in time, praise Me with clay hallelujahs.
 

             © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                  Day 340, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

He dreamed of a stairway that reached from earth to heaven.

                                Genesis 28:12 NLT
 

What are you dreaming of? What is your highest hope? Noblest vision? Imagination mirrors My creativity. Your idea of the ideal future echoes My promises. Your dreams are vague reflections of Mine. I communicate with you in dreams. Pay attention to images and ideas. Be sensitive to emotions. I send clear and colorful signals to your heart that can transform your life if you take My dream seriously.

To you it seems a long way from earth to heaven. “Now” and “not yet” feel a great distance apart—between where I am and where you are, countless steps. But it is not as far between time and eternity as you think—Love traverses the span with the speed of thought. Small faith takes you up to heaven; mature faith brings heaven down to earth.

Infinite light years are bridged in an instant of childlike trust. I am nearer than hands and feet, closer than breathing. I am not a local, territorial god—I am the Omnipresent God of the universe. I am Land Lord of the earth, so every location can become My sanctuary. No spot need be lonely—find Me in your heart and find Me everywhere.

Whatever your dream, I am the Apex of the staircase. I am the Author of every perfect dream, the Means to achieve the desired end, the Final Step to reach the ultimate goal. I am the Stairway to the stars, Reality behind dreams, and Energy to climb steps and attain visions.

The sky is not the limit—aim for the company of the immortals! Dare to dream grand dreams—visualize heaven open and angels ascending and descending the stairway of hope. When it seems there is no way to reach your dream, I will make a way. I am the Way to the Truth of Life. I am the Gateway to perfect ecstasy. I dream with you as you pursue your dream.

I give you strength and patience to continue to climb. I comfort you when you wonder if the dream will ever materialize. My Spirit inspired your dream; I keep your dream alive until fulfillment. I protect you in twists and turns of the dreamy spiral. From the heights, I watch over your progress and supervise the ascent to your destiny. Take My hand and I will get you home.

Let reveille awaken you from reverie. Daydreaming is sweet, but it is time to wake up and start climbing. Do more than stare up the steps—step up the stairs.

I promise your dream will come true in thrilling actuality. We will celebrate together at the top of the stairs.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                             Day 19, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

There remain then, faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

                                       1 Corinthians 13:13 MLB

Love endures.

     Love’s patience never dies; love’s commitment never gives up.

     No matter how uncertain the future, love trusts steadily.

     Love never fails, fades, or becomes obsolete—it endures time’s test.
 

Love empathizes.

     My heart is eternally kind—all true love reflects My merciful heart.

     Love celebrates with happy hearts—love cries with the heartbroken.

Love esteems others.

     Love wishes the best for others, so it is not jealous of their success.

     Love is not focused inwardly, so it does not brag or strut.

     Love is genuinely concerned for others’ welfare, so it is never rude.

     Love serves for heaven’s sake, so it does not resent Christlike slave labor.

Love excuses wrongs suffered.

     Love does not keep score, or maintain a record of trespasses against it.

     A loving heart forgives others, as it has been forgiven by Infinite Love.

Love is ecstatic about truth.

     Love weeps its heart out over injustice, and parties when truth wins.

Love expects the best.

     Seeing your Savior face to face will launch a never-ending celebration.

     I am saving the best for the last—rest assured.

Love exceeds everything.

     Eloquence without love is pointless speech.

     Knowledge without love is meaningless nonsense.

     Faith without love is useless exercise.

     Self-sacrifice without love is wasted effort.

     Faith and hope are temporal, but love lasts forever—the greatest reality.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                  Day 339. Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                                                  








                                                        Sallman  Head of Christ

God is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

                                                1 Corinthians 1:9 NLT

Christ behind you is your forgiveness.

     I knew your name and paid for your redemption before you were born.

     I died in your place to give you a clean slate and a fresh start.

     I drowned your transgressions in the depths of Forgetfulness Sea.

     I am your Cleansing—the most blessed assurance of your mind.

Christ within you is your freedom.

     I am your Key to liberation from sin’s cruel addiction—live free!

     Do not brag about being rich, strong, or wise—never blow your own horn.

     Revel in the fact that you know Me—blow a trumpet of praise for God.

     I am your Center of Gravity—the most precious treasure of your heart.

Christ beneath you is your foundation.

     I am the Solid Rock in a quicksand world—Even Keel on high seas.

     Let Me have what troubles you, and I promise to take good care of you.

     Lean on My everlasting arms, and I will see that you survive every trial.

     I am your Cornerstone—the most powerful fortress for your soul.

Christ before you is your future.

     I am your Shepherd; in My Presence you have everything you need—

          comfort in hurt, satisfaction in disillusionment, welcome in coldness,   

          goodness in evil, love in hate, blessings in sadness, hope in doubt.

     I am your Confidence—the most beautiful promise of your tomorrows.

Christ beside you is your Friend.

     I am with you every heartbeat, breath, step, day, season, and year.

     I am your Advocate—I defend against hell’s prosecuting attorney.

     I am your Anchor in life’s storms—I comfort you in pain and heartache.

     I am your Companion—the most encouraging Friend of your life.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                   Day 338, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Another reason for right living is

  that  you know how late it is;

        time is running out.

        Romans 13:11 NLT

Time ticks away—like money, it can be spent as you like, but only once.

     Life is not a dress rehearsal.

     An anonymous poet expressed the poignant truth:

          Only one life, ’twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.

     Thoreau was right—killing time injures eternity (Walden).

     Procrastination is not a good idea—regrets are futile.

