Lance's Soul Searching

God Kept Me

2007-10-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

There have been times in my life when I thought I would completely loose my mind, but God kept me sane.

Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

At times in my life, I felt I couldn't go on, but the Lord kept me moving on.

Genesis 28:15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

Oh so many times I wanted to lash out at those who did me wrong, but the Lord kept my mouth shut.

Psalm 13
How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Sometimes it seems I just don't have enough money for all my bills, but God the lights on, the water on, the car insurance paid, everything needed paid.

Matthew 6:25-34 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

How many times can I count where I thought I would fall down and he kept me from falling.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

As my body grew weak, he strengthened me.

Matthew 11:28-30 28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Oh, what a marvelous God to keep us even when were unworthy.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,Soul Searching,Counseling

Merciful Lord

2007-10-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Merciful Lord,it seems like the business world often values the ruthlessness of cutthroat tactics and dog eat dog environment. Some see it as the way to get ahead in business. Please, help me to do business the Christian way--gracious, not ruthless. My main objective is to please You, not others.
Amen.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,Soul Searching,Counseling

You Have Kept Me Here For A Reason

2007-10-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

God,
You know I been though alot of things and many winds have blown me back and forth,
but You have always came through.

You have kept me here for a reason.
I have survived because You have a plan for me.
All my bad relationships, the consequences, the
hard times, the sad times, the death of my loved ones, the back
stabbing from my friends, the negative thoughts, or the lack of
support; I made it because I am blessed!

I recognize them as the illusions
they are, and sent from the enemy to kill my spirit, steal my joy, and
destroy my faith; For God is all there is. All else is a lie!

Rekindle that fire that others have doused out,oh Living God!

In the Most Precious Name,
Amen!
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching,Counseling

Hurting Each Other

2007-10-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

How many times have you been shunned by others? How often have you extended a hand or spoken only to be ignored by that person? What about the moments when the words of another cuts you deep? Grow thicker skin is the world's response to such situations. Now what do we do when this situation is in the house of God? The house of mercy and understanding that is to extended to a hurting world. But now we have become the ones doing the hurting, hurting each other. More and more often we find people who have been hurt deeply within the family of God, leaving them worn and exhausted. More and more often we find believers, robbed of the joy Jesus promised in Him. When we find this hurt hanging on to our own bruised soul, it can make us want to leave the church and sometimes even want to "back burner" our God who seems to have allowed it all.

Sadly, we have come to accept that this is the way church is. There is an epidemic of fractured believers out there and we have actually come to accept this as the norm. So we either stay away and let our hearts become cold ... or we put on our Sunday best, call "forward march" and implement a new vision or program and hope the problems will just go away. The hurt in individual hearts and churches gets buried ... until it gets bumped again.

Let's face it, people in church can be unkind, judgemental, and even betray you. Leaving deepening wounds that are not soon forgotten. This kind of wound is horrible! We have a tendency to play down the problem and even discounting the wound.

Well, the point is, it hurt. It may not seem like much to others. But it hurt you badly or someone you know. And that's not OK, no matter how you look at it. It's very hurtful when someone in a church setting, which is suppose to be a Sanctuary from a hurtful world, acts in such an un-Christian like manner. That can create some very deep seeded bitterness.

Our Savior never intended the church to be like that. It is to be a place of encouragement. Our Lord built His church to be a place where we build each other up, where we inspire one another to do better, to love more deeply.

The Bible in Hebrews 10:24-25 says,"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another."

Unbelievers see how we hurt others and each other. "If that's how church is," they say,"I want no part of it."

This "silent killer" creeps in and eats away at the foundations of God's house. It picks us off one by one. The "silent killer" takes out the walking wounded by going deep; deep into the fabric of the mind, body, and soul. Negatively affecting the church until everyone drifts away, or it looses it's power, only to become cold and dead. Hurt is the one thing that the world gives us as believers. That is to be expected, but the church is the one place we go to be safe, accepted, forgiven, and free from conflict and pain.

Church is more than God's house, it's His home. Home is where you go back to when things get to be too much. Home is where your accepted, imperfections and all. Home is where you let your hair down. Home is where you bask in the love that a father has for his children. Home is where family has each others back. Finally, home is our shelter from the storms of this life.

Father, bring back the love that the first Saints felt for each other in Your home.

Sharing in each others suffering for Your Son's namesake. When one Saint hurt, they all hurt. Bring back that kind of love to us before it's too late. Let not one more brethren fall by the wayside. No more cliques, no more groups, no more walls to separate us from each other.

Give us hearts of flesh to replace these hearts of stone.

This I pray,

Amen.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching,Counseling

god and jesus love us

2007-10-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

god and jesus love us . god made us i love god . i believe in god. seven is god's lucky number. god likes us when we love other people & ;nbs p; and neighbors and cousins and everything that lives in the world . people that cry god cheers them up and he wipes away their tears, god made plants and animals and water. praise god and love him. god believes in us that we may be&n bsp; able to trust in him . he ; likes it when we be good to other people and care about them . thank you for the stars and the sun . thank god for the air we breathe. god and jesus loves us and we love them .
love god and jesus and autumn

My little daughter Autumn typed this. She hopes you like it.
Lance
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching,Counseling

Rain Falling On A Tin Roof

2007-10-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Acts 14:17

"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus.”

Author: Taylor, Hudson

"Glad to see y'all."

The voice carried forward by a tone of genuine hospitality.

People gathered into the living room of the old home place. A place in need of repair in many spots. The years since the civil war had petrified the wood giving the place a nostalgic look.

"Get in here before you catch pneumonia from the rain," my momma urged to our relatives.

A storm had blown up with a much needed rain. The crops, especially the cotton, was in dire straits. The drought had turned everything to dust nearly. The few cows remaining in the dairy weren't complaining about the weather either.

"Listen to it come down,"she exclaimed,"The good Lord takes care of us when we believe."

The sounds of raindrops hitting the old tin roof relaxed everyone into a settled mood. Time was passed talking about family and friends. About how they were doing and to pass along a greeting from us. The children, mostly cousins, entertained themselves with games. Sitting on the front porch the sense of well being and contentment was all around us. No TV, computers, or in other media to distract us. Only one thing to listen to was the Grand Ole Opera that night. The various country singers would sing as the cool wind blowed. It was like the breath of God blowing away all of our cares for the week.

The week had been a hard one as we tried to make our crops. Our hands were blistered and our necks were scalded red from the sun. The sun has no mercy in a sky with no clouds. Salt from our sweat burned our eyes. Wiping away the only moisture we felt in those hot summer fields. God always supplies a refuge though. In the distance sat an old oak tree to give us shade. The few moments we got to block out the sun from us was much appreciated. Time was of the essence though; the crops weren't going to pick themselves. With no rain there wasn't much to pick and the cows were beginning to look a might poorly. But now, God had sent his rain.

The ground soaked it up. God sends His blessings when we need it most.

