Our destiny is to be so intimately united with God that, as the mystics say, we not only see God’s face but also see with God’s face.
— Peter Kreeft, The God Who Loves You
And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem;
Zechariah 14:8
Standing in the water, it feels cold to my hot and tired feet. Shoes off I let the moving stream flow over them. The summer sun beating down on my neck. It's a extremely hot day. Kentucky is hot this time of year anyways, but with no cloud in sight for shade, it seems worse.
I move up the stream a piece to a shaded spot. Sitting on the rock on the bank, I admire this lovely area. The reason I had come to this place to begin with was to find a certain point along the stream. "Not sure what to look for or how to find it," was my only thought while wiping the sweat from my eyes. "Alright, God you know what I came here looking...," and before I could finish that prayer on my breath, there it was. My eyes beheld the site. The site where a location had been hewned out by many feet. The ground concaved in where believers from the past had stood. They had stood waiting to get baptized in that one special place in the stream. Rushing over to it, I stood. Touching the water, I let it roll along my fingertips. The sensation of living waters overwhelmed me.
Before me laid the place where my grandmother's church had baptized new believers. The church building has long since been torn down. The believers gone on to be with our Lord. But these living waters still moved on. The mark of their presence and belief shown here upon the Earth. Waiting for someone to be lead here again.
They weren't baptized in a baptistery or some other way inside. They went to the stream. The bible belt people knew the spiritual significance of the running waters. The waters were alive. If the water sat still, it would become stagnant and nasty. But as long as it ran over the rocks it was pure. The water carrying every bit of trash that fell in it far away.
We should be like the living waters. Never standing still with Christ, but moving toward Him lest we become stagnant and nasty. Like the rocks purified the water, the rocky troubles of life refine and purify our faith. Our sin like that trash in the water is carried down stream and dumped into the river. The river rushes faster into the sea. In the case of our sin, it is distributed into God's sea of forgetfulness. Never to be remembered anymore.
Rising up to stand, my knees popped a little. A sign I guess of the times. No longer as young as I was, but not old either. Just wear and tear of a body abused from working. I waded out into the waters up to my waist. Stepping into that sunk in place in the ground as the water preceded by, I closed my eyes. For a moment, I stood among God's people in heaven. The living waters came up in fountains for everyone to drink from. I could only get a sense of what they were doing. Mine wasn't the time to take that drink with them, not yet. My job still lies ahead of me. Getting out of the water I opened my eyes and proceeded on my way. Looking back I whispered on the breeze that had just now picked up,"I'll be back to drink that water with y'all. I promise." So my job of soul searching continues on in my heart...
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters:
Revelation 7:17
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
and a little child shall lead them.
Isaiah 11:6
The soul is healed by being with children.
Author: English Proverb
It has been said, “In the Holy Land they put a bell on one sheep and when it moves all the rest of the flock moves with him”. My young 7 year old daughter has become my bell sheep in a way. Her child like innocence has revealed God to me more than anything. Her believe is so simple and not obscured by everything else. It is straight forward and honest. She has no hidden agenda or bias in any form. She loves God and loves everyone openly. Feeling that everyone, no matter how bad, needs love. She believes anyone can change.
She wrote on a piece of paper, like she always does and secretly hands it to me. Pretending like it's a secret message only she and I know about. I open the latest one. Looking at it, it read,"I love you." Well, you know that does any father's heart good to read that. Of course, she informed me that there was more. I just needed to look again. There was her tender little words, which she informed me was a song she sings, saying,"I'm a little girl. I'm a little girl. I'm a little girl. Everyone loves me. Yes, they do." She informed me that this was true cause she loved everyone. I wondered about how this could be true to her. "Cause God loves me and we're suppose to love everybody," she was making me aware of. Words of wisdom from someone so young. The difference is she believes these words with no doubt in her mind. Our unbelief is our problem.
She has heeded to the calling of the Holy Spirit. Her ears are open to His bid to come follow the Shepard. My stubborn ears are closed at times. I don't hear the sound of the Shepard. I go wandering off like a dumb sheep toward a cliff. Never even realizing the Shepherd's warning. All of a sudden I hear the sound of a bell. The sound of the bell my Dad may have been talking to me about in a way on his deathbed. He said listen for the sound of God's bell. He said my daughter was special. And she is. I never would have thought she would be the one wearing the bell. Given by God I believe and placed there around her neck by my dad. My eyes couldn't see at the time nor my mind comprehend his words then. That she at times with her little bell would lead me back to the Shepherd's voice.
Lord, take me back to the place I once knew as a small child, when Your eyes were constantly watched over me. Lift my soul up, and carry me at the times when I become weary. Lay me down, and let me rest in Your care. Allow me to fall into the bed of faith You have prepared for me.
Amen.
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
The measure of a Christian is not in the height of his grasp but in the depth of his love. -- Clarence Jordan
"You are a Christian, would you pray for my children?" she inquired. Turning around I was shocked to see her standing there. "Who am I?" I thought.
As I carry my son into the church house, I look at my wife beside me. She reaches for my hand to hold it. Holding my hand I realize the significance of this. Reaching out she connects with us both. Realizing what our love with God's help had created together.
I looked at her small hand in mine. Grasping it contently we walked in together. Sitting down on the pew, I looked at her hand in mine. My son snuggled up on my shoulder. If God hadn't made her for me,why does her hand fit so perfectly into mine? This thought runs through my mind. I take it in and dwell on it. Letting it soak in as I rub her hand. I look at our hands and she smiles as if to say,"My heart has been waiting for these days, my love."
Squeezing my hand to let me know,"Hey, you, I am here for you." My soul hopes, even until my death, to be holding her hand at the end of my days.
So much is said unspoken through holding hands. Such as my strength is your strength and together we will over come each others weaknesses. The two clasped hands seem to murge together as one. Stronger than the one hand by itself.
With hands held tight we form a chain linking families from the past and present together. Uniting two seperate families into one. God said for husband and wife to become one flesh, that is true.
There is times though, I feel like more than our physical hands hold each other. It seems that our very souls touch and hold each others hands even when we are apart. Words escape me sometimes, but how she makes me feel does not.
Her fingers are so long and skinny like mine. They are even shaped like mine. Making a perfect grasp around each individual finger.
How wonderful to be able to hold my best friend's hand. Walking with me and sometimes guiding me in the dark times of my life. Supporting me one day when I'm to old to make it by myself. At other times holding my hand, urging me to follow her when she wants to show me her love alone. Sometimes gripping my hand as tight as she can when she's scared and doesn't want to be alone. I grip back to reassure silently that we stand together. For when I fall she falls, when she stands I stand, but we do it together as one.
The best use of her hand is to hold it in the moonlight and dance together until dawn.
Holding hands is God's kind and loving way to allow us to express our love to each other. the day will come when she lets go of my hand and gives it to God at my death. Thank you, God, for the day when you give my hand back to her. Grasping it once again as we embrace never to be seperated again.
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.
Song of Solomon 2:6
"Love is not about finding the right person, but creating a right relationship. It's not about how much love you have in the beginning but how much love you build till the end."Source Unknown
by
Lance Gargus
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
1 Timothy 6:6-9
Nine requisites for contented living: Health enough to make work a pleasure. Wealth enough to support your needs. Strength to battle with difficulties and overcome them. Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them. Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished. Charity enough to see some good in your neighbor. Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others. Faith enough to make real the things of God. Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future - Goethe
Jesus,
Thanks for revealing to me that contentment is not a destination but a journey.
Rather than becoming discontented and searching for a better situation,
I pray I will focus on what you have given me.
May I see my cup as running over with your blessing.
Seeing that he who has God and many other things, has no more than he who has God only.
Being content as I was as a child in my father's arms.
Amen.
By
Lance Gargus
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Luke 6:28
Great grief prays with great earnestness. Prayer is not a collection of balanced phrases; it is the pouring out of the soul. What is love if it be not fiery? What are prayers if the heart be not ablaze? They are the battles of the soul. In them men wrestle with principalities and powers... "The prayer that prevails is not the work of lips and fingertips. It is the cry of a broken heart and the travail of a stricken soul."
Samuel Chadwick
Heavenly Father,
help me deal lovingly with that tough person in my job
but guard me from the hurt that he can also cause.
Amen.
by
Lance Gargus
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
People need loving the most when they deserve it the least. --John Harrigan
This neat little trick could open up the door to witness to someone. Open your Bible up to the middle. Fold the pages without bending them. Only one on the left and one on the right. Curl both around and insert the ends back into the Bible. Notice that it makes a heart shape. Oh, the Great Love of God.
The Greatest Love... holds the world together.
... shows God and is not self-centered.
... displays the Greatest Power as a burning fire.
... exhibits the suffering Christ endured.
... governs all that God does.
... extends love to your neighbor, even the unlovable ones.
... reveals God's gift of patience, kindness, and humility as a hymn.
... binds all other loves together with His divine love.
... rebukes jealousy, boastfulness, arrogance, rudeness, and resentfulness.
... proves the cross of Calvary was given as a ransom for freedom.
... declares the worth of man by God making him in his own image.
... imparts faith that can face anything.
... discloses love of family, church, and others.
... uncovers the mysteries of life in words that are indescribable.
by Lance Gargus
We all fall down in life. Life has a tendency to knock the breath out of us. Do we just lie there? In Proverbs 24:16 it says :"For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again."
One time we could understand. Two times we start to wonder. But seven times? God is not like a man. His mercy is unfathomable. He forgives more times than we can count. What do we do when we fall down? A just man gets right back up. He gets right back in line. He picks himself up. Starts walking back down that road. Back again to the mercy seat of God. Hitting our knees bowed before Him, we say,"Father forgive me. I've failed you again."
We all have messed up in life and had to get punished by our parents. They always seem to know about my mess up. And I always deserved punishment for it. "This hurts me more than it does you." I never understood that until I had children. There was that underlying Love behind that punishment.
Through it all, no matter how many times I messed up or how bad I was, they loved me. Never turning their backs on me. They would always give me another chance. Even when I had noone to call, they were just one phone call away. Waiting on me to call if I needed them. I was their child and nothing on Earth would change that.
God is like that with us. A understanding Father who knows our hearts before we speak it. Some people never had parents to love them. The relationship was torn or severed for some reason. They didn't have someone to run to. But I tell you, they do now.
A father of many chances. He's waiting on you. He patiently waits on all of us. Give the hurt to him. Let him pick you up.
My parents picked me up when I fell down. They fixed my toys when they were broken. When I got older, they helped fix my broken heart. You may not have experienced this growing up. But you have a Heavenly Father that is the great fixer, when it comes to matters of the heart.
You say, ‘you have no idea how many times I’ve messed up,’ it doesn’t matter – I’m introducing you to A God of Many Chances!
He cleans us up and dusts us off. We get back up everytime with His help. Thank you, God, that no matter how many times I fall. I get back up with your help. Then you will pick me up and carry me to your mercy seat.
Lord, I pray for You to help anyone who reads this today. Their lives may have been shattered by mistakes! People may have walked out of their lives and devastated them. This day we come before You for our friends who feel they failed too many times and can't turn to you. May the power of the Holy Spirit make Your presence known. May your comforter, the Holy Spirit, let them feel Your intense love! May they raise their head up. And see Jesus extended hand being given to them. Let them rise up and feel the merciful love You give.
In Your Precious and Holy Name, AMEN!
by Lance Gargus
Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.
Psalm 75:1
"From David learn to give thanks for everything. - Every furrow in the book of Psalms is sown with seeds of thanksgiving." [Jeremy Taylor]
This post was written by my mother. After my dad's death, she has started writing some, too. This helps me in my soul searching. To help me discover more of who God wants me to be. Here is her post....
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Titus 3:13
Paul calls Zenas "the lawyer." The meaning of this is, that, previous to his becoming a Christian, he had been a Jewish lawyer. The lawyers were that class of Jewish teachers who were specially learned in the Mosaic Law, and who interpreted that Law, and taught it to the people.
They are met with again and again in the Gospels, where they frequently came into contact with Christ, usually in a manner hostile to Him. For example, "A certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (Lk 10:25). our Lord replied to him on his own ground, asking, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" Regarding this class of teachers as a whole, it is recorded that "the Pharisees and lawyers rejected for themselves the counsel of God" (Lk 7:30). The term nomikos, "lawyer," applied to Zenas, is in the Gospels varied by nomodidakalos, "a teacher of the law," and by grammateus, "a scribe": all three terms describe the same persons. Before his conversion to Christ, Zenas had been a lawyer, one of the recognized expounders of the Law of Moses.