     Today is the day of salvation and of service—Get busy!

It is time to advance My cause.

     Work for My kingdom—make it your primary concern.

     Do more than build your own kingdom—advance Mine!

     Work in My power, not your own—be energized by My Spirit.

     Outsoar mediocrity, outrun temptation, outwalk lethargy.

     Work for My glory, not human applause and recognition.

     Be earnest and disciplined—make a conscious effort to honor Me.

It is time to announce My coming.

     Dark-alley secrets will be revealed in the broad daylight of judgment.

     You are a child of the Light—be sure you live that way!

     Be optimistic as you await sunrise—rest easy.

     Be courageous as you await My Advent—relax.

     My kingdom will come—tell everyone who will listen the Good News.

     My will shall be done on earth, as in heaven—give others a preview.

It is time to allow My control.

     Do what comes naturally, act like the Devil—and you will self-destruct.

     Do what comes supernaturally, act like Jesus—and find great joy.

     Search for My help, and I will deliver you from the evil one.

     Stay near My heart, and I will develop your character for eternity.

     You do not have much time—prepare for your appointment with Me.

     Yield to My mastery, and do not be embarrassed when time is over.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                Gentle Whispers from Eternity

The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
                                                     Romans 6:23  NLT

When you’re dead to sin, you can be devoted to the Savior.

     Identified with Christ’s death through baptism, you have died to sin—

          a corpse does not sin, so consider yourself unresponsive to evil.

     As Christ was resurrected from the dead by My glorious power,

          so you are enabled by My Spirit to rise above the world’s selfishness.

     Decisively treat carnal desires and devilish lures of your human nature

          as if they were dead—only then can you learn how to really live.

     Bury your dark lifestyle—let Me resurrect you to a light-filled world. 

     Crucify your rotten nature—let Me adjust attitudes in fresh directions.

     You have a new focus—heaven dominates your thoughts.

When you’re delivered from addiction, sing doxologies to the Almighty. 

     By My power, you can be unshackled from harsh slavery to the evil one.

     Captured by grace and captivated by Christ, you are indeed free.

     By My omnipotence, you can be liberated from old degrading habits.

     Yielded joyfully to Christ, you discover far nobler ways to live.

     A non-conformist to the world, you are transformed by My Holy Spirit.

     Serve Me not in boring letter of the law, but creative ways of My Spirit. 

     Tossing slave’s rags and donning saint’s clothes, you sport a new wardrobe—

          tenderheartedness, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

     When you trust Me, I do not turn you into a robot—I let you choose.

     You have new freedom—deciding for My purpose is a grand lifestyle.

When you leave Satan’s dead-end trail, you can travel the King’s Highway.

     Live only for self-gratification and you will ruin your life and wind up dead.

     Live for My honor and you will ultimately reach My home and see My smile. 

     It is impossible to remain neutral; here is the choice you must make—

          surrender to My mastery and be blessed, or yield to sin and be cursed.

     Those rejecting Me have hell to pay; those trusting Me have heaven to enjoy.

     Hell and heaven are eternal opposites—

          painful darkness or perpetual light, cold hate or heart-warming love,

          despondent hopelessness or delightful joy, awful punishment or paradise.

     Do not be duped by Satan’s temptations—his party has an eternal hangover.       

     Satan offers happiness but it is only transient—I am saving the best for last. 

     Walking in My steps is not easy, but the destination will thrill you forever. 

     You have a new future—a perspective helping you march forward in hope. 
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                    Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                            We know how dearly God loves us, 

because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

                                      Romans 5:5 NLT

Faith is the key to heaven’s infinite resources—

     unlocking a treasure chest enriching the depths of your innermost being. 

Kneeling in repentance and trust, you enter a place of highest privilege—

     ruled by the King of kings, loved and cared for as the apple of God’s eye,

     inseparably united to the Sovereign of the universe.

Explore these deep treasures I have placed in your heart—and celebrate.

Hope in My promises is a powerful antidote to the poison of despair.

Looking around can be discouraging, but looking forward lifts your spirit.     

Rest assured I will keep My Word—the future is as bright as My promises. 

Listen to My future melody—cheerfully laugh in anticipation of heaven.

In the meantime, until glory materializes—dance to My jig of joy.

The Bright Morning Star shines in your heart—live confidently.

Joy in problems is a precious alleviation for the pain of despondency. 

Adversity University teaches valuable lessons you’d never learn otherwise.

Hang in there—character-building experiences draw you nearer Me.

My Spirit cascades through your personality bringing out-of-this-world joy. 

I intend to finish what I started in your life—enjoy the divine process.

The Mighty God energizes your heart—live delightfully

Peace in perplexity is a practical answer to the puzzle of distress.

Pressure will not crush you; perplexity will not make you give up and quit;

     getting knocked down will not stop your forward progress,  

     if you use My recipe for peace—pray about all; thank Me for answers;

          in response I will guard your mind and heart by thoughts of My Son. 

When perplexing cares crowd your inmost self, I am near to cheer your soul. 

The Prince of Peace reigns in your heart—live calmly.

Love in My Presence is priceless assurance in the pressures of doubt. 

I have marked you as belonging to Me by placing My Spirit in your heart.

Adam’s family line brings death, but Christ’s family line brings life.

Celebrate your identity, call Me Father, and count on your Greatest Friend.         

The name of the eternal city is The Lord Is There—that is why it is heaven. 

The Everlasting Father lives in your heart—live optimistically. 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                         

                                         Gentle Whispers from Eternity