"Come and eat. Suppers ready,"was the call that brought us out of the trance. Staring at the rainfall is almost hypnotic at times. It seems to relax the troubled and weary soul of lives hardships.

We gathered to the table and said grace. Truly thankful to God for what we had. Even though we had little, we shared it with others. God blessed us and we were just returning the favor.

Eating our meal, it felt like we hadn't eaten in ages. As each family member got up, they thanked my mother for a wonderful meal. We returned to the porch to socialize a while longer. The down pour was letting up, and it was getting late. Moving through the house swiftly I lit the oil lamps for some light to see our family off. They had traveled a good distance to see us. We were much obliged by their company.

"Before you leave I want you to take these tomatoes," declared my momma.

We waved good bye and wished them well. As they moved further away I looked at momma, and seen tears in her eyes. She truly missed family when they left.

"Momma," I asked,"Why did you give them our best tomatoes?"

"God wants us to give the best we have to Him, and when we give all we have, even to the least, we give it to Him."

My momma wasn't educated. She had no degrees or anything. She could barely even read or write. But no philosopher or teacher could sum up God's heart like she could in just a few words. Those words of love and kindness I hold close to my heart.

by

Louise Gargus, my Mother
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Soul Searching,Counseling

A Short Quote About Me

2007-10-06T23:50:00.001-07:00

I fall on my face more than I fall on my knees.
by
Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching,Counseling

Dad Need A Hug

2007-10-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

My thoughts whisk forward to a day in the future. A time when she is older. Looking more woman than girl to me. The days when she looks more like her mother as life passes before me. I can imagine the conversation as I carry her to school.

"What are you doing?" I would say to her while driving.

"Putting on makeup."

"In the car?"

"Yes," she says, "get used to it." Her sly smile revealing a double meaning.

The teenage years they say are the most trying. I don't believe I'll escape unscathed.

"Why didn't you put it on at home?"

"Because I can do it in the car on the way to school-saves me time."

Like her mother used to do she'll switch from a strange little triangle sponge to something that locks like a pencil with a fuzzy little worm attached to the end.

Glancing over at her I'll notice how steady her hands are even as I make turns and adjust speed with the traffic.

Those moments to come will be quite challenging for me as a dad. My little girl will reside in my heart and in picture frames scattered throughout our home. No longer will holding hands in public be possible nor will putting my arm around her. I know she will still love me, but this will be expressed in some new teenager code.

"I love you" will be replaced by a low-key, subtle blowing of a kiss across the room as she leaves with friends. Hugs will then only take place exclusively at home and followed by a couple quick pats on the back (the signal for "hug's over"). Sadly for me, the days when the hugs were for as long as she could sit in my lap will be behind me. I'll find myself thinking if only I held on a little longer. That day my arms will literally ache for the hugs where she'd try to squeeze the breath out of me or attempt to lift my feet off the ground.

Thoughts of her looking in the mirror at how tall she was on my shoulders. Her delicate arms wrapped around my neck, holding on for dear life. Progressing from sitting on my foot and wrapping around my leg as I walked with her- to dancing on my feet while her favorite song played.

Children growing up are a natural passage of time-but there's something special about a father's daughter that really drives it home. She is the apple of his eye-the one who he feels needs protecting. Even back in my time I can almost here the grains of sand accelerating through the proverbial hourglass--and there is nothing I can do to stop it. She'll walk down that aisle one day and I'll give her away. On the drive back home my mind will drift back like it does now to a different time and place. The cherished moments will surround and comfort me. Upon walking into my house I'll see her bedroom up the hall. Walking in I'll sit down on her bed. While no one is looking I'll stare out her window into the yard and dream of paradise lost to me.

As we pull up to the school she'll quickly close up her makeup case, while pushing it deeply back into her purse.

"Bye," I'll say. "Have a nice day."

She'll say something but her words will find themselves muffled against the outside noise.

Grabbing her purse and book bag she'll quickly jump out of the car and race off toward the school. For a moment I'll find myself watching her walk away.

"How," I'll wonder, "can my little girl be a young woman already?"

Putting the car back in gear I'll slowly pull away in thought. Gone will be the little girl who once begged me to walk her through the front door and all the way to her classroom. Gone, too, will be the little girl who timidly would hesitate at the doorway, turn and give me a hug before joining her classmates.

Coming back to reality I realize that it's not too late. Not too late to embrace, to embrace before it's nothing but memories.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching,Counseling

I Rest In the Love That is Divine

2007-09-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

"To every toiling, heavy-laden sinner, Jesus says, ‘Come to me and rest’. But there are many toiling, heavy-laden believers, too. For them this same invitation is meant. Note well the words of Jesus, if you are heavy-laden with your service, and do not mistake it. It is not, ‘Go, labor on,’ as perhaps you imagine. On the contrary, it is stop, turn back, ‘Come to me and rest.’ Never, never did Christ send a heavy laden one to work; never, never did He send a hungry one, a weary one, a sick or sorrowing one, away on any service. For such the Bible only says, ‘Come, come, come.’ Author: Taylor, Hudson

I feel His gentle hands across my feverish brow as I pray,

Hell brews inside of me everyday.

His weary boy,

Longing for his first Joy.

Darkness chases me,

Lying deep in shadows of lament.

Every ounce of strength already spent.

Their hands want to choke me,

Longing to watch me fall.

To suffer while they laugh and kick,

While watching me crawl.

In my ear they whisper Death and solitude,

Driving me further away from You.

Pursuing me with lies and fears,

Trying to seperate me from the One I hold dear.

I struggle to pray,

Desperately trying to find the words to say.

They work together to distract my mind,

They hate You for loving all of mankind.

I feel their hands on my back,

Pulling me free of You.

Tears fall slowly,

As they try to tell me what to do.

I know I just have to mention Your name,

They spell bind me with fear and shame.

I can't move my lips,

I can't move my mind,

My folded hands are intertwined.

Infesting me,

Killing me with sharp tools,

And tightening ropes.

Humiliating me with false hope.

They lick their lips and watch me struggle,

A toy to them amongst the rubble.

I heard you coming before they did,

The mighty wind that can't be hid.

Filling my ears and all my senses,

Fiery bright light came that cleanses.

I hear the shrieks of bloody doom,

Of darkness driven out as love fills my room.

With the sword of love,

You cut me free.

No longer enchained by the dark ones devouring needs.

Why couldn't I have just uttered your name long ago?

Your gracious protection just waiting to bestow.

I can only look in your eyes and ask,

"Do you still love me seeing me beneath my mask?"

On bended knee my prayer words would falter,

Knowing all along to just lay it on Your altar.

Full of heaven's love your dove comes to me and says,

“Look beyond your beaten brow,

Victory lies before you now.

You never end,

You never die,

Look beyond your mortal eyes.

Reach beyond this life's fleeting rewards,

Embrace life, my love, forevermore."

Letting go of this body of mine,

I rest in the love that is Divine.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching,Counseling

Dear Sir...