A different view of Zenas' occupation is taken by Zahn (Introduction to the New Testament, II, 54), who says that in itself nomikos could denote a rabbi, quoting Ambrosiaster, "Because Zenas had been of this profession in the synagogue, Paul calls him by this name." But Zahn gives his own opinion that "since the Jewish scribe who became a Christian, by that very act separated himself from the rabbinic body, and since the retention of rabbinic methods and ways of thinking was anything but a recommendation in Paul's eyes (1 Tim 1:7), Zenas is here characterized, not as legis (Mosaicae), doctor, but as juris peritus. The word denotes not an office, but usually the practical lawyer, through whose assistance e.g. a will is made, or a lawsuit carried on. Plutarch applies this name to the renowned jurist Mucius Scaevola."Zenas became a Christian and Paul still referred to him as a lawyer. Zenas understood the Mosaic law and Christ's fulfillment of that law. He continued his practice as a practical lawyer doing wills and such as referred to before. So in such, he became the first Christian lawyer. He must have been a good friend of Paul's cause he wanted him near him at a time so close to the end of his life. Paul was unselfish as ever, solicitous that Zenas and Apollos be comfortably provided for on their intended journey. He is full of affectionate regard for them, interested in their welfare at every step; while he himself is far distant in another country, he remembers them with tender and sympathetic friendship. Doubtless the two friends reciprocated his affection.A question I wrestled with for a long time was whether a man could be a Christian and a lawyer? I had planned on going to law school at one time, and this question confounded me. Now I know the answer is yes. And though my time horizon has passed for me to practice law. I serve the ultimate power attorney of all, who pleads poor sinners cases before God everyday. He's easy to contact, for He's just one prayer away, and his services are all pro-bono, that means he incurred the cost.Jesus himself, defends me against the devils accusations in God's high court. His evidence is infallible, He simply points to the cross.byLance GargusBooks:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,Soul Searching
In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:10
My uncle got to the point where he could not breath on his own. Unlike my father, who had COPD, he had mesothelioma. The cancer had ravaged his lungs and the rest of his body. Where once stood a strong, vitile man, a frail shadow of his former self emerged. In spite of this condition, he kept a pleasant demeanor. Always with a kind word, and a welcome greeting when you met. The man inside was untouched by the ravages done to his body. Breathing had become labored, but he tried to speak. His disposition always revealed a smile despite his ailment. A positive attitude was something he and my father had inherited from my grandmother. This mindset carried him through war in the south pacific on a naval ship, through the tough times of farm life during the great depression, and now through his final days.
What could instill such a way of thinking? What reassurance was he aware of that kept him upbeat? What hope did he have when the doctors had none for him? His life, his very breath, lay with a man that could make him whole again. This man was no doctor, but he is the great physician. Christ is that man that could make him whole again. So he laid down his tired old body, in exchange for a new one filled with light. And what disease free lungs he must now have. He's now able to shout, and shout he does. As children, being the oldest, Uncle Bob yelled at the younger children to come to supper. My grandmother alerted him first, he passed the message along to his siblings. I'm sure they heard him shout all over heaven, as he called my father to his eternal home, where his mom was waiting on him at the great supper with the lamb.
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,Mesothelioma
Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Luke 20:36
This is a letter that my father wrote to his seven children before his passing. I think of it as a love letter. A father's love never stops for his children, no matter how tall, how old, or how far away they are. He continues to watch over us, even from a distance as far as heaven. Here is his letter....
Dear Children,
I love all of you;
As I write this my heart is somewhat burdened as I look back and realize how many times I have been selfish and let you down, when I could have been alot more compassionate and understanding in spite of a Father' s euphemistic desire for the very best in his children.
It was very foolish for me to expect more from you than you saw exemplified by your very unwise Father, yet, I lived in this shroud of euphemism, a fanciful world of my own, sometimes in a world of self-pity, sometimes in a world of self-incrimination.
My life became a bit cloudy after certain events came about.
Things changed, priorities kind of flip-flopped, and I had great difficulty keeping my balance to the point I could function with any degree of reality with any goal or future at heart, or as a foundation upon which I could base, my base of fundamental values and hold my course that would guide me in this sea of muddled confusion.
But, all in all, I'm very proud of you.
I'm happy to have been your father and pleased that you have shown me love.
Keep true to your values, and I pray they are of good moral healthy ones.
I don't know what the future holds, nor do I wish to, but, I have no desire to pursue any project but the short span I have, with Christ's help.
I fear not passing, I just hope some how, some way, I have helped each of you in a way or ways that may entrench you in a course of consistency toward a very happy and successful journey through life.
My witness of my church life and experience with its function remain ever steadfast, even tho, I neglected for several years the graces it offered, even knowing the wonderful satisfaction of the protection of God's own umbrella of peace and guidance; but thank God I awoke in time to clasp his Holy Hand and reclaim my heritage that my precious mother embraced.
My children have been a constant source of comfort and shared love.
In life you stumble but, God will lift you up.
Keep the faith, don't sell your spiritual life for numbers and popularity.
You guys have had the innocent pure love I so desperately needed.
At times in my life I cried out to God, you have come and put your arms around me.
Thanks, thanks, I love you so.
Ya'll were my buoy in my sea of turmoil.
Always be my children, with a big heart.I know your lives has had its bumps and lumps and I have suffered with you.
Thanks for being my children.I love you very much.
Whatever I was able to pass on to you or teach may you remember them.
Keep your values as eternal ones.
Isn't that like a stubborn father wishing the best for his children?
Your lives have been one of deprivation and depression, disappointment and tragedy.
My heart has broken for you, not only in prayer but in misery in being unable to help you, even at time I really neglected you to my sorrow.
You pretend to be tough and not care but I see your hearts.I've prayed,oh, so very much, with tears for my children.
by
James Gargus, My Father
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Proverbs 22:7
God's Word commands us to be good stewards of our finances. Dave Ramsey and other Christian financial advisers speak on this topic. They refer to it as grandma's common sense advice. More appropriately it's a Great Depression mentality. If you can't afford it, don't buy it.
The advice continues with prepare for the worst, and pray for the best. It's not lack of faith to prepare for hard times. Joseph put food away for the coming famine according to the bible. As we should be, with what God gives us.
What happens if you lose your job? Have an emergency fund of 6 months or more. Invest in your retirement accounts to prepare a way. Save for your kid's college, and their future. Limit your debt as much as possible. Credit card companies will eat your lunch. Debt has destroyed many marriages and families. So live within your means. Don't try to keep up with the Joneses.
And most importantly remember Deuteronomy 8:17-18,"And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth.."
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses,
HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD;
Zechariah 14:20
Bells on horses symbolized the coming of someone important on horseback. Our Lord Jesus Christ will come on a white horse with bells that have inscribed on them-Holiness Unto The Lord.
Ring in the valiant man and free, The larger heart, the kindlier hand; Ring out the darkness of the land; Ring in the Christ that is to be.
Author: Lord Alfred Tennyson
In medieval times, the ringing of bells was believed necessary to chase evil spirits from doorsteps, to quiet storms at sea, or to protect a person's soul at death. Common belief was that the ringing of the bells drove away the storms bothering the ships and calmed the sea. Helping those in peril on the sea. Evil spirits such as demons standing at the foot of the bed and about the house might try to molest or harass the soul departing. The evil spirits were afraid of the bells. Thus, driving the evil spirits away. The larger and louder the bell, the further they were drove away. The custom was to baptize the bells to endow them with power to do this.
It was during this time that the custom of affixing symbols and inscriptions on bells was born. Each inscription told of the purpose for that particular bell. They were inscribed with a special prayer or to mark it with the soul of the donor.
Bells were used as early timekeepers telling villages when to eat and when to sleep and, as necessary, alerting them of dangers such as imminent invasion from opposing camps. Bells tolled whenever someone lay near death to remind the community to pray for the sick, and upon death, the bell tolled out his age. A church bell was rung as death drew near, the purpose of this "Passing Bell" was to remind people to pray for the dying. It is said that a person never forgot the sound of his village bell, no matter how many years he was away from home.
Church bells were the most popular and remembered of all bells. The ringing of the bells symbolized things and events in daily live. But also represented major changes such as a baptism, wedding, or a death.
The sound of a church bell is sincere and revered, while the rolling of several church bells is like a gallant concert for royalty. The mighty roll of bells has an effect on our inner sensitivity, arousing our souls from spiritual slumber. The sounds of the bells awakens the soul to a new life with God and runs away the feelings of hopelessness, doubt, and depression. The bells ringing was signal to come and gather at God's house. The calling to join other believers in songs of praise to God and the joy of being around others who loved God. The bells crying out to come rest from your work and troubles. A call to be at peace.
The resounding noise of bell rings as far as east is from west. All the people could hear it in the town or village. Sometimes as a warning signal of something approaching. At sea, it was given as a warning sign of poor visibility or fog.
Ringing your own bell, particularly a hand bell, was commonly used in households to summon someone. For example, to call for someone to help you if you are ill and you need a caregiver. Hand bells were paticularly used in worship settings. They were in use to play special hymns. The hand bells were utilized to make various melodies. It takes practice to make beautiful music with hand bells. At Christmas time, many songs are sung to the sound of hand bells. In past times, only holy men could touch the hand bells at the church.
Bells had symbolic meaning. A bell together with an hour glass means transitoriness, an impermanence that suggests the inevitability of ending or dying. Before the advent of the chronometer, time at sea was measured by the trickle of sand through a half - hour glass. One of the ship’s boys had the duty of watching the glass and turning it when the sand had run out. When he turned the glass, he struck the bell as a signal that he had performed this vital function. From this ringing of the bell as the glass was turned evolved the tradition of striking the bell once at the end of the first half hour of a four hour watch, twice after the first hour, etc., until eight bells marked the end of the four hour watch. The process was repeated for the succeeding watches. This age-old practice of sounding the bell on the hour and half hour has its place in the ship's daily routine. A tolling of keeping time. As many church bells in their towers mark the hour through out the day. Stopping only at night at most churches. An hour glass representing the passage of time. The bell marking the time each hour by the hour glass until the last toll of the bell for the day.
God's protection is even symbolized in the shape of a diver's bell. The shape protecting the diver on a deep dive.
My father wrote on his deathbed about bells. He wrote of heaven's bells as,"A bell can't be a bell till you ring it." Writing this on a tablet with his trembling hands. All a day or two before his death.
I believe his bell was rung with his name on it. He had to ring it personally to send his prayer inscribed on it to God. Calling him to help him at that dark point in his life. To cause the demons to flee from him and take their whisperings of fears and doubt with them. Calming the storms that had come against his soul. The closer the light of Christ came the louder the bell tolled. Driving the dark ones farther away. Ringing that one last toll himself to mark the end of time as he knew it. Calling him to God's holy place where time is no more. Where the hour glass is broken and no more telling the bell to toll out time. The bell called him to take his rest in the holiest of holy. The darkness was over. Time to sing the praises to God with the others whose bells had finally tolled. Our last prayers had been spoken on his behalf. Now he spoke directly with God. Before him he stood a holy man ringing out songs with his voice and maybe even hand bells to the most wondrous orchestra ever known.
This is just one of many things he wrote and told us preceding his death. He exclaimed of stories of sounds, visions, and love our Savior let him behold to encourage him. But also in my clumsy way to try to share this with you. He told me that I had to strike the bell to hear the tones of the bell for myself. Lord, may my own personal bell be rung for you, thus, ringing me home.
His mother rung a dinner bell to call him home. He answered the call. Our heavenly father rings a bell for us calling us home. We ring our bell signaling him were ready to go home.
Ring the bells of heaven, dad. Ring the bells of heaven.
by
Lance Gargus
For Whom the Bell Tolls
John Donne
PERCHANCE he for whom this bell tolls may be so ill, as that he knows not it tolls for him; and perchance I may think myself so much better than I am, as that they who are about me, and see my state, may have caused it to toll for me, and I know not that. The church is Catholic, universal, so are all her actions; all that she does belongs to all. When she baptizes a child, that action concerns me; for that child is thereby connected to that body which is my head too, and ingrafted into that body whereof I am a member.
And when she buries a man, that action concerns me: all mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated; God employs several translators; some pieces are translated by age, some by sickness, some by war, some by justice; but God's hand is in every translation, and his hand shall bind up all our scattered leaves again for that library where every book shall lie open to one another. As therefore the bell that rings to a sermon calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come, so this bell calls us all; but how much more me, who am brought so near the door by this sickness.
There was a contention as far as a suit (in which both piety and dignity, religion and estimation, were mingled), which of the religious orders should ring to prayers first in the morning; and it was determined, that they should ring first that rose earliest. If we understand aright the dignity of this bell that tolls for our evening prayer, we would be glad to make it ours by rising early, in that application, that it might be ours as well as his, whose indeed it is.
The bell doth toll for him that thinks it doth; and though it intermit again, yet from that minute that this occasion wrought upon him, he is united to God.
Who casts not up his eye to the sun when it rises? but who takes off his eye from a comet when that breaks out? Who bends not his ear to any bell which upon any occasion rings? but who can remove it from that bell which is passing a piece of himself out of this world? No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
Neither can we call this a begging of misery, or a borrowing of misery, as though we were not miserable enough of ourselves, but must fetch in more from the next house, in taking upon us the misery of our neighbours.
Truly it were an excusable covetousness if we did, for affliction is a treasure, and scarce any man hath enough of it.
No man hath affliction enough that is not matured and ripened by it, and made fit for God by that affliction.
If a man carry treasure in bullion, or in a wedge of gold, and have none coined into current money, his treasure will not defray him as he travels.
Tribulation is treasure in the nature of it, but it is not current money in the use of it, except we get nearer and nearer our home, heaven, by it.
Another man may be sick too, and sick to death, and this affliction may lie in his bowels, as gold in a mine, and be of no use to him; but this bell, that tells me of his affliction, digs out and applies that gold to me: if by this consideration of another's danger I take mine own into contemplation, and so secure myself, by making my recourse to my God, who is our only security.
