The master was full of praise, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.

                                      You have been faithful in handling this small amount,

                         so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”

                                                                    Matthew 25:21 NLT

Good job!   You’ll hear these words if you do My work well. 

     Well thought is good, well said is nice, but well done gets My attention. 

     I expect you to do something for Me—not just study or discuss it.

     Don’t just sit around and do nothing wrong—do something right.

     I am omniscient—I see the quality of service and the purity of motives. 

     Invest time and energy in My work and I will commend you one day.

Good heart!   At the cross, I took your sin and gave you perfection.

     I am merciful—I forgive repentant hearts. 

     Trust Me and I will give you My righteousness.

Good attitude!   The Faithful One is your example—walk in My steps.

     I am the Servant King—be subject to My will and live like Me.

     Without Me, you can do nothing worthwhile—without faith, you fail.

     For every responsibility I give you, I also grant you response-ability.

     Go out on a limb—don’t play it safe on this faith adventure.

     I inspire and energize you—yield and you can do what I ask of you.

Good response!   Trustworthiness and dependability are what I look for.

     I am your Boss—work like it.

     Give Me your best effort—strive to reach the high standards I set.

     Shoddy work and halfhearted efforts are unacceptable.

     I am gracious—I bless you with strength to serve.

     I trust you—now do your very best for Me.

Good reward!   You’ll receive something better than a paycheck. 

     Be faithful in small things—invest in My cause and earn big dividends.

     I observe all you do for Me—trust Me and I will make it all worthwhile.

     Nothing you do in My name is a waste of time—eternity will prove it.

     When you stand before your King, all you’ve done, yes everything

          will be worth it . . . rest assured I’ll reward you with My smile.
          With this one thought keep going . . . living, working for My smile.

© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond                Gentle Whispers from Eternity

   May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.

    May you have the power to understand, all God’s people should,

         how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.
     Ephesians 3:17b-18 NLT

My love is wider than your mind—it is universal.
     Reality transcending E = mc² is greater than your ability to comprehend.
     I am energy’s Source, faith’s Center of Gravity, and light’s Creator.
     My love reaches out to people of all nations—not just people like you.
     My love is no abstraction, it is actuality—more than an idea, it is truth.
     My mercy and compassion for the undeserving extends even to you.
     You cannot fathom why I care for you, but you can experience My love.

My love is longer than your lifetime—it is unending.
     No force can separate you from My love—
          death’s terror, life’s trouble, demons’ distraction, today’s fear,
          tomorrow’s worry, hell’s power, height’s dizziness, sea’s chaos—
               nothing can come between us.
     Believer, we are inseparable.
     When you are finally free from death, you will sing of My love forever.
 

My love is higher than your soul—it is unlimited.
     My love cancels despair with hope, and cares more than you imagine.
     Infinitely beyond earnest prayers, intense hopes, and grand dreams—
          My work inside your being gives you joy too wonderful for words.
     The place My heart is preparing for those who respond to My love
          is more beautiful than paintings, symphonies, or poems can express.

My love is deeper than your heart—it is unfailing.
     Betsie ten Boom is right—no pit is so deep, that I am not deeper still.
     When you experience depression, do not lose your hope in Me.
     My heart empathizes with you in your pain and problems.
     My promises guide you through the maze of perplexity.
     My Spirit holds you together through your darkest night.
     I am your Face-healer—smile through tears until I wipe them away.

 

© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond                 Day 344, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

“You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees!  Frauds! 

You burnish the surface of your cups and bowls so they sparkle in the sun, 

     while the insides are maggoty with greed and gluttony.  Stupid Pharisee!

Scour the insides, and then the gleaming surface will mean something.

You’re like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright,

    but six feet down it’s all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh.

                                People look and think you’re saints, but beneath the skin you’re total frauds.”

                                                      Matthew 23:25-28 THE MESSAGE
 

I’m giving you fair warning—heaven’s judgment fell on first-century pretenders,

     and it still falls on the heads of all who repeat their folly.

Pride always receives My severe condemnation.

     Religion means nothing to Me—relationship means everything.

     My Son put an end to religion, making heartless ceremonies obsolete. 

     Status nauseates me—servanthood receives My smile. 

     Payola piety turns My stomach—sincere worship melts My heart.

     Sermons without words are what I’m looking for, not hollow lectures.

     Fall to your knees because of your sin, then you can get to your feet again.

     I am your Teacher—sit at My feet as a humble student.

     Learn My lessons before you presume to teach others how to live.

Pretense always meets My heavy disapproval. 

     Pharisees practiced payola piety, trying to win human approval.

     They got what they wanted, nothing more—they were paid in full.

     They learned verses in their head, but did not know Me in their heart.