2007-09-24T23:46:00.001-07:00

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

1 Peter 4:16

"Christian, remember the goodness of God in the frost of adversity."

Author: Spurgeon, Charles

Dear Sir,
You said I could write to you anytime I have any questions. Well, I have some.
Let me tell you first a little bit about me. I'm 14 years old and do go to church. I can't seem to find any Christians in the 9th grade.
Please, name some other teenagers you know about who are going through what I'm going through. And their addresses so I can write to them.
Sincerely,
Lance Gargus

This was written by my more youthful self back then. I wrote it to a gentleman, who had a youth magazine publication for young Christians. I sent a copy and kept the original. I never received a response. But, no matter, in the writing of this story I have found fellow believers. A few have stayed with me, while others continued on in a different direction. All have touched my life in some way. Letter answered by Someone much higher than who the letter was originally intended for.

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching,Counseling

A Prayer of Faith

2007-09-24T20:33:00.001-07:00

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

James 5:15

"Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees. Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down."

Author: Wesley, John

This prayer like the previous post was written when I was 13-14 years old. How I long for the child like faith lost at the setting sun of my childhood.

Here is the prayer from the archives of my childhood in my own words back then...

A Prayer of Faith

Lord, my God, I ask in Your name.

When You changed me I wasn't the same.

Your light filled my soul with glory divine.

That day I signed my soul to You.

You cleaned and rinsed it from unrighteousness.

You know what's best.

Our two generations are falling apart.

Jesus give them a kind, loving heart.

My Christian parents, Lord, let them lead me down the pathway that glows.

You are my mightiest friend.

Kids at school may hate me.

But, You are the One who died for me.

Be merciful to me a sinner, Lord, because without You I'm nothing more.

My Saviour give me strength to do Your will.

So it may be fulfilled.

There's room at the table.

No one acts like they want to harvest the crop.

Don't let Your manna stop.

There are deaths here.

But there won't be any up there.

There won't be any need for medicine and pills.

In heaven you will be able to throw it away and say big deal.

You won't suffer or hurt.

Because your body will go back to dirt.

Don't get mad and angry.

Jesus wasn't that way.

Can't you understand the time is now.

The Lord's coming back and how.

The popularity, your so called friends, the drugs, and your money will pass away.

Never to return another day.

Everybody came in this world with nothing and leave this world with nothing.

Without Him we are nothing.

Come to Him before it's too late.

Don't miss the date.

I pray the sinners to come to Him.

In Jesus precious name,

A-men.

Lance Gargus, at 13 years old

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching,Counseling

What Jesus Means to Me.

2007-09-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 21:13

"My dear Jesus, my Savior, is so deeply written in my heart, that I feel confident, that if my heart were to be cut open and chopped to pieces, the name of Jesus would be found written on every piece."
Author: Ignatius, of, Antioch, St.

I wrote this one, also, when I was 13 years old. Times when I was younger I put pen to paper to write out my thoughts and feelings. I hope to share these with you, the reader, and in some small measure pray that it enlightens you. Looking back in many ways helps us to look ahead, especially at a time when I felt the closest to God. I search now to recapture that first love feeling in my soul.

This is what I wrote way back then...

What Jesus Means to Me.

He means alot to me for dying on the Cross at Calvary for me, for washing away my sins, for giving up His life for me, and for leaving Heaven's magnificent glories. Thinking of this makes me sad cause I know I'm not worthy of anything. But, Jesus loves and cares about everybody.

It's often hard to talk to someone about God. I pray every night about the ones who do wrong that it's not too late for them.

One day, my Lord, is coming back. If everyone doesn't come to Him soon, it will be terrible. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Jesus made a way for us to come to a Holy God.

Sometimes when I feel like I have no friend in the world I look to Him. He said,"I will never leave nor forsake you even to the end of world. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall not be afraid." If in my life I may be about to die and death is knocking at my door I will not be afraid. When we get up there, we won't feel anymore pain or sorrow and no more parting with love ones. I'm weak without Him, but with Him I can go on.

Easter's coming and we should think of the true meaning of it. During this time we should pray for our nation. Stand up for God and don't be ashamed. He wasn't ashamed of you. He died for you. He had three, big old rusted spikes drove into His hands and feet. That wasn't the worst part for He became your sin and had God's wrath poured out on Him in your place.

Remember having your name on a church role doesn't save you but having your name in the Lamb's book of life. Sin is the prison that captures us all. But Jesus has the key that set me free.

His word will last forever and ever.

Amen.

Lance Gargus, at 13 years old

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching,Counseling

Sad Boy

2007-09-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
Ecclesiastes 7:3

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Psalm 126:5

This is one of many writings I wrote when I was much younger. I was 12-13 years old when I wrote these. It was scattered among papers in a dresser drawer. My mother stumbled across them while house cleaning. Put away when I first began my Walk. Only to be forgotten as I got lost in the dark. Time putting these writings out of my memory. I got to a point where I told God I couldn't write anymore. He answered my prayer with my younger self. This has become a heart wrenching, yet, wonderful eye opening experience. Writing to discover my true soul has become my quest. The search now takes me down a different but hauntingly, familiar road.

Here is my words back then in one of my writings ...

Sad Boy

Once upon a time there was a sad boy, who had been ridiculed and made fun of.

At school it was real hard and rough.

He wasn't like the other boys and girls, because he didn't do the things they did.

He loved the Lord very much.

He just didn't pay any attention to the kids.

But it was awful rough.

His parents, his brother, and God were the only true friends he had in the world.

He worried alot about all the troubles he had at school and everything.

One night when he went to bed he had a dream.

In the dream he was at school, Jesus and his angels appeared in the sky.

There was a noise from a trumpet that could be heard all over the Earth.

He and others ascended to heaven.

He asked the Lord,"Why did you let all that happen to me at school? Where were you when I needed you?"

The Lord responded,"I was there.

I gave you that feeling of inner peace.

I walked with you.

I held your head up.

I put the smile on your face when you were down.

I picked you up when you fell.

I gave you the courage to accept the things you can change and the things you can't.

I helped you through your troubles and trials.

I was your friend when no one else cared for you.

I went so far I sent my Son to die for you.

I loved you!"

The boy awoke suddenly with a feeling of peace in his heart.

From that day forward he knew Jesus was always with him.

You know God helps us when we're down and out.

He loves us so much He sent His Son to die for you.
by
Lance Gargus, written at age 12-13 years old

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching

My Daughter's Heart

2007-09-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...

Mark 12:30

"The right kind of heart is a kind heart like God's."
Author: Unknown

The innermost workings of my daughter's heart is brought to me on the wings of a dove. The beautiful white dove I had seen before was sitting on a telephone wire today. It sat on a wire overhanging the road I travel to work. About 100 feet from the building of my employment, almost like he was waiting on me. The few times I've seen him God always revealed something to me. There's no mistaking him for any other dove because he seemed to radiate a bright white. Maybe I'm the only one who sees it. I don't know. But there is always some message that accompanies him. A message that unfolds to me in a unique way. No light from heaven or any grand show, but like good news being whispered in your ear by a friend. My children, as are often times, the receptors of this news. Delivering it to me in a profound way. Later on, my 7 year old daughter, started talking about what her heart truly means.