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Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Ephesians 4:31
The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk. ~Jacqueline Schiff
There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence.
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Then it gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.
You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out, it won't matter how many times you say "I'm sorry," the wound is still there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.
Source Unknown
For our anger and short temper Christ took a long walk to control it; all the way to Calvary. He let angry men put him on a cross with three, rusty nails. And as the nails were pulled out anger had been conquered. His scars like the fence are there cause of our anger to remind us of the cost. Love is stronger than hate.
by
Lance Gargus
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Proverbs 16:32
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Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Luke 12:6
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Mark 10:15-16
The soul is healed by being with children.
Author: English Proverb
This is a story of a father with his two children. As he was showing his daughter of about 5-7 years of age photos in a photo album she inquired about who the people were."Are all these my family members?" she inquired."Yes," was the father's response back,"Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandpas and Grandmas,too." "Wow, that's alot of family. Where are all of our families' pictures?" she asked while little hands picked up images of long ago and looked at them. "Well, it is like this," the father explained,"the pictures we have are all on discs and then we put the digital pictures on the computer. This way we will have them forever. Never having to worry about them wearing out or tearing up with time." The daughter nodded her head in agreement. But then looking down at the picture she held and remarked,"Daddy, I like pictures I can pick up and hold best."
Looking around he saw his son enter the room. Toddling that toddle that two years do toward him. "UHHNN, UUHHNN pick me up," coming from a small, gentle voice. He looked down at him and saw his son wanting in his lap to look, just like his daughter was. Reaching down to pick up his son to put the boy on his knee he realized something. A voice spoke inside his head and echoed a small, hidden truth."Pick them up and hold them," for the man's children are just like the pictures were to his daughter. He sat there with them on each knee sharing the past with them together. In that small moment, the Holy Spirit through his daughter's voice had revealed something to him. He felt such love holding them.
He remembered how he felt being picked up and held as a child. Recalling the love he felt around him. The warmth of being held by his heavenly father and earthly father. A tear came to his eye to streak down his face. His daughter looked up with big, blue eyes and saw the tear rolling down his face. Answering his tears, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you, Daddy." His toddler saw this and responded in kind. Wrapping his arms around him now. Both covering him in kisses. Tears swelled up in blurry eyes again. He thinks to himself, "This is worth it. All the long hours and sleepless nights. All the skinned knees and loud cries. Even with the heartaches that lay ahead. Pick them up and hold them. This is worth it. Oh, how it is worth it." There's something about being able to feel and hold something in your hands that makes you appreciate it more. Makes it more real to you.
The times that our Heavenly Father held us in His hands are innumerable. We feel His presence and the overwhelming love of a father. I think when we reciprocate this love back that he responds with these words,"It was worth it. Oh, it was worth it."
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
Luke 22:19
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."
1 Corinthians 11:24
"Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." ---Sarah Williams
He "Christ," broke and blessed the bread.
He "Christ," gave it to the disciples.
(Symbolically) take-eat,"this (experience) (this occasion) and remember-I gave my very life for you.
Why could He not let his disciples break and pass it? I believe because He was demonstrating His humility. "Let he who would be master, be the servant of all." He did surely give His life a ransom for-all.
His life was one sacrifice after another, from restraining Himself in times of provocation, to the discipline of 40 days in the wilderness-to the disregarding of pangs of hunger and thirst and Satan's temptations, to the Lord forgive them at the cross and refusal to save himself physically.
Why did He want them to remember Him?
It was not necessarily because He was the son of God, though that was important, but what He did with His life!
He was and ever is the prime exemplar.
When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, 1 Corinthians 11:20
They were eating the Lord's supper like it was a festival in the church. Ignoring its significance in 1st Corinthians. To do in remembrance of Him.
Blessed is the cup of wine, drink ye all of it!
A lukewarm, part time service will not do it!Drink ye all of it, or none at all--and remember-and if we believe, and we remember, we will drink all of it.
This is what He wished them and us to remember His life as He lived it!
They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"Matthew 26:22
Isn't that what we all say? Not I Lord. Do we learn our lesson of The Last Supper and take it to heart.
The lessons of humility, the lesson in seeing these events as examples, the life lesson: the long loving duty of all day long enduring adverse conditions, the lesson of suffering, the lesson of not griping and complaining, and the lesson in not only living right but the lesson on dying with complete honor.
by James Gargus
Martyr- Greek word for "witness". One who chooses death rather than to deny Jesus Christ or His work.
Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 6:57-60
"Ours is the seed-time; God alone Beholds the end of what is sown;Beyond our vision, weak and dim,The harvest time is his with Him." --Whittier.
"What sought they thus afar?Bright jewels of the mine?The wealth of seas, the spoils of war?They sought at faith's pure shrine.Aye! call it holy ground,The soil where first they trod,They've left unstained what there they found--Freedom to worship God."
The corruption of the established church was rampant in France. There were those who opposed these teachings. Man had a right to read God's word himself instead of taking the priest's word. He did not need a priest to intercede for him for forgiveness of sins.The church was also corrupted by power and money. Taking upon them the pre-forgiveness of sins. Paying a sum of money for forgiveness before committing the sin. That was the final straw. Those opposed to these teachings were labeled heretics. They came to be called Huguenots.
They were French Protestants most of whom eventually came to follow the teachings of John Calvin, and who, due to religious persecution, were forced to flee France to other countries in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The new "Reformed religion" practiced by many members of the French nobility and social middle-class, based on a belief in salvation through individual faith without the need for the intercession of a church hierarchy and on the belief in an individual's right to interpret scriptures for themselves, placed these French Protestants in direct theological conflict with both the Catholic Church and the King of France in the theocratic system which prevailed at that time. Followers of this new Protestantism were soon accused of heresy against the Catholic government and the established religion of France, and a General Edict urging extermination of these heretics (Huguenots) was issued in 1536.
Since the Huguenots of France were in large part artisans, craftsmen, and professional people, they were usually well-received in the countries to which they fled for refuge when religious discrimination or overt persecution caused them to leave France. Most of them went initially to Germany, the Netherlands, and England among other countries, although some found their way eventually to places as remote as South Africa. Considerable numbers of Huguenots migrated to British North America, especially to the Carolinas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. Their character and talents in the arts, sciences, and industry were such that they are generally felt to have been a substantial loss to the French society from which they had been forced to withdraw, and a corresponding gain to the communities and nations into which they settled.
The exact origin of the word Huguenot is unknown, but many consider it to be a combination of Flemish and German. Protestants who met to study the Bible in secret were called Huis Genooten, meaning "house fellows." They were also referred to as Eid Genossen, or "oath fellows" meaning persons bound by an oath.
The First Martyr
It is impossible to even refer to the many struggles of the Huguenots through the dark centuries embraced in their history. We can only in a general way point out some of the leading events. Jean Le Clerk, one of the earliest reformers of Meaux, permitting his zeal to exceed his discretion, entered several Catholic churches, broke images and posted placards denouncing the corruptions of the Pope and church. For this he was apprehended, condemned as a heretic, and burned at the stake in the city of Metz in 1525. He was the first conspicuous martyr of the Huguenots. Notwithstanding the great persecutions which were now instituted the Protestants continued to increase in numbers and influence.
So large was the numbers of those martyred it equaled in the thousands. My ancestors Matthiew Garrigues and his wife were among those that fled France. One version was later to be changed to my families spelling of Gargus. My other family members stood among those who were martyred and knew friends who refused to renounce their faith at the cost of their lives.
Making their way eventually to America to enjoy religious freedom. This ancestry makes me appreciate the freedom that I have to worship God. But it also makes me think would I have the courage to stand up in the face of death and speak. To speak out against corruption by money and greed infecting the church. To hold fast to my faith even till death. My soul searches for an answer and none comes. May the God who strenghtened my ancestors in their dark history strengthen me.
by
Lance Gargus
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Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. Song of Solomon 2:16
With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.- Book of Common Prayer
Open your bible to anywhere in it. Then take a wedding ring and place it on end inside the bible between the pages. Put some light behind the ring. Notice the shadow that it casts. It looks like a heart shape. Neat trick or is it something more?
The story behind the wedding band is a unique one.The ring symbolizes seeing the circular band with no break representing eternity and love, endless devotion, with no beginning and no end. Even the ring hole has the meaning of a door to events known and unknown for two committed to each other. It being placed on the third finger of the left hand, in the belief that a vein - called the vena amoris in Latin - ran directly from that finger to the heart, hence the vein of love. In medieval England, a bridegroom would slide the ring part way up his bride's thumb, index and middle finger, saying "In the name of the father, the son, and the holy ghost" as he passed each one. He then put the ring on the next available finger - the third finger of the left hand. In the middle ages, rings were inscribed inside with poems or love messages and continued to be popular through Victorian times. Inscriptions inside wedding bands endure to this day.
It comes right down to two souls and two hearts becoming one through God. Place your marriage in God's word, let the light of Christ shine through, and love will cast it's shadow over your union.
by
Lance Gargus
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Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
In my time on this earth there are things I never realized,
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:12
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.
Peter 1:22
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
1 Peter 2:17
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
1 Peter 3:8
Above all, love each other deeply,
1 Peter 4:8
and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
2 Peter 1:7
This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
1 John 3
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
1 John 4
I ask that we love one another.
2 John 1:5
Whoever loves his brother lives in the light
1 John 2:10
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up....
always try to be kind to each other
1 Thessalonians 5:13 and 15
and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Love must be sincere. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-10
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.....
But the greatest of these is love.
1Corithians 13:1-13
the love of most will grow cold,
Matthew 24:12
Oh Jesus, they have built these churches for the sake of their own glory, and embellished them with silk and melted gold. . . . They left the bodies of Thy chosen poor wrapped in tattered raiment in the cold night. . . . They filled the sky with the smoke of burning candles and incense and left the bodies of Thy faithful worshipers empty of bread. . . . They raised their voices with hymns of praise, but deafened themselves to the cry and moan of the widows and orphans. Come again, Oh Living Jesus, and drive the vendors of Thy faith from Thy sacred temple, for they have turned it into a dark cave where vipers of hypocrisy and falsehood crawl and abound.
Kahlil Gibran(1883 - 1931)
Source: Wisdom of Gibran
In our eyes, what do others see? Do they see love? Have we lost our love for our brothers and sister in Christ? Do we select little cliques and groups and push others away in His house? How is the house also seperated? Seperated not just in doctrine but rich/poor, between races, countries, you name it. We find any reason to distinquish ourselves from other believers. Why do we do this? We are in the Laodecian chuch age.
One of the most frightening group of verses in the Bible are found in Rev 3:14-19, when Christ is talking to the Church of Laodicea. He is addressing the people of a city known for its wealth. But despite its financial prosperity, it was spiritually impoverished. He says to the people "You are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of My mouth. For you say 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked." What’s frightening about this statement is that most people in this world who call themselves Christians are lukewarm. Yes we might go to church on Sundays, make an appearance, and think to ourselves, hey, I don’t sell drugs, I haven’t killed anybody, I never robbed a bank, I even give to charities. But think what Christ is saying here "I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing." Not too many years ago, the Dow Jones average had a tough time breaking 1000. Since then, it has been over 10,000. IRAs have come into the picture, and many typical people have savings well into the six figures. And every average neighborhood seems to have a quiet millionaire living in it. But with all this prosperity also comes a falling away from God.
There is a group of prophecies in Zechariah 6:1-8 that I think ties in with Revelation 3:14-19. In the Zechariah prophecy there are four different colored horses with chariots that are sent out across the earth. Although these horses resemble the four horses in the book of Revelation, don’t mix them up, the Revelation prophecy has not taken place as of yet, but the prophecy in Zechariah, Chapter 6, has already been fulfilled. In these prophecies, two of the horses, the black followed by the white, go to the "north country." Then comes the statement "Behold these that go to the north country have quieted My Spirit in the north country." What I believe God is saying here is that the black horses are Capitalism and prosperity, and that the north country represents Europe, the United States and Canada. Then the white horses follow, which I believe are false religions and idol worship, and will hinder God’s Spirit in the rich north countries. All these north countries are basically Christian, and due to the great riches of these countries, many false religions have popped up. I believe most people are worshiping money more than God. Money seems to be the Number 1 idol, and pride is another idol.
As for the other two sets of horses, the dappled gray go to the south, and the red patrol back and forth across the earth. The dapple grays I believe are poverty, disease and hunger. They go to the southern area of the globe, such as Africa and South America, where the economy isn’t so good, along with famine, starvation, and widespread disease. The red horses represent war and unrest, and as they patrol back and forth across the earth, war follows. God foretold 2500 years ago in Zech 6:1-8, what the economy and situations would be like in the northern and southern areas of the globe.
Now Jesus understood riches, luxury and opulence can become idols, creating a false sense of security. They bestow a power that can easily drive a person to arrogance, cheating and selfishness. For this reason, Jesus said wealth posed a challenge to the spirit. It was harder for a rich person to fulfill his true purpose in life than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle (Matt 19:24). Which brings us back to Rev 3:14-19 "So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Here we have God Himself condemning us, for worshiping money and other idols, instead of worshiping Him. We have become whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones" (Matthew 23:27). We have turned our churches into social clubs.