     They loved the attention of the masses, but did not love the Master.

     They acted spiritual to cover up their evil, but hid nothing from Me.

     They painted a veneer over their sin, but changed nothing inside. 

     Do better than the play-actors—take off your mask and avoid theatrics. 

     I am your Leader—stay near My heart and walk in My steps.

     Get real with Me before you attempt to lead people.

Superficiality always merits My intense judgment.

     Peripheral issues detract from nobler matters—equity, kindness, fidelity. 

     Looking good is no substitute for being good.

     I see right through you—you can’t fool Me for a minute.

     Reputation is what others think of you—character is what I know you are.

     Externalities may impress people and gain you wide recognition;

          but what pleases Me is a clean, wise, joyful, loving, obedient heart. 

     Keeping up appearances, with a heart rotten to the core, angers Me.

     I am your Savior—be pure inside and your public persona will be authentic.

     Be right on the inside before you try to influence the world.

     Be a fake, and you’re sure to receive My harsh censure.

     Be My authentic follower, and you’re certain to receive My commendation.

  © By Pastor Johnny R. Almond                         Gentle Whispers from Eternity

The Horrors of War
 

A Thought for Today by Pastor Johnny Almond
 

You will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic.

Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.

Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Matthew 24:6-7a NLT

     Hamas’ attack on Israel October 7^th killed over a thousand people. Israel’s response of a daily barrage of missiles into Gaza has reduced buildings to rubble and killed over four thousand people. Iran is using proxies to fire drones and missiles toward Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu says if Hezbollah launches a war against Israel and invades, “it will make the mistake of its life.” Terrorists are targeting American forces stationed in the Middle East. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States is ready to get involved in the Israel-Hamas war if “a line is crossed.”

     Images of the effects of war are heartbreaking—widespread carnage; innocents, many children, killed; apartments, homes and hospitals razed; mourners grieving loss of family and friends. Martin Luther wrote “Cannons and fire-arms are cruel and damnable machines. I believe them to have been the direct suggestion of the Devil. If Adam had seen in a vision the horrible instruments his children were to invent, he would have died of grief.”

     In Ukraine and on other battlefields today death is rampant. Human history is tarnished by the blight of combat. Benjamin Franklin said “There never was a good war or a bad peace.” Deep in our heart we know that our world cannot be patched up, that shuttle diplomacy only brokers a temporary truce. Leaders try their best to end chaos of unsettled nations, but calm is perpetually elusive. Romano Guardini, Catholic priest, wrote: “After we have done our utmost to defeat war, the realization breaks through that only God can truly do something about it. And the longing swells for the coming of that which not only can turn all things to the good, but also leads into the new: the end of time, which is the breakthrough of the eternal.”

 

     “After that the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after abolishing every ruler and all government and power. He must be King until He puts all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be subdued is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:24-26 MLB) The King of kings alone can obliterate war (Revelation 19:11). Finally swords will be hammered into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks, and “nation no longer fight against nation nor train for war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4) The Prince of peace promises to come very soon (Revelation 22:20). God speed the day!

                             You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.
                                                        This is the first and greatest commandment. 
                                           A second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself”
                                                                           Matthew 22:37-39 NLT

You need to get over and beyond yourself—

     self-love shrivels your soul and detracts from allegiance to your King.

Falling in love with yourself leads to a fall and a difficult recovery.

Falling in love with Me leads to fruitfulness and a delightful relationship.

If you doubt that I really love you, remember what I have done for you.

     God became a man; the Creator became your Savior;

     the King of kings became a slave; the Shepherd became a Lamb.

If you ponder My unfailing love, you will love Me with all you are.

Love the King of hearts with all the passion of your innermost being.

Avoid false gods of the heart—allow Me to completely captivate you.

I have made your heart My home—permit Me access to all the rooms.

Love the Lord of all with your entire personality and conscious life.

Make living for your King your number one goal and noblest purpose.

Take a heavenly perspective—do not obsess over transient matters.

Love the Master of wisdom with all your intelligence and thoughts.

You are not what you think you are; but what you think, you are.

Do not misuse your mind—do not dwell on thoughts that dishonor Me.

Love the Manager of the Universe with all your strength and energy.

Your body is a temple of My Holy Spirit—keep it clean and strong.

Love Me wholeheartedly—never get over your love for Me.

Love others like you do yourself—care about someone other than you. 

Start with your family—they are heaven’s gift to solve loneliness. 

Have a heart—neighborliness is nicer than narcissism.

I am love—I proved it by sending Jesus to the world to die for sinners.

Do you love Me? Prove it by giving Me your entire heart and soul.