Here it is in her words:

My heart makes me think of love.

Love makes me think of God.

God reminds me of Jesus.

Jesus brings the Holy Spirit to mind.

The Holy Spirit makes me think of Heaven.

Heaven makes me think of angels.

Angels bring us love.

Love is important.

God loves us.

God loves everyone.

God is the love that is in my heart.

Autumn Gargus, 7 years old

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching

Resentment

2007-09-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:21-22

Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

Author: Anonymous

Gracious Father,

You teach us in Your prayer to forgive. So how can I ask you to forgive me, if I cannot forgive others? Oh, how I want to be forgiven. I need to be forgiven. God, I think about all those folks that I have resented - from my childhood on. Help me to learn to forgive those who "did me wrong" in my growing up years. Take away this resentment that eats away at me like a cancer. Show me another way to live. In releasing this anger, allow me to filled with Your love for all.

On bended knee, before Your throne, I plead,

Amen.

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching

The Ladder That Reached to the Clouds

2007-09-08T18:52:00.001-07:00

and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven:
Genesis 28:12

"A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty."

Author:Unknown

One day with our kids, my wife and I found ourselves at a local park in our small town. Like we do so many times since we've had children, I sat on the park bench surrounded by swings, see saws, and monkey bars. It 's the kind of park that makes a grown man wish he was a kid again. Autumn, who's seven, always takes off for the big playground equipment. Her brother, who's two, followed close behind his sister. Both of them took off like a shot for the slide.

In my thoughts, I drifted back to when my daughter was smaller and first started coming here before Connor was born. That day she started off on the smallest slide. There was two different size slides at the park.

Watching her nervously, my wife remarked,"Why don't you go down with her?"

But I wanted to wait and watch. "Let's wait and see what happens,"I said. So we relaxed on that bench and watched. She climbed halfway up the ladder when she turned and looked back at me. I looked away. She pondered her options for a moment, then carefully backed down one step at a time.

"Honey, you ought to go help her out,"my wife said.

"Not yet," I replied, hoping the twinkle in my eye would reassure her that I wasn't just being careless.

She spent a few minutes at the bottom of the slide watching other kids climb up, whiz down, and run around to do it again. Finally her little mind was made up. She could do it. She climbed up...and slid down. Three times, in fact, with a big smile each time.

Then we watched her turn and head to the big one. The slide that seemed like a 100 stories to her. Now Gina was getting anxious. "Lance, I don't think she should do that by herself. Do you?"

"No," I replied as calmly as possible. "But I don't think she will. Let's see what she does."

When Autumn reached the bottom of the giant slide, she turned and called out,"Daddy!" But I glanced away again, pretending I couldn't hear her.

She peered up the ladder. In her young imagination, it must have reached to the clouds. She watched a teenage girl of about 13 go hurtling down the slide. Then, against all odds, she decided to try. Step-by-step, hand over hand, she inched up the ladder. She hadn't reached a third of the way when she froze. By this time, the teenager was coming up behind her and yelled at her to get going. But Autumn couldn't. She couldn't go up or down. She had reached the point of certain failure.

I rushed over. "Are you okay, sweetie?" I asked from the bottom of the ladder.

She looked down at me, shaken but clinging to that ladder with steely determination. And I could tell she had a question ready.

"Dad, will you come down the slide with me?" she asked. The teenager was losing patience, but I wasn't about to let the moment go.

"Why, sweetheart?" I asked, peering up into her little face.

"I can't do it without you, Dad," she said, trembling. "It's too big for me!"

I stretched as high as I could to reach her and lifted her into my arms. Then we climbed that long ladder up to the clouds together. At the top, I put my little girl between my legs and wrapped my arms around her. Then we went zipping down the slide together, laughing all the way.

Now I watch my son's big sister guide his hand. Encouraging him on the small slide to attempt it. Nervously he trusts her. Building his courage. He whizzes down, and they laugh uncontrollably together. But when he reaches that point of failure, I'll be there to step in when he needs me.

That is how our Heavenly Father's hand is. "Father, please help me I can't do this alone! It's just too big!" He swoops in to help us. Your soul shouts afterwards,"God did that! He carried me through this! His power is mighty! His strength lifted me up to the clouds! And we soared like eagles together! Not me, but God did this! It's so wonderful!"

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching

My Sanctuary

2007-09-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever.
Psalm 78:69

Making my way through the corn field, I catch a glance of the treehouse in the treetops. Autumn has set in. The corn stalks crunch underneath my feet as I brush them aside. The dull colors of the dead stalks fade away as I enter the woods. Replaced with the multitude of leaves displaying the colors of fall. The wind picks up and the sounds of the leaves rustling travels through the air. The treebranches sway back and forth as I'm cooled by the current. It's nice out today; not too hot and not too cool, just right. The sky is overcast with a grey haze. Birds cry out in flight overhead, signaling their leaving for a time.

Dad's off in the distance in another field. Ford tractor's make their own distinct sound, to me at least they do. His is quite old and worn. As the bushog grinds up the corn in the adjoining patch, I make my way to the top of my second home. Climbing on the pieces of old planks held in place by rusted nails. Triumphantly I stand at the top of my summit. Scattered sunbeams burst through the maze of tree growth.

How aesthetically beautiful to the beholder it is. Creation as she readies herself for her nap. Nature is God's majestic tabernacle. No man made building can compare to the splendor of this scene. The shadows are growing longer as the day starts to end. Still another hour before sunset.

Rustling again but this time from another source. A fawn has gotten separated from his mother. He shoves a pile of foliage back to reveal some sprigs of grass to eat. Crickets start their chirping as the great light lessens. The doe has found her offspring. Jumping away they rush back home before nightfall.

I've been here awhile as dark approaches. Shadows creep in as I sit with my back to the wall. Thoughts of the day's preceding events envelop me. Being a teenager comes with stresses and strains. But when the troubles disquiets my soul, I seek a refuge. The first stars have begun to make their appearance. The calming sounds has commenced to settling me. Reflections on my thoughts are brought about by God's presence here.

Moonlight has come to exhibit her magnificence. Illuminating light reveals a face to me of one in my future. I reach out my hand to touch her cheek. Upon opening my eyes the face becomes hidden. Sighing at this revelation my eyes wander heavenward. Wondering to myself, if there is another kindred spirit out there. Was this exquisite face a part of my life that is to come? All things in due time.

Pushing myself up off the floor to leave, I kinda hate to go back. This had become my sanctuary away from the fast pace. I would be back I reassured myself. Descending my way down the makeshift ladder, I took one last brief look at her as I proceeded up one of the columns of furrows. The top of my house coming into view as I hurried along. Approaching my front door, I imagined the dinner prepared with the last of summer's crops. My smile turned into a smirk of almost smugness. Words cannot express the gratification I felt to have my soul at rest. And the knowledge that I could return to my sanctuary.