John the beloved knew about love. He stood by his friend. We cannot even be corjual to each other. We won't speak to others treating them like they have leprosy or something. Speak only when spoken too is our mantra. And even then we can't wait to get away from that person talking. Uncaring about their troubles or cares. Lukewarm is what we have become. Cold and unfeeling are we. Sour looks upon our faces. Come on my christian sisters and brothers we are suppose to be so loving and kind to each other.We have little family cliques others cannot enter. We are so unloving toward each other, how can we love those who are not believers. They see this among us. "House of hypocrites are they," is their taunt. How not very far from those words are we. We are supposed to love everyone that come through those doors and mean it. We should not have that phoney love but agape love. We have lost our natural affection. Let's quit trying to be the church big shot or compete to see who runs the show.
What has happened to Christian brotherly love?
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
Then everyone deserted him and fled.
A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
Mark 14:50-52
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
2 Timothy :14 and 16
And I alone of all mankind
Were left in loneliness behind.
Author: Barnes, William
Jesus and Paul were abandoned by their friends. In their darkest hour everyone ran off. But there was one in each situation that stayed. John the beloved stayed and watched the proceedings of Jesus trial and execution. Comforting Jesus mother at the foot of the cross. Luke alone stayed with Paul as written in 2 Timothy verse 11,"Only Luke is with me." In many situations in our lives, others just leave.
In a day when everyone seemed not to care, a co-worker who I consider a friend came to me. He asked could he pray for my troubles. He never prays. This was very unlike his character to do such a thing. When I thought no one cared, God used him. And not to many days after this, when we did a morning devotion prayer, he prayed. He asked God to forgive him for become angry at another worker that morning. I pray this is an ongoing trend for him and not just a fluke. God can work miracles with a seed.
God used him in my moment when I felt abandoned by everyone. If we ask God, He sends a glimmer of hope at our moments of discouragement. So has been the story of my life. In my darkest hours, I have seen a small glimmer of light. God is there for us always if we look for Him.
Now we know how it feels to be abandoned at sometime in our lives and He stands by us. But how does He feel when we abandon Him like the apostles did that night. As the guards came, they ran away scared. How can we judge them? We would have probably done the same thing. Or would we have hung close by like John the beloved?
In worship to God, it can be easily seen the self abandonment of a person to the Lord by their hindered or unhindered worship. John and Luke abandoned themselves to follow God going against conventional wisdom. Many saints lived a life that was recklessly abandoned to Jesus Christ. They lived a life of simplicity, poverty and humility and called others to do the same. They continually sought to follow fully the way of life demonstrated by Christ. I believe that by relying on Jesus for our hope, and by loving others unconditionally, we can have the same desire as that of the saints -- drawing closer to the Savior. Though I fall short of that mark every day, my prayer is that God will take my efforts and the pieces of my life, combine them with His strength and grace, and make something beautiful out of my life. I long to be totally and recklessly abandoned to the cause of Christ and the pursuit of God -- to know the relentless tenderness exhibited by my Lord and Savior.
Take time to offer Jesus your whole self in utter joyful, selfless abandonment.
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
2 Timothy 1:5
Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever. ~Author Unknown
This letter was written in 1988. My dad wasn't the only patriarch or matriarch concerned about their children and grandchildren. My grandmother on my mother's side wrote this letter from her deathbed. Even then pleading with all loved ones to turn around and see Christ. For all of us not to take our eyes off the prize.
Here is her letter:
Dear love ones,
Love is patient, love is kind.It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.Love never fails.
I Corinthians 13:4-8
This is my beloved, and this is my friend.
Song of Soloman 5:16
When my wife and I married, this is what we wrote each other after the birth of our first child. The poems reflect young love in its beginning stages of life together and the start of a family. May you find something in them that makes you stop and reflect on someone special to you.
If I was not meant to love you, why does your hand fit so well into mine?
When you are not near, you cause my heart to pine.
Why do I look at you like I do?
Why does my soul long for you?
Why do you drive me so mad to only love you more?
Looking at you the one I adore.
Why did I have to make you my wife?
How did you know when to show up at the right time of my life?
Why do I long for the touch of your hand against my cheek?
Hanging on to every word you speak.
Why did I want to make a home with you?
May reflections of our love continuously renew.
How amazing the love that gave us such a lovely little girl,
Waiting and watching her life unfurl.
Why can't I stand the thought of being alone without you?
Our days on earth are so few.
Why do you make my pulse quicken and lose my breath?
May we only be separated in death.
Why do I want you by my side when I die?
At that moment when you may cry.
Dying is something we all must do,
But we will be together again cause our Lord will make everything new.
by
Lance Gargus
How I love your strong, loving embrace,
Everytime I look into your gorgeous face.
You loved me all along,
You make me feel strong.
I longed for you to talk to me when I first saw you,
And my heart didn't know what to do.
Being like chocolate melting in your hand,
The boundless love that did expand.
Your big beautiful blue eyes make me feel that way still,
Our lives together waiting to fulfill.
Our brand new daughter is made from you and me,
With God's breath inside her set free.
by
Gina Gargus
At different times in our lives we had met briefly. Never to talk but only exchange glances over the years. Never realizing we grew up just across the state line from each other. Only two miles between our homes. Seperated by fate, never to meet until a preordained time. God plans things and unfolds them in His own way.
My prayer is ...
Dear God,
May we be not just lovers ordained by God in marriage, but friends that share our innermost thoughts.
May we dream about each other so we can be together all the time.
May I always allow myself to be loved by her. Continuously tearing down all the barriers I built up against love.
May we not kill our love with the one thing that can kill it - neglect.
May the gift of my love be a gift I never ask to take back.
May I always want good for her and celebrate in her accomplishments.
May love vanquish time in each others moments together.
May she be the one I talk to, the one to share the beauty of the stars with, to laugh with, to touch, and the one to bring joy to my life.
May my heart never wither from not hearing from hers.
May the love she give continue to bring out the best in me.
May I continue to learn how to love others in the way she loves me.
May her love continue to flow back and soften my heart.
May our hopes rest in Christ who proved love is stronger than death.
Amen.
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
10Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15"Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."
16Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
John 20
A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul. ~Author Unknown
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
I'd stay in the garden with Him
'Tho the night around me be falling
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
- Words and Music by Charles Austin Miles, 1913
I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest-
Psalm 55:6
Listen, sweet Dove, unto my song, And spread thy golden wings in me; Hatching my tender heart so long, Till it get wing, and flie away with Thee. Author: George Herbert
Wings Of A Dove (Hymn)
On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above, On the wings of dove.
When troubles surround us, When evils come
The body grows weak, The spirit grows numb
When these things beset us, He doesn't forget us
He sends down His love, On the wings of a dove.
On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above, On the wings of dove.
When Jesus went down To the river that day
He was baptized In the usual way
And when it was done, God blessed His Son
He sent Him His love, On the wings of dove
On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above, On the wings of dove.
When Noah had drifted, On the flood many days
He searched for land, In various ways
Troubles he had some, But wasn't forgotten
He sent him His love, On the wings of a dove.
On the wings of a snow white dove, He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above, On the wings of dove.
The Dove was, by far, one of the most important birds in the Bible. For it was the poor man’s sacrifice and widely kept as a domestic bird. Various cultures and religions conceived of birds, the denizens of the heavens, as divine revelations, and the bearers of heavenly messages of guidance. The bird was man’s soul or spirit as it was released from the body in ecstasy or in death. It was seen as the embodiment of liberty and the transcendence of the soul, the victory spirit over matter.
In Judaism, the dove signified the love of God for His Chosen People, the Israelites. White doves, signs of purity, were sacrificial offerings offered for purification at the Temple in Jerusalem. The Old Testament symbolized the dove in various forms. The dove was frequently used in the "Song of Songs," largely to convey terms of endearment: in their behavior, the doves paired for a long time. "Oh how beautiful, your eyes are like doves ..." (Songs 1: 15).
The Hebrew word for dove is Yonah, coming from the root meaning of a moaning sound, "I moan like a dove" (Is 38: 14). This would explain the call of many species of doves.
"My dove, that hides in holes in the cliff or in crannies on the high ledges" (Songs 2: 14) is a confirmation of their nesting habits. Doves make nests of twigs and scraps of debris, sometimes on rocks or in holes in cliffs, but mostly in trees and bushes. Jeremiah’s simile in the "Judgment of Moab," telling the people "to be like a ‘dove’ that makes its nest inside the hole’s mouth," confirms the nesting habit of the bird in ancient times.
In Christian lore and tradition, the dove is usually the symbol of the Holy Spirit or "heavenly messenger," particularly found in portrayals of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. It is also seen denoting the Holy Spirit descending on Christ at His Baptism: "He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove to alight upon Him ..." (Matt. 3: 16-17). Later on, in Matt. 10: 16, "be wary as serpents, innocent as doves," seems to imply the meaning of gentleness.
Christian art depicts the dove as hovering over the Virgin Mary’s head, symbolizing Mary’s submissive innocence. Numerous saints have also been depicted with hovering doves (sign of Divine inspiration), such as St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Fabian, St. Gregory the Great, St. Louis, and St. Dustan. In early Christian paintings, the dove’s head is surrounded by a "Golden Nimbus," frequently seen in the form of a cross or of seven rays terminating in seven stars to symbolize the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The dove also became the Christian symbol of "Peace" as seen in the catacombs of Rome. Figured on tombs and sarcophagi, the dove also represented grief and martyrdom.
It has been stated that no birds were more persecuted than doves — yet the Bible regarded them as worthy of being offered upon the altar.
Doves were also the only domesticated birds kept in large numbers by the Israelites. It became fashionable, at the time, to build huge dovecotes on the ledges inside the walls. King Herod was referred to as a breeder of doves, as recorded by Josephus the Jewish Historian. During the Roman period, historical references mentioned that these dovecotes sometimes housed as many as 5000 birds. Even large caves were adapted for this purpose. E.g. An example can still be seen in the Judean Hills near Beit Guvrin.
Relationship of doves within the flock, as well as with man, inspired images of love. The representation of lovers clearly was a reflection of the monogamous faithfulness of a dove couple that jointly raised their brood. The homing instincts of doves suggested the image that the bird was a harbinger of good tidings — like the dove in the story of the Flood. "She came back to him towards evening with a newly plucked olive leaf in her beak ..." (Gen. 7: 11).
This characteristic is why doves served both as navigational functions as well as message bearers. And in my moment when I needed an answer to a prayer, He sent his messenger a dove. I prayed for peace in my heart and with others. As I raised my head, I seen the dove appear from nothing. It flew straight at me at what seemed slow motion. I was able to see every detail of the dove in flight. This dove landed on the church top after this. As I started my vehicle to leave this dove followed me. It went to the house across the road from the church to wait on me. It acted as if it wanted me to follow it. I went on. And it went back to land upon the church.
The next few days I seen my pure white dove. It shone with a brightness I had never seen upon anything before. It flew in a continuous circle like it was waiting for someone. I looked up and it landed a short distance from me. As I entered the building the dove walked back and forth outside, continuously looking at the building. It felt like its eyes were upon me. I can't explain it.
I had never seen a white dove before in my life in the wild. This one seemed to have taken up with me. I don't know if it's the holy spirit, my father's spirit permitted by God to watch over me, or just a dove. But I know one thing it was sent to me by God regardless. At a moment when I needed to see His love. There are no coincidences in life. God plans each step. We may not understand it now but one day we will.
Oh, how wonderful, this soul searching has become with its ups and its downs. Blessed be Your name be for the ages.
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.
Psalm 42:8
"I just pray."
These words resound in my head as I look into his eyes. My words fail me so many times.
After facing mockers at work, I run into one who mocked me and now asked me for prayer. Tears steamed down his eyes for his father who was now ill. I was there to pray for a friend's grandmother facing surgery. This in another city so many miles from where we lived. We got lost and ran into him. What was I going to do? There I stood with the chance to just ignore him or just say some small prayer and be on my way. Instead, my heart broke. All wrong done to me mattered not. Love for him welled up inside me. I prayed from the heart with my feeble words. I embraced him as I left. His sorrow was now tears of reassurance.
I am not skilled to understand what God has willed or what God has planned. I just feel others burdens and pain. This leaves me vulnerable to be hurt while being open. But I still pray. I pray to tell them that there is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, love for the broken hearts, of God's grace and forgiveness, His mercy and healing that will meet them where ever they are.
I pray for the marriages that try to hang on and have lost their faith and love. I pray for those who try to break the addictions and chains that grip their lives. I pray that they know their not alone in their shame and suffering. I pray for the widow who suffers from being alone as she wipes the tears from her eyes. I pray for the children around the world without a home. I pray for so many things.
I just pray...
I know my weak prayers are not enough.
Give me words to speak.
But my God you are with me, so whom shall I fear.
Though others may mock and laugh at me, your perfect love casts out fear.
Lord let me not turn back.
Help me fear no evil.
For you never let go of me through the calm and through the storm.
Help me to hold on, Lord.
I know there is coming a day when these struggles will end.
In my highs and lows hold me near.
I can see a light that's coming to the heart that holds on.
A glorious light beyond all compare.