© by Pastor Johnny R. Almond                

Gentle Whispers from Eternity

     When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us:
      love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
                                          Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
 

Sacrificial love results when serious disciples set out to walk in My steps.
    A compassionate life toward others is the way Jesus lived on earth.
    Why be content with merely going around? Go around doing good.

 

Invulnerable joy results when believing souls draw near My heart.
     A cheerful life is the surest sign of My presence with you.
     Why be satisfied with cheap thrills? Celebrate My inexpressible joy.

 

Incomprehensible peace results when desperate people kneel before Me.
    A calm life is the consequence of letting God do what you cannot.
    Why wring your hands in panic? Fold them in prayer.

 

Enduring patience results when trusting hearts believe My promises.
     A courteous life keeps your light shining when you have blown a fuse.
     Why rush like it all depends on you? Resign from My job and relax.

 

Empathetic kindness results from getting in synch with My Spirit.
    A cordial life reflects your humble gratitude for My love for you.
    Why run people down? They have battles to fight, just like you.

 

Lavish generosity results from sharing My resources with the needy.
     A charitable life is what I expect of all who receive My care.
     Why be stingy? The more you give, the more you are blessed.

 

Tenacious faithfulness results from focusing on My cross.
     A consistent life is possible if you will rely on My reinforcing grace.
     Why quit? I never give up on you—do not ever give up on Me.

 

Christlike gentleness results from accepting My invitation.
     A considerate life is the hallmark of those who serve Me.
     Why be harsh with others? I treat you with tenderness, so pass it on.

 

Supernatural self-control results from yielding to My Holy Spirit.
     A controlled life is only possible if I am in the driver’s seat.
     Why crash and burn? Surrender to My guidance—get safely home.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond             Day 343, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
 

                                                            God gave the people all these instructions.
                                                                         Exodus 20:1 NLT

    Live joyfully by trusting Me. Do not worship in pragmatism’s pantheon, adding Me to your list of material preoccupations. Bowing to earth’s no-gods disappoints. I am the Only Absolutely Reliable Spot in the universe.
 

     Live wisely by worshiping Me. I brook absolutely no rivals. Allegiance to the Sovereign God is indivisible. First place belongs only to Me. Keep away from false gods of the heart.

     Live humbly by lovingly speaking My Name. Do not misuse My Name. I am not amused by the flippant phrase “Oh my God.” Irreverent voices thoughtlessly toss My Name around in curse or jest, but I am your God. 

     Live healthfully by recreating your zest for living. Creation took six days, then I rested. So why do you think you do not have time for re-creation? Take a one-day vacation every week. Get out of fast-forward mode—push the pause button. Take a deep breath every Saturday morning, then you can breathe easy all day.    

       Live fully by honoring your parents. Respect your father and mother. 

     Live harmoniously by deleting sarcasm from your vocabulary. Do not kill with angry looks. Do not murder with verbal arrows.    

     Live purely by running from all sexual temptation. Avoid mental adultery. Evil fantasies will weaken your character.   

     Live honorably by refusing to steal. Be honest at all costs. Thievery takes what belongs to another; it also robs you of self-esteem.  

     Live kindly by squelching gossip. Never tell lies. Do not let your tongue idle while your mind is still in neutral. Hearsay always wrecks the neighborhood. 

     Live contentedly by humble gratitude. Learn to be satisfied with what I give you, and be genuinely rich. 

     I have never revised My publication on relationships. I write commandments, not suggestions. Breaking My rules breaks you. Compliance fosters tranquility between us and between you and others.  

     When you cannot seem to get life together, try following My directions.


 

© by Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                                                                                           

Day 49, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

May God Almighty give you mercy as you go before the man.
         Genesis 43:14 NLT

     It is a good thing I have a heart or you would not stand a chance. If I took up arms against your moral insurrection, you would be devastated. If I ripped off your mask of counterfeit integrity, your face would fall. You should be very thankful you do not receive what you deserve. If I corrected you in anger, you would be reduced to nothing. If I dealt with you severely, you’d survive less time than a dandelion in a windstorm. If I shut off mercy, you would be disgraced.
 

     To your great relief, between My overwhelming holiness and unbending law is a mercy seat. I am the Fountainhead of pity, with sole authority to extend clemency to condemned prisoners. 

     Guilt is a burden you cannot manage on your own. Hide it, and you will drive it deeper into your psyche, to erupt later in embarrassment and shame. I am far easier on you than you are yourself. The way I deal with sin is better than any method you invent. Cover your sin, and I will uncover it to your dismay; uncover it honestly before Me, and I will cover it with the blood of My Son. Jesus is your Merciful High Priest in My Presence, Defense Counsel pleading your case to Me.

     In no situation will I ever destroy you. Your Creator is infinitely compassionate. Listen carefully and you will hear morning echoes of My unfinished symphony of mercy. I cannot bring Myself to punish you for all your mistakes.  I erased your rebellion from My memory as far as east from west—infinitely dividing your iniquity and My perfection.