But time leaves nothing untouched. People come and go in our lives, old places are replaced with new ones, and memories become faded with the years. Still I have those special moments I carry with me. When the world becomes too bitter and cold, I wrap them like a blanket around me. And lie back like I did so long ago into the arms of my Sanctuary.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching

Flower Girl

2007-08-30T16:45:00.001-07:00

as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Psalm 103:15

"'Who gathered this flower?' The gardener answered, 'The Master.' And his fellow servant held his peace." (on an epitaph)
Author: Unknown, Author

She walks through the garden of stones observing the names of each one. "Some of these graves belong to children, daddy," she remarked. "I know. Children use to not live to be adults like they do now. Diseases and lack of food killed many of them," I explained watching my son playing in the leaves.

The magnolia tree was having it's last bit of display before the fall. The smell was quite pleasant in the air. Temperatures were starting to cool in the late evenings. My daughter, with her always inquisitive look, was asking questions about the world around her. Even with my short answers, it was never enough for the ever curious girl. "These other people that died. Were they mommies and daddies?" came another question. Looking around at the various monuments and markers, I noticed the many ones of angels, praying hands, and all sorts of vestiges of heavenly displays. "Yes, I'm sure many were," I responded back noticing the sun shining its golden rays through the trees.

Looking into my child's eyes I saw tears. Gently cradling her head in my hands I searched her face. Her soft blue eyes expressed a tenderness that made me tear up. "Why are you crying?" I wondered. "Their families probably miss them very much," weepingly she spoke. Taking a deep breath to hold back the tears and to keep from choking up I searched for an answer. "Baby girl, most of the graves here, unlike your Papaw's and other family member's graves, don't have flowers on them. These people passed on a long time ago," I said, "They have no one left to remember them or to place flowers by their tombstones. I'm sorry, baby, but that happens to everyone as families go on." I proceeded to place the flowers on my father's grave and fix the flowers put on my other families'.

My wife stood by my side and wrapped her arm around my waist. All the while keeping a close eye on our wandering toddler near by. In my mind as I wandered back through memories, I abruptly awoken from my thoughts to notice my daughter and what she was doing. The cemetery had gathered up all the old flowers that had been blown off during a storm and placed them in a pile. My child had gotten into them. Gathering a large collection of blossoms in her little arms, she moved to each grave marker. Taking her tiny hands, she lovingly picked out what she thought was the right flower for each monument. Laying each one on top of the individual granite stones. Feeling my eyes upon her she responded, "This is a garden. I will remember each one with a flower, cause they aren't forgotten. God remembers them if others don't." Afterwards she returned to her work of planting her flower garden.

There are times in life when a father is most proud. That day I couldn't have been more impressed. She will accomplish and fail at many things in life as she grows. But, dear Lord, nothing she will ever do in this life will compare to the love You instill in her.

My cherished flower girl, will always be teaching me the boundless love God has for us. People I meet and still others I know guide me from one point in my life to the next. Encouraging me on my travels of soul searching in small ways. It often goes unnoticed by them. Still God allows others to reveal these hidden treasures to me. Shaping me as a potter shapes his vessel. Sometimes gently and sometimes harsh but always with love.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching

I Think I Shall Write A Poem

2007-08-26T20:02:00.001-07:00

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

1 John 1:4

I think,
I think I shall write a poem.
All about life, as I see it,
And just what it means to me.
About trees in the forest,
About the leaves upon those trees,
About the inhabitants (creatures) of that forest,
And of their joy of being free.
Have you ever seen a little squirrel,
scampering fearfully,
from the very presence of a person passing through?
And how,
beyond human comprehension,
he finds enough for bare existance.
Secures and stores for himself,
And for his family, too.
"I think" he's happily busy.
As I pause and observe the tiny honey bee working diligently,
he flits from vine to vine,
blossom to blossom,
gathering nectar by the hour.
He doesn't get tired or discouraged,
nor does he ever loaf.
Never pausing in his assignment to gather,
The sweetness, from the millions of colorful, pretty flowers.
"I think" he is happy.
I think of the meadow,
So peaceful, beautiful and green.
As it feeds those pretty cattle,
where they're content and so serene.
"I think" they're at peace.
I feel the wonderful,
invigorating,
exciting breeze as it tumbles through my hair.
It's presence can't be seen or grasped,
yet still,
I know it's there.
"I think" of the continuity in nature.
I walk through the valleys,
So lush with it's myriad of nature's verdant growth.
I climb the colorful, craggy hills,
to view the valleys and the hills;
to see,
to grasp,
to feel,
to descend.
I find myself aloof.
"I think" of the beauty of God's creation.
I hear the people,
I hear,
I feel their joys,
their fears,
and their pain.
They only try to make the best of their lives,
Because they won't pass this way again.
"I think" of compassion.
I think Life is great,
even with all the heartaches,
the tragedy,
and grief.
There's so much joy in sharing,
life's bounties in love.
It counterbalances all else,
in yourself and others,
belief.
"I think" of life and the great provision thereof.
by
James Gargus

"I am so weak that I can hardly write, I cannot read my Bible, I cannot even pray, I can only lie still in God's arms like a little child, and trust."
Author: Taylor, Hudson

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching

Closer Than A Brother

2007-08-25T20:57:00.001-07:00

There are friends who pretend to be friends,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 (RSV)

"Fair Weather Friends," are those who stay by you only during good times. My mother use to say, "You count your true friends on one hand with one or two fingers left over." When your on top of that mountain, everybody wants to slap your back or shake your hand. But if you slip and fall, see who's around you. As the bandwagon comes to the end of the road, they all jump off.

Is your true friend someone you can call upon any time of night or day? Or is he someone who only comes around when they have nothing else better to do?

Does he have your back when others face you down? Or is he one who takes the side of the one who is winning?

The only one I can find that even comes close in my life is my brother. Sure he becomes irritated at me at times, as all brothers do, but just let someone say something about me. They will get more than a piece of his mind.

This kind of bond and friendship is built over a lifetime of good and bad. You grow up together. Looking out for each other in an often relentless world. I know some brothers aren't like this, that is a sad fact. But the Bible knows that alot of brothers are. A friendship forged sometimes out of mutual strife. Good times don't build brothers, hard times do.

"He's like a brother to me. We were a band of brothers. He ain't heavy, he's my brother." These quotes are but a few in reference to brothers, and the link between them. To the outside world, it may seem fragile until this link is tried to be broken by an outsider. And to his dismay he finds out how really strong the link is.

Now we see how close brothers are, but the Bible says we have One closer than a brother. The one it's referring to is Christ. He is always available 24-7, you will never disturb Him, and he will go to bat for you no matter the obstacle.