Please, let me not dismiss your miracles and signs as coincidence.
Help the naysayers have their eyes opened.
Help me to have love within me.
If I have not love, then it just a resounding noise, an empty sound.
Let me love the unlovable.
Give me eyes to see them as you see them.
All the empty claims of men upon this earth amount to nothing.
It's all about your sacrifice.
Guide my steps as you would one learning to walk.
In this walk never let me be too busy to help a fallen brother or sister.
Let it be so.
Amen.
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
O LORD, you deceived me, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.
Cursed be the day I was born!
May the day my mother bore me not be blessed. For he did not kill me in the womb, with my mother as my grave, her womb enlarged forever.
Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?
Jeremiah 20
Alone. Who hasn't at one time or another felt alone? "You don't know what it's like to be. To have people stare at you like they hate you. To be alone in a crowd."
The words he spoke hung heavy in the air as if it was awaiting a response. I sat on my father's tombstone and listened to his words. The sun was beginning to sit on that hot summer day. My mother listened to his words of pain as he shouted at the world. I came to visit my father's grave trying to do my own soul searching. And here stood one who knew me better than anyone struggling with his hurt soul.
I just hung my head and said nothing. Her pleading with him about brothers getting along. Him ranting about the infidelity of his ex-wife and how she had hurt him. No children ever came from the marriage. She left with someone he thought he trusted. Alone and growing older his prospects for happiness seemed few. The women he met were superficial and cared for other things. Born with a heart condition called Noonan Syndrome it left him with a small frame and with a chest bone that sunk in. Ugly by no means is he but not up to the standards of most women,I guess, in appearance. Most unable to see his heart.
Though damaged in its function from birth was in much better shape than others. For his heart genuinely cared for others. But just as he felt deep love, he also felt deep hurt that manifested itself as anger unleashed in a tirade of words. Never violent or one to raise his hand, his words did the carnage for him. His words never came from a heart of hatred but born of suffering. Desperately wanting to help him my own words failed me. "I can't make someone love him," I thought,"But dear, Jesus, what can I do?"
He sees others with their children playing and how happy they are. The wife standing with her husband no matter what. He longed for what others had. Is this wrong for someone to long for? He cursed everything under the sun. He cursed the day he was born."Why didn't God just let me die when I was born?"
"For others even in church to look down upon me for having no one.""To think something is wrong with you cause you don't have a wife and kids.""I just want what they have and to be happy.""Hell is all that awaits me for me. I have accomplished nothing with my life." Wave after wave the words flew from an aching heart. I sat there on that tombstone and looked at my dad's grave and felt so numb. The hurt and pain he felt was so raw. Each word like a solid fist. In my frustration of trying to help, I was taken in by his anger. I found it consuming me. His hurt became my hurt. His anger my anger. In those still small moments my mind just whirls.
Earlier at church I had prayed with all my heart for peace within and for us all. In that moment I suddenly raised my head to see a white dove. Never had I ever seen one around here except mourning doves. This one was flying straight at me. It landing just a short distance from where I was. It was of the purest white I had ever beheld. I hadn't told the rest of my family what I had been doing at the exact moment the dove had appeared. It had appeared out of nothing before my unbelieving eyes. The dove stayed back and watched. As I left the dove took flight to follow my vehicle. My father loved doves and had two mourning doves follow him back and forth to church the last year of his life.
This dove though was radiantly white like light. As we left, it circled back to the church. My prayer was simply that we and especially, my brother could find peace. Will peace come to him? I don't know. If Christ loves us like a brother and won't give up on us, how could I do any less for my own brother no matter the cost.
Soul Bound (Pt. 2)
Walking through this darkness
All alone
Nothing left but darkness
I'm cold as a stone
people are just shadows I have known
Life is almost gone
Numb to the bone
Trying to remember my happy face
Anger is all that has took your place
And in this darkness
This empty space
I am alone
Now the night is falling
All hope is gone
Love's mocking laughter floats through dark trees
No wife, no children, no accomplishments, everything you've done, you've done wrong,
The clouds of despair rain all night
Time's up, love is truly gone
The end of your song
Hold on
Hold on
For my soul was bound, too
Take my hand, brother, let's break on through
My soul's shadow blinded me
But our father's gentle dove broke me free.
by
Lance Gargus
Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15
When and if God moves to,
what we might call change,
He does so,
under the former declaration.
Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing
without revealing his plan
to his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
Romans 16:18
As I have stressed many times before, superlatives, adjectives, or flattery without constructive behavior to support whatever we are promising or perhaps unthinkingly committing ourselves to verbally, we make vows superficially without thinking of the consequences of shallow words only.
All the praise and flattery toward the Lord is useless, if we are attempting to bribe or bargain with Him. If we promise Him something and not validate, not only are we committing the sin of omission, but the sin of commission, lying and breaking a covenant, or contract sworn to-
I'm almost certain that no one reading has been guilty of this consciously, I pray,; but may have inadvertently slipped into this trap. To those who have used this ploy so long, it has real appeal, also to ones they may wish to impress with many flattering phrases and superlatives.
But we must be honest with the Lord; He knows our real thoughts and judges accordingly.
He knows He's more than all the praise and adjectives. Because all things are resident in Him, He in all things and all things are in and of Him!
by
James Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!
Revelation 1:18
I am ... alone
weary
disconnected
weak
broken.
I feel ... turmoil
pain
loss
grief
sorrow
anger
resentment
doubt.
I have ... questions..
I lack ... patience...
Through Christ I have ... wisdom
trust
humility
strength.
Through Christ's faithfulness I am ... safe
protected
redeemed
reconciled
ALIVE!
by Lance Gargus
And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
Luke 19:40
It's always the obvious and the simple things I overlook. These things are right in front of me. You, my God, are trying to give me a message. Isn't that the way life is? In front of your eyes, you miss the little things.
My children continue to lead me in small ways. They help me to see the unseeable. The angels guide their hearts to always seek Him out in the world around them. Their eyes see the hidden treasures God has planted everywhere. Even in the worst, they find the light. Children who believe are God's secret weapon against the dark one.
My daughter, after we were finished eating, was doing as she always does after a meal. She ran outside the restaurant along the river to explore. She sat down on the ground and proceeded to pick through stones. Searching ever carefully and discarding one after another. This quest was quite amusing to me. I had seen her stack them and other things before. Now it had took on an intensity to find the one. "Daddy, I found it. This is the One," was her shrill of excitement. Handing me the stone I opened my hand. "Girl, it is just a stone," I said glaringly smiling at her. Then, like she has before, said to look closer. "See the cross inside a house," she politely pointed out with her girlish voice.
There it was sure enough like a hidden treasure. It was the first time I had seen something like that. It was rustic and primitive and seemed to carry so much insight. This cross was not made by man, but made by God. It seemed to represent a message of God's love inside our hard hearts. I never lost the image of that stone.
Archeologist continue to find sites that confirm the Bible's authenticity. As the church become more complacent and quiet in this Laodecian church period, the stones will cry out His name. But who would hear them, but those with a pure heart. Matthew 11:25 says, At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. " Amen and Amen.
Pray, then, as we all soul search that we can see the hidden things of God.
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? Psalm 56:8
But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
Jeremiah 20:9
They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.
Psalms 17:10
How can we travel through this short life and not feel the pain of others? Why are we afraid to speak? We bottle up all that we think and feel. Except of course if it is anger. Then we turn this loose on all those around us.
Sometimes silence hurts worse than the angriest curse. The silence of callousness. Some call it stuck up, snobbery, better than you, or even shyness. Look they say he has never cursed with his mouth. Neither had the Pharisees or Sadducee's. The people who walked by the man in the good Samaritan story never spoke either. The good Samaritan spoke to him and helped.
To be friendly is considered to babble on by those who don't want to listen. Am I speaking to help that individual or to hurt someone? People are social creatures and have this wonderful gift of communication.
The angels are constantly cheering Holy, Holy, Holy in God's presence. Never does he say silence to them. If we don't talk about Him the very rocks will cry out.
Why then when we refuse to speak do we hurt each other and others who choose to speak do so to hurt others? We build ourselves up in our own minds by belittling others with words or giving the cold shoulder. Was man not made in the likeness of God? To treat each other like this is treat God like this. To withhold love from others is to withhold love from God.
Speak to each other in kindness and love. That silent person is hurting and that one who only says things to hurt others is hurting. Pray for them fervently.
Prayer is talking to God. Like saying hurtful things or refusing to talk to Him also hurts our Heavenly father, too.
So the next time your in a restaurant or standing in line be friendly to that person next to you. Show the love that is there in your heart. Some may accept and others may not. But you may have in a small moment planted a seed that will grow inside their soul. For after the winter comes the spring. And that seed you planted with God's love becomes a beautiful lilly.
by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.
Luke 9:24
You know the kind of New Testament. It is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. Mine was given to me when I was born. In later years, I came to treasure it like an heirloom. Never really looking at in much detail in my busy live.
One night I felt drawn to pick it up off the shelf where it had been sitting. Other Bibles I read sit by my bedside nightstand. This one stood out from the others. Not only had it been given to me at my birth, but what also made it unique was its exterior. My family's home had burned to the ground not long after my birth. Few things were salvageable from the fire.
This lone New Testament was one of them. Just like me it had made it. And like me in life it was forever scarred by what life had done to it. The exterior was burned and though I was not scarred by the flames I forever changed. The fires I face like this book was trials by fire. The part that burned in the interior was only the book of Revelation.
I don't know if this has special meaning or not. My life seems to become the most burned toward the end later in life. As the trails come in life, they will grow in more intensity. But like this pocket New Testament I will survive to the end. Whatever God wills,will be. Whether I live or die, God is still Lord and if through my living it spreads His gospel so be it or my death so be it. My life is not my own but His.
by
Lance Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 16:24
The hope of my life you are. The love of my life you are. Oh, the wonderful cross. Would I embrace my cross or run away? I stared at the cross in the reflection in the dresser mirror. The depth of the cross seemed to sink into the mirror infinitely. This was brought to my attention by a sweet,little innocent child. You can find crosses everywhere if you just look. God's constant reminder of His presence.
"Daddy, do you see the cross in the mirror?" she inquired. The deep blue eyes staring up at me waiting on a response. Shaking my head I looked back at my daughter. I didn't see anything. "Look one more time," she begged with a look of belief. "Alright, but this is the last time," was my reply. As I stared into the mirror I thought of this week and the events preceding it. The Vacation Bible School that week and how excited she was about Jesus. Her optimism was so hard to understand at my age. As I get impatient and refuse to wait upon the Lord, she takes me by the hand and leads me back. Today was Father's Day. And in my grief of the loss of my father I just didn't feel like this. The frustration of everything tearing up at my house and my mother's house was pulling on me. Oh, how I missed him there to help me with all these home repairs. My heart breaking from the load as I struggled to see.
There from the moonlight was the image glowing being reflected on to the mirror. A shelf gave a dual image on the mirror to make a cross. "I see it, now," my eyes finally revealed. "Amazing isn't it, Daddy?" was a small child's words of faith. A little child shall lead us. What strength there is in that little girl leading me. God reveals these things to us in due time.
It was Dad's way of reassuring me. He just wanted to remind me what I am living for. To remind me I don't walk alone in my soul searching. Walk by faith, not by sight just like a little girl.
by
Lance Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,
Ephesians 2:14
All through the years of my distress,
an inner voice gave me no peace-
as this passage of scripture kept pestering me,
"Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people, saith your God."
Even in my darkest moments,
in the depth of despair, it never let me rest.
I tried to stop my inner ears from even sensing this compelling voice but no,
it always there.
Then I began to question my part or worthiness to even consider this call to repentance and mission,
once I had a ready and willing ally,
Satan saying don't listen,
don't heed,
we've gone too far.
Then as my real self began to listen,
the impelling words of Revelation started to trickle into my consciousness.
Not only was I withholding the Gospel and the keys of the mystery of the kingdom from myself,
as well as the power of Godliness in practicing and administrating the ordinances from others.
by
James Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
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So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,
but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18
Things in life we pursue often times can be and are "superficial."
That is to say we may cast aside at any point,
any one or more of these.
And what would cause this particular change of character,
or trait?
Here we have as we had in the acquisition thereof,
the interaction,
or intra action.
As, in anything that changes,
there must be an initiator,
and a receptacle.
In other words , the object changed,
has to be acted upon,
before there's movement by it.
So, where does this change get its initiator?
And why does it succumb
or lend itself to change?
Mainly because some outside influence brought pressure to bear,
i.e.: in case of "fear"
it was discovered that fear was unjustified,
proven false.
And as a result of this change,
what happens to the receptacle,
or the place fear occupied?
Every void,
no matter how small,
must be filled with something.
So we have here an initiator,
concern,
concern prompted action,
action investigated,
and investigation discovered no cause for fear,
a burden was lifted,
a void created,
relief was a result.
What to do now with the void;
it is still a receptacle or holding place?
Unoccupied,
or seeming so,
temporarily.
There again is the unending chain of (change) action and interaction,
cause and effect.
There's always a sort of restlessness involved in this process,
till the receptacle has a tangible occupant,
good,
bad,
or indifferent.
by
James Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
John 16:13
Prayer lines are open.