     I know you are made of dust, not steel. I understand your inability to live sinlessly.  I see you there standing at a distance, not even daring to raise your face to heaven. I hear your heartfelt

prayer, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
 

     Come closer. Confidently approach My throne—it is made of mercy, not marble. Humbly lift your eyes and observe kindness in Mine. Unworthiness makes you tremble at the thought of standing before Me. However, when you enter My Royal Presence, I will order angels to seat you at My banquet table of gracious dining.  The celebration feast will be greater than any you have attended. The wine of joy will flow freely. Do not worry about being included—you are already on My guest list. Relax—you are at My mercy.

 © by Pastor Johnny R. Almond                     Day 30  Gentle Whispers from Eternity
 

                        The man fell down before the king and begged him,

                          “Oh, sir, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.”

                                Then the king was filled with pity for him,

                                 and he released him and forgave his debt.

                                                Matthew 18:26-27 NLT

Do you realize how much you owed me—a debt you were unable to pay?

On death row—facing execution, time slipping away—you were hopeless.

Imprisoned in guilt and shame, you could find no exit from your dark cell.

If I had not intervened, you'd have been abandoned to eternal punishment—

     dwelling forever in a place designed for the devil and his angels.

No one else in the universe has the authority to forgive iniquities.

The scepter of righteousness and justice and mercy is in My hand alone.

In your wretchedness, you fell face down before Me and begged for mercy.

You pleaded with Me to be patient with you and give you another chance. 

My heart would not let Me refuse your sincere petition for clemency.

So in pity for your human foibles and in compassion for you, My child,

     I let you go free—totally and absolutely forgiving your transgressions.

My throne is mercy, not marble; otherwise, you'd have been doomed. 

Saving you from the penalty of death and hell, I pardoned your rebellion.

Paying the price of release, I redeemed you from the slave market of sin.

Wiping the slate clean, I erased wrongdoings and gave you a fresh start.

Forgiving and forgetting, I did for you what you could not do for yourself.

Putting a spring in your step and a song in your heart, I gave you new life.

Showering kindness on you, I cleansed all your guilt by My Son’s sacrifice. 

You are forgiven, not because of doing penance on your bloody knees—

     but because of Jesus’ bloody hands and feet, and the spear in his side.

Celebrating My kindness, remember to be kind to everyone around you.

Remembering My pardon, graciously pardon those who hurt you. 

I have completely forgiven you for the awful way you have treated Me,

     so forgive those who mistreat and offend you in some small way. 

Living otherwise calls in question subjection to the King who pardoned you. 

Loved by the King of hearts, have a heart for your heartless critics.

Freely forgiven by the King of love, freely forgive those who wrong you.

Shown mercy by the Monarch you've offended, extend mercy to offenders.  

Having your debt canceled by the King of peace, release those who owe you.

Receiving grace from the King of kings, do not hold a grudge—let it go!

Realizing I never keep track of your sins, do not keep track of others’ attacks.

Rich in liberty and blessings, celebrate My pardon by being quick to pardon. 
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                               Gentle Whispers from Eternity

              A Bottom-line Question

   
              Then he asked them, “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

                              Matthew 16:15-16 NLT

Opinion polls reveal that from the world’s viewpoint the jury is still out.

     But what about you? Who do you say I am?

Do you confess I am your Savior?

     Then leave your eternal destiny in the hands of the King of Love.

          Trust Me to forgive your sins—I will save you from hell, sin’s penalty.

     Then lean on Me to experience victory over sin’s addictive power.

          Do not depend on your own imagined virtue to conquer temptation.  

     Then look forward to total redemption—freedom from sin’s presence.     

          Do not be shaped by your guilty past—be shaped by My glorious future.

Do you claim I am your Sovereign?

     Then advance My kingdom, and do not just try to build your own.

          Give Me the wheel—if I am not in the driver’s seat, you will crash.

     Then promote My cause—do not be preoccupied with your interests.

          Copy Christ’s example of downward mobility—the way up is down.

     Then build your life on Solid Rock, not on the quicksand of selfishness.

          Stand on the Gibraltar of My government, not the fault line of your ego.

Do you testify I am your God?

     Then worship Me with your emotions, personality, intellect, and energy.

     Then revel in My mercy and unfailing love.

          Be glad I do not treat you as you deserve—or you would not survive.

     Then struggle to live a radically holy life.

          If you claim you know Me, I expect you to live in a Christlike way.

Do you say I am your Master?

     Then put aside selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and walk in My steps.

© by Pastor Johnny R. Almond                    Day 309, Gentle Whispers from Eternity