I don't know about you, but I kind like the thought of having the Big Guy and my brother both watching out for me.

by
Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching

Good Intentions

2007-08-23T21:53:00.001-07:00

the midst thereof being paved with love

Song of Solomon 3:10

Dear wife,
Our future was full of big plans that I had. I promised you that night I would give you the whole world somehow. Lord knows I tried making good on that promise. I was counting on being so much further by now. I see others with their big houses, cars, new clothes, and things, and wonder. I could never build you a castle tho I wanted too. You will always be the queen of my heart.

That night with tears in my eyes I gave you that engagement ring. I promised many things I thought we would do. My best ideas and plans are laid littered on a road that's paved with good intentions. Now it lays before me with broken dreams that never quite came true. This is the road I traveled on and looking back I see them. Letting each one slip right through my fingers. I just wanted show you how much I love you.

If somehow God would let you see my heart and soul, you could see that I had the best of intentions.

That night as we both cried you said,"I believe in you." Oh, how my heart breaks to think of you saying that. Others think I'm a loser cause I haven't accomplished much. But when I hold you in my arms, I feel like a winner as you hold me so tight. Your love and belief in me kept me trying. When no one else believed and all hope was gone, you stood by me.

You have always been there for me through the good and bad. You stay by my side no matter what. Any other woman would have left me, but you remain. Whenever I fall down, your there to pick me back up and help me stand. Why do you stay? I just don't know how you take it. You deserve so much better.

You could have chosen someone that would have left you set for life. He could bring you the whole world on a silver platter, and laid it at your feet. All I had to offer you that night was my love.

This little country house is the most I could offer you. We laugh when we bump into each other going down the hall cause it's so small. But, if it had more rooms, it would have more walls that would separate us more. We're so closed in we have to talk and communicate.

At night sometimes I hear you crying. You don't think I can hear you, but I do. To calm your fears we shadow dance. I see your silhouette in the moonlight realizing how lucky I am. Those occasional clouds we faced all had a silver lining.

But now I stand before you with the road stretched out in front of me. Not sure of which direction to take. At this crossroads in my life I pray to God that I can be the man that you truly deserve. How patient you have been waiting on me. Before I met you I wandered aimlessly in my life. God allowed all these things to happen to me for a reason. Each one was a sign post that lead me to you. You stood by the side of the road waiting on me. Nights I prayed underneath the stars for you, you were praying underneath those same stars for me.

And now you are here. Such a gentle soul at heart are you. When I fail, you just take my hand and softly say,"I understand." How on earth can I ever repay you for that? What can I bring you? What can I offer you with these poor man's hands? Every blister that forms a callous, every scar endured, every drop of blood shed, every sweat bead wiped away, every tear cried, every sleepless night worrying, every bit of pain endured, everything I do, I do it all for you, my love.

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching

Moved With Compassion

2007-08-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Lying face first on the ground, I spit the dirt out of my mouth as I raise my head. Rolling my eyes upward to see the crowd gathered round me. "Hit him again!" "He can't see without his glasses." "He's a nobody!" Wiping the blood away from my face, I struggle to see blurringly at the angry faces. I taste the salt from the blood of my busted lip. My body shakes as I try to stand only to stumble back down again. I hit my knees on the hard ground, but my bruised ribs ache the most. The taunting continues as different fists land blows all over me. Falling down I hit the ground with my face again.

"Why?" I ask,"What have I ever done to you?" "We just don't like you," is the reply back. And the kicking starts in on my sides again knocking the breath out of me. I can hardly breath. "Can't fight everybody. How can I make them stop? Too many. God make them stop." The thoughts I can barely form fill up my mind. Abruptly the kicks stop. No taunting sounds. No punches. No yelling. Nothing. Why? What's happen? I see them running. Someone extends a hand to me. I can't see him clearly. Is it a teacher come to stop this and help me up? My brother has helped me in the past if more than one bully jumped on me. But he's not here today. He's home sick. And his friends are in a grade ahead of me. They have a different recess time now. I don't have any friends.

"Thank you, whoever you are," I call out as he starts to leave. I try to stop him as I clamber to find my glasses. "Who are you?" I beg. Through bleary eyes I can make out a smile of this tall person. He says nothing, but helps me to the Principal's office. After arriving I get bandaged up by the school nurse. "Who did this to you?" the principal demanded. Shaking my head I explained I couldn't tell anything without my glasses. "Don't get on to that other boy. He was there to help me, when the other guys jumped me," I pleaded. "What other boy?" they questioned. "The tall one who ran the others off, and helped me up," I said. "You came up to the Principal's office by yourself," was their answer. "Don't know anything about any other kid."

Puzzled as to who that person was that day. I have wondered since then. It was probably the worst beating I had ever gotten from bullies before. In the past, I had often times fought to defend myself until my knuckles bled. Still have the scars from those days on the playground. But that one particular day someone took compassion on me. Who was this mysterious person that came to my aid? I may never know. Just as Christ had compassion for the suffering of others, this silent person felt a need to intervene on my behalf.

"Moved with compassion," is how the Bible describes Jesus attitude toward the needs of others. "ELEEO" is the Greek word for compassion. Meaning to show kindness or compassion. It's much more than showing a little bit of sympathy or a feeling of some what pity. This type is a yearning over the suffering of another person that is all consuming. This love is "agape" love, also known as God's divine love, that is non-discriminating in whom it loves. This compassionate love is projected from the deepest parts of our souls.

This type of love comes from the Holy Spirit living in believers flowing freely to others. True compassion is birthed in our hearts by the power of His presence. Agape love brings this compassion to heal past hurts, painful bitterness, emotional scars, physical problems, mental bondages, and relationship difficulties. But most of all it brings hope.

The hope that someone else cares. Your pain is their pain. When you hurt, they hurt. If we as believers have that inside us, we should hurt as well. God shares in our suffering and extends His compassion. Should we do any less for our brothers and sisters?

And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand,
Mark 1:41

Man may dismiss compassion from his heart, but God never will.

Author:William Cowper

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,
Soul Searching

Grandmother's Quotes

2007-08-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Romans 12:9 (NIV)

God knows. I don't hate anyone. I just don't like their mean ways.

Myrtle Cantrell, my mamaw

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Grandmother's Quotes

2007-08-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3

If we miss Heaven,

we miss Everything.

Myrtle Cantrell, my Mamaw

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Grandmother's Quotes

2007-08-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

See that little house. It maybe more of a home than that big mansion up there on that hillside, if God dwells there.

Myrtle Cantrell, my Mamaw.

but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

God's Face

2007-08-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

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

My children sometimes get that sleep in their eyes, rubbing with little hands, wanting to stay awake. Finally, giving in they both settle in with their heads on my chest. I carry one in each arm. Why do I feel like my heart's gonna burst? I'm willing to die for these angels at rest. And why am I filled with unshakable faith when I look at these children so fragile and sweet? There's something eternal I see in their face. Something much more than their mother and me. Maybe something of God's face in the way they smile back at me.