God knows your needs,-
pour out your heart,
it melts the clogged arteries of communication,
humbles the heart,
makes tender the sensibilities,
chains our honesty,
implants sincerity,
don't ring the wrong number.
Know the voice on the other end of the prayer.
Even tho he knows your innermost thoughts,
He desires constant communication with his children.
And the bonds of child, parent, God and man with love grows.
This becomes a natural part of life.
by
James Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
"Who are these that fly along like clouds,
like doves to their nests?
Isaiah 60:8
Doves symbolize transcendence, eternity, timelessness, faith, and hope. The dove is universally a symbol of peace, purity, love and tenderness. Doves are timeless creatures. The dove has been a powerful human symbol since antiquity. 
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
My grandfather was a complicated man. Life had hardened him toward most things including his family and children. Times were tough and life was tough. He tried to deal with the stresses of the times of a large family and utter poverty. To relieve this stress he turned to alcohol in hopes of some kind of release. He was not a bad man per se. But a lost man in trying to find strength in the bottle. He was just a man with failings and weaknesses as we all have. He didn't want to rely on anyone which regrettably included God. He didn't realize he was relying on alcohol as a crutch, and as a result was hurting himself and all those around him. Most importantly, a young son who was following after his footsteps. My dad was this young son who always wondered why his dad never returned the love and approval he craved. Here is a poem he wrote about his relationship as a boy with his dad.
He cringed in the shadow of his darkened room-
Fearful to venture out from the vague safety of the gloom.
He'd been disobedient and the penalty he now feared,
As father's return from his work drew near.
This scene was re-enacted time after time,
Just the battle for attention and affection was his only crime.
He stood at the door of our hearts begging entrance in,
Hurt and dismayed with a battle he just couldn't win.
With tears in his eyes and tears in his heart,
Hoping to gain entrance with each new start.
He ask and ask but received no reply-
As his hungry heart wondered ,"Why, Why, Why?"
by
James Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31
3 different co-workers in different situations of need. One preparing for his death, one disabled by an illness, and one faced with the loss of a loved one. Hope of overcoming a stroke, despair of one's impending death, and sorrow of the loss of a mother. Who has not faced one of these situations or soon will? How do we react to others in that stage in life? Do we show kindness or callousness? My father emphasized helping that brother or sister in need.
How easy it is not care. For one to become desensitized by everything around you. So easy to do. But to put into action and open your heart is another thing. Where you become vulnerable to the hurt of another's pain. That is something entirely different. Can you comfort those in need with a word of encouragement? Some people are so out of touch with their core that the ice is hard to break through. Some don't want to be broken through. That is when only God can heal the unhealable.
A young lady came up to me in the waiting room that night. I was grieving over the impending loss of my father. I had cried so hard that I didn't have the strength to cry anymore. At that darkest time as I sat all alone, this lady came out of nowhere to ask if she could help. She lent a sympathetic ear. She took time to listen when no one else on earth seemed to care. Her kind words was very much needed in that moment. I can't thank her enough. All I can do is pass it on by doing this for others.
These co-workers are my brothers and sisters. Each with their own unique problems and troubles. Behind each face is a story and a past. What they put on is a mask that everyone of us hides behind to hide our hurt and vulnerability. They are not to be hated, but prayed for. We are to do as our Lord would. If just one of these souls can be saved, it would be worth it. All our fates are tied together. As quoted,"No man is an island."
Take just moment to comfort someone in need. Lift up the weak and stand firm as the world around you changes. This world changes, don't let it change who you are as a believer. Speak the truth in the face of adversity, help the weak and defenseless, and love the unlovable.
Let us wait upon the Lord to conquer the small hope, deepening sorrow, and the depths of despair. Do this by being his words in action with love. Nothing is stronger than love. My daughter taught me the true meaning of this.
by
Lance Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
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I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4
"Don't let me down, I want to see y'all again," was the words that hang in the back of my mind. The words that drive me on. The words of a father that wants to see his children in heaven with him. Other Fathers were consumed with the smartest and most athletic abilities with their children, he was concerned with his children's walk with the Father. But, Lord, without you how can I do that and lead my family home?
Questions arise in my mind. Do I let my children down? Am I an example for them? I've got so far to go. I've made so many mistakes. With all the pressures I can't seem to get it right. I want my little children to see Him. I seem mighty tall to them, but I'm learning from the best Father of all. The One my earthly father learned from. Something for their innocent eyes to see.
There is no replacing the memories of the walks I took with my father in the cool of the evening. We headed down that old, dusty gravel road as the sun would be setting. Him telling spiritual truths I didn't fully understand and still don't totally comprehend. But I knew in his presence I was loved. The road could have lead me anywhere, and didn't matter as long as he was going with me. Looking at his feet I tried to match him step for step. And still try too, even now, with much struggle.
I walk now, but not alone. I feel my earthly father and heavenly father's presence. I can feel the touch on my shoulder as a little child. The touch of a father's hand to encourage me to go on no matter how hard it gets.
As I touch my son's shoulder and hold his hand, it scares me so much. How can I lead him when I get so mixed up myself? And in that moment I drift back to that time. Just like I do him and my dad did me, when I'm tired I was carried. Placed on a shoulder to look back at the setting sun with its many splendid colors of fiery red, yellow, and orange. He let me lean on his strength when I became too weary for my little feet to carry on. And when we headed home he would let me ride his shoulders as the wind blew against my face. He lifted me up to what seemed like the top of the world. In that moment I felt 10 feet tall lifted up to the sky. I felt I could see past the horizon in the distance. The longer I walked with him the closer we became.
We saw all of God's handiwork in his creation and the wonders of a new world to me. Everything was new and exciting to discover. Pointing out various things and telling me the story behind it. Answering so many questions my young mind had. If he grew weary of the curious questions, I never noticed it. He seemed to have knowledge and wisdom beyond my few little years on this earth.
If I fell, he picked me up and dusted me off. He put me back on my feet. He calmed my fears. Wiping my tears away. I raised my eyes and saw the kindness of a father's love for his child. His kindness is what pulled me up to go on and his love kept me walking on. I would cry out, "Hold me." Sometimes not really needing to be carried. But just wanting his attention.
The sun set and cast long shadows across the ground as we strolled along. My shadow was so small but his seemed so tall. It looked like a giant's shadow though he was a man of medium height. The sun showed how I saw him. That no matter how tall I got, I would always look up to him.
I know he fretted over every footstep I made, as I do mine. He couldn't do it for me, but was there for me if when I needed him. And he and my Heavenly Father continue to be. His little boy continues the walk into the deepest parts of his soul. All the while being followed by the little footsteps behind me.
by
Lance Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
The tensil strength of a chain is wholly dependent upon each link.
(Faith-Baptisms of Water and Spirit-Repentance-Laying On of Hands-Resurrection of the Dead-Eternal Life and Judgement)
If we neglent, ignore, or phase out as has happened as with the pressures of social expediency, just one or more of these doctrinal principles then the remaider will soon follow.
And we have seen it happen with the so called church spiritual structure that will collapse under dead works.
Keep the principle chain intact and lay hold on eternal life.
Now, for our salvation it is entirely dependent upon it.
And like destruction, salvation is near.
by
James Gargus
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Hebrews 9:14
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Dear Ones,
I love you all very much
and I hate to leave you for such
a long time but I'm trying to do
what the Lord wants me to do.
All my love,
I need your prayers.
Dad-Jim
by
James Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
My soul is in anguish.
How long, O LORD, how long?
Psalm 6:3
(New International Version)
In the night while my soul sleeps,
I realize where I am.
All of a sudden my soul leaps,
but these chains I start to slam.
I am bound to the ground,
I jerk my arms to the left and right.
In frustration and anger I furiously pound,
Here comes the night.
The darkness closes in around me,
My eyes struggle in the absence of light.
I yell at the darkness trying to break free,
And so begins the fight.
I hear voices off in the distance calling out to me,
What is that they are saying?
So many voices shrieking like a banshee,
These horrendous voices, my ears, is there no allaying?
The odor that assaults my senses,
It is something just putrid on the air.
What is that in the distance preparing its offenses?
It's coming to rip and tear.
My mouth has the taste of something rotton in it,
This I can't quite discern.
This frightful place assaults my very senses,
The restiveness makes my stomach churn.
I await my fate peering into the void,
I feel the cold metal shackles around my wrists.
My life's meaning has become devoid,
I squeeze my hands into tight fists.
I call out to you,
In the hope that you hear me.
"I've lost it all, it's all I ever knew,
I feel so empty. Why aren't you with me?"
"I am holding on,
but I feel like giving in.
Staring out for the rising of the dawn,
Struggling within."
I scream at the top of my voice,
"Do you hear me?"
Through tear streaked face I shout,"I have no choice."
"I offered ten years off my life. He didn't have to die, did he?"
"He was my light,
without a light I fear I'll stumble in the dark.
This is my only plight,
Which way do I embark?"
"I can't remember who I am,
I've lost myself.
Is light just a sham?
What does one do with oneself?"
On the outside I am hiding in my skin,
There I am at a loss for words.
broken from within,
Is this what girds?
Outwardly, I sit in silence and wonder what led me to this place,
How my life seems so lifeless and cold.
Where is my face?
Despair has taken hold.
All my efforts are like chasing the wind for others to see,
And I've given all my strength and there's nothing left to give.
My attempts have successfully drove me to one knee,
All this cause me to misgive.
I've lost all feeling and I'm numb to the core,
So much, so much distress.
I can't fake it anymore,
Feelings I try to suppress.
Inwardly, my bound soul faces the emptiness as it approaches,
Antagonizing the nothingness and challenging it.
Caring less if it encroaches,
No matter my life I won't submit.
The face coming out of the shroud is recognizable some how,
The voice distinctly familiar to me.
"This can't be, I won't allow,
That's not me, you let me be."
It says nothing back to me,
For it is just my soul's shadow, you see.
by
Lance Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:30
Somehow life is a burden,
an unseen burden,
hanging either around your neck
or around or inside your heart.
These shadowy burdens lift, float,
waver, wane, and bear down, as
the tides of life ebb and flow.
Life takes on many colors, from a dark dreary grey, to a prismatic cartwheel of
gay colors varying in density and length,
as life's situation shift, as emotions move, change, as inner and outer factors appear and move on, leaving whatever residue the beaches of my life accept or cling to.
Somehow the effort seemingly is just too much
or useless to reject the waste of life,
even knowing the disaster that submission
to the useless brings.
Why is misery so easy to accept
and optimism so difficult to apprehend?
Are the powers of darkness too intense,
too alluring,
to the soul that carries the burden of love
that finds the fulfillment of that love
too elusive
and too tangibly to get hold on it?
Are the better things of life too hazy and intangible?
Do we really know the better things?
Who can measure them?
Who can weigh them?
Can we hold love in our hands?
If not, how do we know we have it?
How do we know if it is slipping away,
if we do have it?
by
James Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
Isaiah 16:20
After the long night, you are sunrise. This thought hangs in the back of my mind about that night. His soul ascending with the coming of the dawn that Sunday morning. The shadows of darkness that surrounded him was evidence of the sun. He knew the midnight.
He kept asking what time of day it was. Asking whether the sun was rising or setting. I couldn't understand in my ignorance what difference it made. But looking back I believe he was waiting for the coming
of his Lord to free him from that frail body.
His Lord was the only one that could make him whole again. He never complained about the load he had to bear in this life. He would keep on the same path he was on. Though he wandered from that path by trying to take shortcuts, they always seemed to lead right back to that path. The easy path would not have shaped him the way God wanted, too. Easy paths lead you astray.
Something beautiful came out of his broken body and suffering for he knew it was not the end. The shadows of darkness and every bitter chill made him ready. To find out, what I never understood, that Jesus is sunrise. He waited for that Sunday morning sunrise for him. How could he have know this if he didn't know the night.
He was always searching the horizon above the city with his eyes. He seemed to be looking past me and past the horizon. He seemed to look for that special light. The light of a new dawn.
I wonder if he ever doubted in that darkness. But when I thought he doubted that smile returned. I think he knew that shadows come first before the rising of the sun. And that was all the evidence he needed.
Jesus alone will be our light and shine brighter than any star. He alone is the resurrection that makes everything new. The light that makes beautiful blue skies. Our Lord was resurrected on the sabbath, and he took my father home on the morning of the sabbath.
His heart that morning as the Sun came up must have been saying,"Thank You, Thank You. After this long terrible night, Jesus you alone are my sunrise."
As I watched the sun coming up, its beams broke through over the buildings. It drove away every last bit of night. I sit in that window looking out so many stories over Memphis and cried. I looked back at him. His body was just a shell. That was no longer him. He was out there. Outside on those rays of sunlight. He was with his Creator. Feeling the warmth of the sun on him. But this warmth was pure love. Something we just can't comprehend.
I looked back at my family and said, "This is a good day for the sun has rose, and he has went with it."
I still miss him terribly and probably always will. I am sure all of heaven has heard me cry. But sometimes my faith caves in and my soul feels like God is gone. So I continue to lose my way and search my soul at each twist and turn.
by
Lance Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
The Lord is my strength and my
shield; my heart trusted in him.