Shouldn't we see God's face in others? His likeness maybe distorted at times on faces by sin. The devil likes to distort our eyesight of others. Look at people through God's eyesight. You can't help but love them then. My children being used by God helped me to see. My vision needed to be brought back into focus. Inside every adult whether a murderer, prostitute, drug dealer, liar, or whatever is a small child. That is how God wants us to be.

God is like a light. We are like mirrors. Some mirrors are new, like children. They reflect the light and the image the best. We adults have broken glass that is shattered beyond recognition. We distort the light and the image by reflecting it wildly about the place. When God comes up to the small child to look in the mirror, he sees a perfect reflection staring back at Him. Inside every broken and shattered mirror is the original. Lucifer, the father of lies, leads you to believe the illusion that you are broken beyond repair. Only Christ, God's handyman, can see the true condition of your mirror. He has the ability to restore it to it's original luster.

Once this luster is restored, the Christian gets together with other fixed mirrors to reflect the light of Christ off each other into the darkest, remotest corners of the earth. As adults our mirrors our bigger and once fixed shine brighter, but a child is the catalyst that starts off the whole chain reaction from God. Spreading around the four corners of the globe.

May Christ take the blinders off our eyes. And as the psalmist said in Psalms 17:5,"As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness." Hopefully, we can go to the mirror when we get up to start our day and truly see God's likeness staring back at us.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Living Waters

2007-08-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

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,

Soul Searching

Autumn Bell Sheep

2007-08-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

You Are A Christian

2007-08-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

1Timothy 2:1

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.

"Why is she asking me? Do I exemplify being Christlike? I fall short so much. I do too much I feel to turn others away. God if You can use me to help her, then use me." was my thoughts as I struggled for the words to speak. I consider it a great honor and responsibility for someone to ask you out of everybody else to pray for them. "Lord, I'm not any kind of clergy. Not even a deacon. Yet, something of you Jesus shone through. And hid my shortcomings." These words reflected in my mind. I sputtered with my words at first."Yes, I will gladly pray for them," I remarked. She told me of a son in prison and another one living with his father. Her and her husband were separated, and he had died. She wanted prayer for her children's protection and comfort. As soon as this was said she walked off without a word except,"Thank you." She works another shift so I only see her from time to time. I bowed my head immediately then and prayed for all this. But, most importantly for all their souls.

God as I contemplate on this event, I send up this stumbling man's prayer.
"O precious Savior and Redeemer,
Help me to be your voice to those that hurt.
Let me be your tender touch to those suffering.
Allow me to hold out hope to the hopeless.
Grant me the ability to offer peace to those trapped in the chaos of this world.
To shine your light in the darkness without my failings obstructing it.
Use my hands and feet as an instrument in your melody of mercy.
May your Holy Spirit lead me where I need to go, not where my carnal mind wants to go.
Amen."
by
Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Holding Hands

2007-08-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

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

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Prayer For Contentment

2007-08-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

The Word

2007-08-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

The Word of God is a Person. When you read it, do you see words or do you see Him? --Jacquelyn K. Heasley

The Word of God was...

Betrayed

Arrested

Falsely Accused,

Denied,

Scourged,

Mocked,

Sentenced,

Nailed,

Finished,

Buried,

The Word of God is Risen .

by

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Prayer To Deal With Hurtful People

2007-08-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

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

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Prayer To Control Anger

2007-08-03T18:11:00.001-07:00

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.

Ephesians 4:26

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you are.

Cherie Carter-Scott

I beg you,

Heavenly Father,

to help me to be slower to anger than I am now,

to stop lashing out at others with harsh and angry words and if I do,

to seek their forgiveness immediately,

to be quick to forgive.

In Your Son's name,

Amen

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

The Greatest Love

2007-08-02T20:29:00.001-07:00

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

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

I Fall Down But I Get Back Up

2007-08-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

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
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Thank God

2007-07-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

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....

I woke up this morning. Looking around my room and thanked God for watching over me last night. And woke up to a bright sunny day.

Thank God for giving me another day to be with my family.

Thank God to be able to reach out to someone in need.

Thank God that at my age I'm able to cook breakfast for my family and clean my house. For most people my age are in the hospital or nursing home.

Thank God for life.

Thank God for my granddaughter of 7 who says the sweet words,"I love you, Mamaw."

Thank God for my grandson of 2 when he hugs my neck.

They light up my life with a child like love and happiness.

Thank God for 2 sons that help me.

Thank God for a daughter in law that lets my grandchildren spend the night.

Thank God for butterflies. My husband loved to watch his granddaughter catch butterflies before he passed. Thank God I can still feel his presence.

Thank God that He waits for me with Jesus.

Louise Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Christian Attorney (Christian Lawyer)

2007-07-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

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.

by

Lance Gargus
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven,

Soul Searching

Mesothelioma

2007-07-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

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

Dear Children...

2007-07-29T19:41:00.001-07:00

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

On The Anvil

2007-07-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

Psalm 93:1

Stand firm and immovable as an anvil when it is beaten upon. The Christian anvil has broken many hammers.

- St. Ignatius of Loyola

"On the anvil they put us. Thousands of hammers hitting the anvil of my destiny."

The stories of martyrs will move any faithful Christian. What one is given here is a direct human experience, the soul being touched through every human sense. These people who were ready to give all that in them lay for the service of the God who had created them. These martyrs who would not give up because they were overwhelmed with the power of Faith. They could not give up because there were people around them who were in direct need of that same Faith.

One such story takes place during the rule of Emperor Maximian. He continued the persecutions of the Christians. Having them beaten and tortured for their beliefs.

At this time a young couple, newly married only for a few months, with the husband as governor of the Praetorium. Adrian and his wife, Natalia were from Nicomedia. Both were of noble blood and from prominent, wealthy families. They lived a very good life. Natalia was secretly a Christian, unawares to her husband. Adrian, being what he thought of as a true Roman, was a pagan. Denoting the Roman gods as fundamental to Roman society. Refusal to worship these Gods was to cause unrest. Being governor he had seen these Christians before. Now stood before him was a group of Christians. He was to note the names of these 23 Christians that were found in a cave nearby. Under orders of Maximian, they had already been put to torture before they met before him. Under the crack of leather whips and staves, they had been flogged. Here they stood before him after being tormented. Seeing they were still unbent. So docile and peaceful were their faces. He became curiouser. He asked, "What do you hope to gain from this God of yours after enduring such things?" They responded with, "The blessings that our righteous God will bestow upon us when we reach His kingdom." He was taken aback. Never had he seen such loyalty, devotion, and love. No one would ever speak of Roman gods in such a way. The Spirit stirred up inside him. Turning to his scribe he said,"Write my name along with those of these saints. I also am a Christian." The emperor after hearing this was shocked. "Have you lost your mind?" he shouted. Adrian with a thunderous voice exclaimed back,"I haven't lost it, but found it!"