Psalm 28:7
His blue eyes closed and a heart of gold stopped beating a year ago. we knew we would never see his smile again on this earth. God broke our hearts to prove He only takes the best. God knew you had to leave us but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you. To some you are forgotten, to others just a part of the past, but to your family and friends that knew you and loved you, your memories will always last. We love you very much.
by
Louise Gargus
In loving memeory of our father James H. Gargus Sr. Died 5-7-2006.
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
I hope I can go to my death with the same strength that Christ went to his. This is the words he said as I stopped to watch the last bit of Jesus of Nazareth. I said, "Dad, don't talk like that." He just seem to have a far off distant look after he had made the statement. I looked over at the man in the hospital bed that was my father. He had always been a strong man. His strength wasn't his own but something supernatural. His strength was tender and kind. Even the look he had in his eyes and concern you could see in his face for others could be felt. He didn't even want to let the Lord down in how he went to his death.
Little did I know what all he would reveal to us in that last month of his life. The amazing and unexplainable things that happened. Let's say that he spent every labored breath and action glorifying our Lord to the very end. If there is anything as an honorable death, his was a reflection of that. He let go while finding his strength in the unseen.
He was his hiding place in times of distress. So he did more than walk to him, he ran to him. God's loving embrace to protect him and renew his strength. Never to turn his back on his Saviour and Lord.
So, he praised him through the pain. Doing whatever it took in sacrifice, even pain, to bring God glory. Jesus was all the strength he ever needed in this life and at the end.
Pondering on those words and thoughts at church. I questioned my own strength, courage and resolve. My thoughts seemed to float on the air of the warm spring breeze. It felt nice and cool to my face from the open church windows surrounding me. I noticed a faint smell of flowers blooming on the wind. I made sure it was not coming from any perfume, cologne, or any scent around me. There was no flowers planted around the church or inside. I investigated this rare sweet smell of lilies, roses, honeysuckles, and mint. No one was wearing this scent for we are a small church and know everyone. I questioned my wife, and she had caught a hint of it. No one else had caught this besides her and I.
Was this the sweet smell of flowers not of this world but the next? Whose fragrance forever bless the saints with their aroma, flowers that are perfect and never die. This I do not know. All I know is that I question myself with good reason and at times something reaches back to soothe me. This is all I know.
by
Lance Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
I listen closely with my mind,
for fulfillment, of a promise you made,
I can't quit now, believing in you.
The price is too high to be paid.
I listen closely with my heart,
for the feeling that our love will prevail.
For I wanta believe, I wanta know,
my plans for us just can't fail.
I can't quit now,
I can't stop believing in you,
I can't turn and go the other way,
I don't want to start life anew.
I feel keenly your closeness to me,
I feel your soft hand on my cheek.
The message of love we shared with our eyes,
without the need for us to speak.
I hear your laughter at something I said,
echoing in my weary heart and soul.
I see the blue of your eyes, the tilt of your head,
your auburn hair shining like gold.
Your memories, always return (come back) dear.
Tell me my (dear) love why can't you?
I won't ask darling why you left,
just come back to your big boy blue.
I love you.
by
James Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
Mortify therefore, your members which are upon the Earth are:
Fornication-
Uncleanness
Inordinate Affection
Evil Concupiscence/ Lust
Covetousness- which is idolatry-
Colossions 3:5
These are the restraining lines that hinder- and they are not always inordinate- except in the lives of those we need to help.
by
James Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
The memory of the just is blessed....
Proverbs 10:7
Some how memories don't leave,
to allow the mind to rest,
they linger, they grow,
not dimmer,
but flourish
with,
present happenings, triggering those, those
thoughts, again, of
what was once,
is now again.
So real, yet so intangible, painfully so,
always on the fringes of life's days, nights are
shadowy, they flit here!
Now they're leaving,
absent, but a fleeting instant,
returning, with companions.
Each one as,
a chain, linking one to
another,
their tensile strength, unbreakable,
linking history.
The wonderful past,
with the now,
causing pain, happiness, remorse, joy, sorrow,
tears, laughter,
memories,
memories,
oh, to shake off the years,
as a burdensome cloak,
to reenter for a moment,
that page of time,
now turned.
by
James Gargus
My dad hung a tire swing for my daughter 2 years before he died. She would play for hours on that swing. Sticking her body through the tire. She would twist the rope around and let it unwind with her in it. Spinning and laughing like it was greater than any carnival ride. The day she played on it for the first time was special to her. "Thank you, papaw, thank you, " was her reply that day. His enjoyment was the smile on his little grandchild's face. A simple moment for a love between generations.
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
There's so many things of which to write,
of people I know,
of things I've seen,
of errors of wrong,
and the good things of right.
But time speeds by, opportunities flee,
they don't pause,
they don't look back,
they both are constants,
not bound by procrastinations, such as fools like me.
Some sage may have said,"Give me the will, I'll find away"-
to do the impossible,
to think the positive,
to right the wrong,
to stretch my soul,
to work while it's yet day.
Ah! the Imagination of the active mind,
the romance of the heart,
leads to dreams,
excites the fantasies,
creates the adventurer.
What matters whether a role, or "real life" part?
If I feel my burden is too heavy to bear,
I lay it down,
I close my weary eyes,
I really have small worry,
I'll not be bound by the "passing life's" futile care.
by
James Gargus
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Psalm 73:24
The compass of my life is gone,
will I ever find another?
I search for my guidance among the many voices,
in futility, I shout why bother.
For no one cares about me and where I go,
and the dead ends I encounter.
I can do this myself, my rage screams into the dark,
as my soul is becoming numb and downer.
I can no longer cry,
I can no longer feel,
I have spent all my emotions,
I am an empty shell,
No longer able to be joyful and let my spirit fly.
These troubles have overtaken me,
the evil ones have drug me down to their layers,
confusing my mind,
compass, oh, God, where are you?
Show me the way to flee.
Speak to me,
not with signs or wonders,
talk to me like your child you left behind.
The one who skinned his knee,
and you rushed into to console.
Help me see.
You said I could hear what you heard if I wanted too,
but those songs of heaven you heard before you entered his bosom are beyond me.
I only hear the echoes of my own voice coming back to me,
shattering my mind with, "What do you do? What do you do?"
Hate, anger, and rage fill up my thoughts, at people that loathe me and hurt those I love,
this is what consumes my sleep, without my compass,
eating at who I am,
who I was,
the world around changing me,
reshaping me into their mold,
tearing at my sense of self,
never satisfied until I am dammed.
I am to be silenced,
the joy to be saddened,
the happiness to be frowned,
the peace to be chaotic,
the love to be replaced by greed,
not until I have been lanced.
Compass, I wait for the dream of you to come,
to show me what you are seeing, hearing, and feeling.
But only the silence I held to my whole life,
which now threatens to consume me.
You were my guide in this world of pain,
your judgements guided by a higher life,
in a world yet to come.
In my silence I continue to wait,
for the day or night, by dream or vision,
that my compass chooses to reveal this to me.
To find out my fate.
I wait,
searching my heart,
I wait,
searching my mind,
I wait,
searching my spirit,
I wait,
searching my soul,
I wait,
helpless to help those around me,
I wait,
trying to lead a family falling at the seams,
I wait,
longing for a time with you.
God help me,
I wait, oh, compass, I wait.
by
Lance Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
This is Laura Ann's, my grandmother and dad's mother's, hymn book. She sung him songs on those cold, winter nights in Tennessee out of this book. She reinforced his faith out of this book. Her voice singing calmed him when he was upset with words from this book. She died singing words from My Times Are In Thy Hands out of this book. I sung my father that song before his death cause she was waiting on her boy to come home. This book was found among my dad's meager possesions. It is worth more than anything to me. For it is some small part of my heart not calloused by a cruel, unforgiving world. by Lance Gargus
These things written down were written by my father on his death bed. This is just a small sample of the many things he wrote. He had lost his voice. So he wrote down what God had let him see and hear.
you ring it. 
Revelation: And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes... Rev. 21:4
is really enshrouded with God at the heart of it in it's true history. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. All for refusing to deny Christ before the "Emperor Claudius". Before his head was cut off, this Valentine restored sight and hearing to the daughter of his jailer. He loved God and believed in love and marriage so much he risked it all. Paying the ultimate price. 
I visited the place, 
Darling Louise,
I believe in wishing wells,
This was his final installment of figuring out the different grammatical usages for square and round. It was mainly a poetic exercise in the usage of rhyme and words.
They have to square everything away,
if they get around to it.
They'll make the rounds of this town,
just in order to do it?-
One had to square it with the other,
for a round of Golf, win or lose.
A square shooter? A round robin for to choose?
-I'll go around the square to get
a round steak,
just around the corner lay, before day break.
When I returned they were doing a round dance,
in a square circle in their little boxer pants.
-Then they did a square dance in a round gazebo,
as they played musical rounds with a square banjo.
Give me a round figure.
And I'll square it away for the fall round up down there,
it's squarely up to the round table if it's round or square?
by
James Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
Dad use to box in the service during WW2. He was rather good. During that time his mind was always working all the time. I am sure that he had this poem with its use of words and their meanings in mind. The words are ever moving in their meaning as a boxer in his thoughts.
The two fighters fought a round in a square ring?
One didn't wait for the three minute bell to ring.
I just hung around to see that both got a square deal.
While the music went round and round, like a wheel?
As the two squared off to a round of applause;
One had smooth round, the other square jaws?-?
One maybe a square, but, I'll be around,
To square accounts if a round figure can't be found?
A dozen rounds they would go
even though one was a rounder?
One a square roundhouse, one a round 200 pounder.
Their pay will be rounded off to the nearest dollar bill,
They fought around the clock, tho both were over the hill?
by
James Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
The LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.
This was written by my mother just right before Christmas. Two days till Christmas. It will be my 1st without my husband, James. I feel like crying. But I know I have to be strong for our grandchildren. For Jim asked me a few days before he lost his voice to go home and be strong like I always had been. For he loved our grandchildren so much. They had brought him such happiness in life. And he was going on. The kids needed me to help them in life he believed. He didn't hate to die for he had lived a good life. But it was hard on all of us. We would see him again someday. We had been together so many years but now he was depending on me to carry on. And he loved me with all his heart.
Today was one of my test without him. I was decorating the Christmas tree when I found an ornament he had bought back in 1996. It had Jim and Louise on it and two doves. My brother had asked him to go dove hunting with him one year. And he told him he would not shoot a dove. For God had used them to find dry land for Noah. I thought back to the time of him saying that to my brother. He had a gentle heart for a strong man. I celebrate this as Jesus's birthday and I know he is with him. For he doesn't hurt anymore. In my heart he is always with me as we dance beneath the mistletoe to "Pretty Paper" one last time.
by
Louise Gargus
I remember well the Christmas time as the record player would play. That song would play as they danced across the living room and they seemed so happy looking at each other with all the love in the world. Them being so close made my brother and I feel that nothing in the world could ever go wrong. She completed him in time when he needed it most. These are the memories that come back to me with the warmth of a family on Christmas Eve.
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
Georgie Ann Gargus was my Aunt and my Dad's sister, and she was one of the prettiest women he had ever known.
She was not only lovely but had a kind heart.
My Dad thought alot of her but she thought a better life lay ahead for her out there.
The farm was not good enough for her.
She longed for the big city and a life of luxury and ease.
The finer things in life she thought she deserved.
It impaired her judgement of men's character is so many times the case.
She could have any man she wanted but chose one based on wealth.
Monetary value held more value than character of heart.
So she chose her mate and left her old life behind never to look back.
Never to keep in contact with old family and friends that reminded her of her old life.
So she wed him and he took her away from it all. But all false faces are soon revealed.
He gave her the lavish lifestyle she longed for.
But her beauty was her Achille's heel on which her sense of self worth was based upon.
His jealousy of other men drove him crazy.
The alcohol to forget their looks.
Though no impropriety she did.
The onlookers as they went about their ways was more than he could handle.
So in a jealous rage one night he struck her on the head leading to her death, eventually.
She lied about the event blaming it on a fall.
So wanting to hold on to the life, she had built for herself that she lied to her family when they visited her.
A princess she was and no more pauper was she.
But, oh, what a price to be.
She covered it up until her life it did take.
Leaving her family with heartbreak in its wake.
Vanity caused this beauty to refuse to see the jealousy beast.
May her soul lie at rest.
For beauty lies in the heart and riches in the things not of this world.
We all become blinded by the things of this life.
So when you read don't judge her to hard, for you see this story has been replayed so many different times on different stages.
The characters are different but the plot is still the same.
As Solomon said:"Then I looked on all the works my hand had wrought,...and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun."
Ecclesiastes 2:11
by
Lance Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
This picture was drew by Larry of my Dad and Mom's wedding. She was like a second mother to him
.
This is a letter my Father wrote about his youngest son by his previous marriage, Larry. Though infidelity was involved on her part and it tore a family apart, the ramifications of this divorce was felt through all my half sisters and half brothers to this day. But Larry took it the hardest. In hurt his ex-wife told my dad he wasn't his and in some way he believed it. He still treated him a little different than the others after that. He was so confused that one night he stood crying wanting his Dad to understand him. Dad knew he was his even in spite of the hurtful words Edna said. Divorce has many causalities but children suffer the most. My mother tried to be his friend but she was just a stepmom he said. All he wanted was a family. Maybe the one he lost. At times my dad would accidently call me Larry instead of Lance for we favored some I was told. He died when I was young and never got to know him very well. But none the less he was my brother and my blood. The pain of not getting to know him is as real as my Father's was the night he found out the news of his death. Here is what Dad wrote in his own words...
Larry in spite of his terrible problems loved me to the end and I did that boy. I kept thinking he would be okay. He was a miserable, wonderful, honest young man with his family life blown apart and he never recovered from it. I loved him dearly.
Dad with Larry right before his divorce from Edna. He was the youngest of 5 kids.
He took very few pictures when he got older. He mostly went off searching for something ever elusive to him to fill a void. The alcohol and drugs finally did him in the end. He was living with his mother. She found him lying on the couch at her house. He had convulsed and his liver had exploded trying to process all that he had consumed. He was only 26.
What we all do affects all those around us. No man is an island, they say. What you or I do could affect generations of people, especially those whom we love. A stray word can even hit harder than any fist. But one spoken in kindness to a receptive heart may make all the difference. Seach your own soul and figure out where you stand with those whom you love.
The last picture he had made. It was with his neice. She was just a baby. He never had one of his own.
Him with his mother, Edna.
by Lance Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
What did you enjoy doing most as a child?
Did you prefer doing it alone or with someone else?
Reading,listening to my mother sing. Climbing trees, swinging on grape vines, playing hide and go seek, blind man bluff, kick the can, hide and go seek, ginn, visiting my relatives with my mom and dad, going to church with mother, listening to stories of The Church Elders experiences in their missionary journeys, wading water, mud, swimming, going fishing with my dad, watching ants build hills, birds nesting, baby birds learning to fly, listening to the mocking birds, listening to the whippoor whill, walking barefoot on dusty roads, watching dust squirt up between my toes, listening to older folks tell of haunted places, learning to play baseball, watching my dad and older brother drive and copying them.
There was times I liked to be alone but generally I liked to be with someone or a group.
Who gave you your name and why? Did you have a nickname? How did you get it?My mother gave me my name, after her father, James Caldwell, and for my father's father Henry Alvin Gargus.
Yes, "Freckles," was my nickname. I had a million freckles until I was 17 years old. Later, instead of James, or Jim my name, or nickname become "Jimmy" and it has stuck with me, as many still, after all these years refer to me, as Jimmy.
Describe your childhood home. What was your favorite room?
My childhood home, as I recall, was happy, and like most boys at that age and time, in the 20's, 30's was carefree, and I had no idea we were poor people, until years later when someone informed us of this strange fact. On the farm, til about 8 then in town. There was 9 children to contend with and enjoy, or be real miserable, all depending upon the older children, who could make your day or break it. 
Were you baptized or dedicated as an infant? If so, where and by whom?
Baptized at 8 years old by immersion by Bro. Thomas Newton a travelling Elder in the church.
Bro. Newton long since passed on.
Baptism is only for responsible youth or adults, who can and will make a mature, informed decision to follow the way of Christ.
Did you attend church as a young boy? What are your earliest memories of church?
With my mother and older children going to prayer meeting. Going by farm wagon or model "A" Ford, cold feet and hands, muddy roads.
Where did your father go to work everyday and what did he do? Did his work interest you?
Farmer mostly, he did some work for the city of Paris, Tn in sewer service. No, his work didn't interest me at all. He was a moody person and we children were afraid of him, most of the time.
Did your mother have a job or did she work at home?
My mother mother was a full-time homemaker and a part-time school teacher. A humorous lady with a serious mission in life, to honestly sincerely be a good mother, wife, and neighbor.
Yes, she worked at home with 9 children to attend-to, 3 boys, 6 girls, and another son. Whose birth contributed to her death, by a hemophiliac condition, the bleeding couldn't be stopped. She was a devout church attender and believer by deeds and conduct.
What was your favorite sport or outdoor activity? Why was this your favorite?
The schools I attended had no sports program. We played cow pasture ball growing up, a home made twine ball and a hewn out homemade bat. 
Did you pray as a young boy? Who taught you to pray?
I think I prayed. Later my mother taught me by example. 
Did the pastor or visiting missionary ever eat dinner at your house? Did they have an impact on your life?
Pastors and traveling missionaries were a very influential part of my younger years, especially between age 7-13. I was baptized at age 8 in 1928 by a traveling Elder Thomas Newton, who (as did none of the ministry serve for pay) in all their travels, all expenses were born by the men themselves. They gathered corn, picked cotton, bottomed chairs, they plowed and hoed or whatever needed to be done to earn their travel and keep. They sent about 2/3 of their earnings home to their families if they had one. They could not, indeed would not sell their ministry; they served out of love, as indeed they do to this day. In all humility, I do the same. And have never suffered for it, but rather received many wonderful blessings, guidance, and healing.
Did you ever feel that God had a special calling on your life?
As a young ex-soldier WW2 1946, I was told by one who loved me that the Heavenly Father wished to use me in a special way, but I needed to clean up my life and prepare for the call to ministry.
This I proceeded to do, with much confusion and uncertainty enroute.
I served as a teacher for 4 years, with much joy at seeing many people responded to my interest in their lives, homes, prayer life, and church attendance. As I served I also was under great temptation the last 3 years and even tho, I did not fully succumb to these enticements, I suffered loss and so did those of my home and the isolated members to who I was sent.
I moved to Memphis from Paris, Tn in the winter of 1953-54 and was ordained as a priest in 1955 and was ordained an elder in 1957.
Describe the most memorable time of life.
I served as Elder, 57-1968, when I decided to turn in my priesthood license. (This after my wife left me for someone else in 1966.) I have no excuses to offer even tho I suffered, as did my children, Ronald James, (Elbert James) now Joseph, Bonita Marie, Leah Kay, and Larry Alan. We were very active in the church. I was a pastor at two locations, chaplain at the high school, and elementary school, Boy Scout Leader, and Cub Scout Leader. My wife, Edna, was P.T.A. President and parliamentarian; she was also secretary to the zoo director, secretary to church district pres.,Thomas S. Gough; and were told the neighbors looked to us as a model family and neighbors.
After she left me and the divorce I was too distraught and weak to resist the temptation to get even, rebel, and do harm to my family, friends, and myself.
The road back was formidable, and didn't want to give up the (don't care life). But the call of the church was too strong and now I am serving to the best of my ability.
How far did you have to travel to attend school and how did you get there?
School bus or walk. We were not furnished cars. They were then considered a luxury or necessity depending upon the existing circumstances. Mileage varied from 1/2 mile to several miles. 
How did you come to write in this journal?Lance, my son, gave me this journal, and if I don't' write in it, he'll fuss at me. June has been a rewarding month so far. I've gone back to work. Working at Tri-State Protection Agency as a security guard since I retired.
What about your church? My church has been so good to me and so good for me. Tho, I drive 12 miles, roundtrip, I really feel great about it. The people that are such fine Christians, no pretense, just good honest people; clean living and really appreciate my ministry.
What word best describes your childhood?
Uncertain, at times. My childhood was like it was due to a problem in the home. My mother was settled, calm, and caring. My father was almost always abusive, belittling, name calling, profanity, no showing of affection, or care,always requiring the utmost effort in whatever I did-never satisfied, and no compliments. He made me labor beyond my physical ability and then demanded more, or more abuse. I came to believe I was no good or retarded, as he accused. I loved him in spite of this. He was my father. He did change after he became 55 or so. He died of cirrhosis of the liver. A very painful demise. But he did die a very changed man. Thank God!
What advice about life do you want others to remember?
Do not allow others to tell you how you feel. You decide what your life should be like without being cynical. You are a special person, no one is, or ever will be like you. Trust in the Lord- put your hand in His, do His will, that is all that's necessary.
Do you have a special message for one of your children?
Yes, my eldest son, Ronald James Gargus, born October 16,1946. Fine son, very intelligent, gifted "A" student, athlete, and lettered in 5 sports. Had call to priesthood, but was cancelled by a questionable Elder, who disagreed with the call. He was very disillusioned after that, and more so when our prayers for Bonita's daughter wasn't answered as he thought they should be. And she passed away at 8 months of age. He is of fine character but at times disillusioned.
This journal was presented to me by my son, Lance Lee Gargus, on 6-13-98.
by
James Gargus
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
Proverbs 27:23
The lights were dim,
This letter was wrote when my Dad was trying to help his brother for a couple months with his car business. He was retired at the time. And had the chance to get close to his brother that couple of months. He still missed us alot though. Myrtle was my grandmother and Lee was my grandfather on my mom's side in the letter. Ron and Joe are my older brothers. John Gresham is my cousin. I found this letter not to long after Thanksgiving. There is some things in it that really spoke to our hearts. This time of year, when this post was written, is especially hard on us. But it the most difficult on my mother. Pray for her lonesome heart. Here is the letter:
Oct 24 1987
10:15 am
Dear loved ones,
My daughter had another vision or dream the other night while sleeping. This time she saw children playing in a fantastic place with lots of bright fantastic colors coming from the garden. The sun or Son in the sky was shaped like a diamond. It was golden and lavendar in color. But it was not hot. You could touch it and it didn't burn you. She said it felt Holy. I asked what did she mean by Holy. Holy felt like the wind being soft and tender with love and comfortable all around you. This is how my 7 year old described it.
We all have memories I'm sure of going to see our grandmothers on Thanksgiving or Christmas. The road trip to see her and the anticipation of all those wonderful, smelling treats and goodies. We can't wait to see that smile and the warm arms to hug us. The kiss on the cheek and the look of kindness and love. The warm house after the long cold trip there. Trying to help her cook or do some small task she always let us do to make us feel special. This is how I felt. Always welcome and like I was going to my own family's home. I wasn't in the way I was a part of the family. And that is how it was.
Grandmothers are like that. Though I have no memory of my great grandmother I can see her through my dad's eyes in how he described her. Here is how he remembered her in his own words:
Dad had time to bless the grandchildren with their blessing from the elders of the church. But he didn't have time to renew my wife and mine's wedding vows. We didn't realize that until his death, and went through his stuff that he had written out everything for our ceremony.This is all he had written before his passing:
Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven
He never lets us go-
A synopsis of Satan's wiles of deceit
and God's dealing with love and truth
The first few years of my life were, generally I suppose, normal. One exception, was an episode of terror and turmoil, as my Father was involved in a terrible tragedy; the wasting of a man's life and the sorrow it brought my family; the prison time my dad spent away, the hardships as a consequence of this tragedy, with 8 children and a distraught mother. 2 years of poverty, in the years 1929-1930 the depression didn't help either.
With all the heartaches and other problems, my mother never lost hope; She stayed in touch with her Heavenly Father, we were in church regularly; Her favorite Hymn, was, until the Day of her death, Never "Be discouraged,"Trust the Father's Word". In the old Blue back Hymnals#236- 1933 Edition Reprint 1951. In the Grey Book 1966 Edition I believe, not included, in the New Edition 1995 Blue back Hymns of the Restoration#287.
Some how the temptations of the time in which she lived never fazed her; her life was even her faith in God, her church her family, and never turned away the beggars, and there were many hobos during the depression years.
She was a young mother, and death closed her life at the tender age of 39, a beautiful graceful Lady, but she was committed to the weightier matters of life.
Her values, her priorities, her dedication, love and compassion, unswerving loyalties impressed me so very much even as a young lad they were embedded in my very soul.
Yet, with all this wonderful testimony, not just vocal, but, reality in living, the ways of the world would have its say and way at times and degree. After her passing, life became lonely as the older ones married and left, with the very young having a heavy responsibility of keeping the home and family together Dad became less and less dependable. The difference in the two parents began to settle in and despair became some what the order of life, even as a youth, my enthusiasm and youthful zeal was dampened.
So, three years in the army 1942-1945 brought on a type of maturation process, some good, some bad.
I made my move toward my promise of being loyal to God and my church. This was a process of no means changes.
Sometimes, in serving mankind, such as in scouting work, work in P.T.A., even as chaplain of two schools, as well as chaplain of B.S.A., I kept such a busy schedule that I couldn't find the peace in Zion I was so desperately seeking; there was too much low level exposure; I mean by that I could only witness to a degree because of the political problems.
Then after this period of time in my life some 11-12 years there arose some tragic family circumstances that devastated the family and myself. The Lord really allowed me to put myself through a spiritual wringer. I was allowed to exercise my agency, prerogatives and my selfish, self pitying instincts.
1 I let Satan set up shop, disguised as a counselor, who was on my side, pointing out that I had been a good man, a good Father, and a good Husband, as well as a fine citizen and neighbor.
2 He also pointed out how bad the people involved in my problems were.
3 How justified I was in feeling injured, misused, abandoned.
4 He also pointed out I should get even, after all what had I done to deserve this?
5 He pointed out how the church members had deserted me and how hypocritical they were.
6 I'd show them, they would miss me terribly and I would start seeing my revenge.
7 I deserved to have a good time; hadn't worked all three years and no relaxation.
8 Ease the tension have a drink.
9 Date alot of Ladies, show them off.
10 Develop my dancing skills, it is fun.
11 Stop praying, what had it profited me?
12 Sleep late on Sunday morning, stay up late Sat. nite.
by
James Gargus