Natalia rejoiced at this news. He now shared in their suffering, being chained in the prison with them. He showed the new love of Christ in him. Encouraging them and ministering to each of the 23 Christians. In return, his wife encouraged him during the floggings and tortures to endure to the end.

Their time had come to a closing. The emperor ordered for their arms and legs to be broken with hammers on the prison anvil. Refusing to renounce his decision, Adrian breathed his last along with the 23 others. Natalia fled to Constantinople. Taking their remains there to be buried. Days went by and she longed for him. One day he appeared to her. He was covered in a bright, light that filled the air around him. He had the look of beauty beyond anything she had ever seen. Oh, how she had weeped bitterly for him. Longing to be with him and to see the wonders he beheld. The thoughts of sharing this together was her longing. Now he stood before her with hand extended calling her to God. Taking his hand she released her soul. Placing it into God's hands. Together forever to share in the beauty of Christ.

Their special moment together makes me think of these words. "God make something beautiful out of all this suffering." Broken on the anvil were they but like the anvil they stayed the same. No matter how many times a blacksmith would beat an anvil, it stayed an anvil. No matter how many times they beat these Christians, they remained a Christian. This is one of the reasons why an anvil had come to represent the Martyr as a symbol.

May, Christ- with my anvil- shape me into who I am to become. May I find the strength to endure the troubles, trials, and tribulations of the hammer's blows. Heated in the fires of this life.

Lance Gargus

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Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Financial Stewardship

2007-07-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

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

Ring The Bells Of Heaven

2007-07-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

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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Nails In The Fence

2007-07-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

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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Life Is So Wonderful

2007-07-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

Isaiah 25:1

The things that have been and shall be no more, The things that are, and that hereafter shall be, The things that might have been, and yet were not, The fading twilight of joys departed.

Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Life is so wonderful. But few of us realize it when we are young.

When our body starts breaking down, we feel so bad.

Trouble putting one foot before the other.

Then we realize; we are on way down the hill.

Once we were on top.

And didn't realize how good it was to be up there.

So you see.

Life is up hill, then down hill.

Finally, you hit bottom.

Simply let God be with us as we are going.

Always with us, even if we are falling off that hill.

Life without Him isn't worth much.

Through heartaches, God is there.

Through sickness, God is there.

When we feel life is over, God is there.

Thankfully, one of these days, if we follow him, we will be there with Him.

Louise Gargus

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Mamaw's Dogwood Tree

2007-07-23T23:05:00.001-07:00

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree

1Peter 2:24

The trees are God's great alphabet:

With them He writes in shining green

Across the world His thoughts serene.~Leonora Speyer

As legend has it, the cross on which Jesus was crucified was made from a dogwood tree.When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew to a very large size. Its branches were strong, and for Christ's cross, its timber was chosen.
Being distressed at the use of this wood, Christ made a promise that never again shall the Dogwood tree be large, but would have slender and twisted limbs, with cross-shaped blossoms. Thus, the dogwood tree is small. It could never be used for a cross again. The petals would have four bloodstains marked in each flower, representing the nails that were driven in His hands and feet, the petals also make the shape of a cross and in the center of the blossom would be a crown of thorns with bright red, clustered fruit representing the blood of Christ. The lovely tree and blooms bear symbolic signs of how the greatest love of all mankind was slain. This, to be a reminder that all who looks at the tree will remember Christ and the pain He endured.

It still grows and blooms every year very near to the time when Christ was crucified and rose from the dead. He grew the tree so that we might go free. And was crucified on the tree he created.

My mamaw Cantrell loved this story of the dogwood tree. And my mamaw Gargus had a dogwood tree. Together in heaven they will see the dogwood tree that is forever. Planted by God himself. Sharing it with each other, and sitting under it. Watching and talking about the welfare of their searching grandson.

Lance Gargus

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Joy

2007-07-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

John 16:22

Never let anyone steal your joy.

Mike Richards

Joy is defined as an emotion of great happiness. I think nobody represented this greater than my dad. Always in good spirits even when he felt bad. A person can only make you feel bad if you let him. If you seen him out, he had a smile on his face. Never meeting a stranger did he. A person may see him out somewhere, and he always walked up to them first. Life is too short to let it get you down. Place it in God's hands was his words of wisdom. Let God do the worrying for you. This joy bubbled over to everyone he met.

He was a morning person. Getting up in a good mood. I, on the other hand, got up like I was rising from the dead. Good morning, sunshine, he would laugh. I would just mumble something like I miss my bed or why does morning have to come so early. Always a teaser and practical joker at times.

My daughter tells me that she can't help but tease cause she's like her papaw. Often times he loved to tease little kids. Oh, how he used to love to pinch our cheeks when we were little to get sugar. Not hard or anything just teasing like. He was never mean or cruel with his teasing. For example, pretending to make a sound like a dog to a two year old. Asking him where that dog was at;laughing while the toddler looked everywhere for that dog.

He had great flexibility, strength, and stamina. Going down on one knee while holding his arms straight out. Going all the way down while holding the other leg out in front of him. Still can't do it myself. Laughed to no end watching me try.

In the pulpit, he liked to mix in a little humor from time to time. He took situations and turned them around with humor. One Sunday morning, a little boy just kept throwing a temper tantrum during one of his sermons. Every time he tried to speak the boy got louder. The mother had finally had enough and picked the boy up. Taking her son out of the auditorium. The whole congregation turned and stared at the woman leaving with the boy. The child looking back at everyone. You could hear everyone whispering about why does she allow her child to act like that and so on. My dad saw an opportunity to lighten the mood and bring everyone back to the sermon. He smiled that warm smile. Getting tickled before he even spoke.

Let me tell you a story of a little boy just like that. Everyone listened expecting to hear something very serious. In the story he told of the little boy acting up in church and the mother carrying him out. He said,"As the little boy looked back at the people with a sad look. He spoke these words. Y'all pray for me; you hear." The congregation began to laugh. With that small chance, he turned everything around with his wit.

Doctors say laughter is the best medicine. It relieves stress and helps you live longer. My father lived a long full life. His life was not without sorrow though. But when he went to Christ the joy that no one can steal came back to his heart.

C.S.Lewis is quoted as saying,"Joy is the serious business of Heaven." I think he personified that very much in his lifetime.
by
Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Not One Of Them Is Forgotten Before God

2007-07-22T22:43:00.000-07:00

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Luke 12:6

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

Psalms 84: 1-3

There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away. ~Henry Ward Beecher

I was thinking about all the verses where it talks about God's heart being for the small, seemingly insignificant sparrow. The reference God makes about the sparrow represent mankind. How often we find ourselves feeling as insignificant as the sparrow. The light of Christ in the darkness lights upon the sparrow with the rising of the sun. And so does that same light shine upon us, often times upon a foolish young man, such as myself. Never taking time to honor the One who made it. In that present moment, I have to stop. As I did before I wrote this. Looking at the setting of His sun. I felt a sense of sadness. The birds songs become almost sadder as the sun went down. I bowed my head but with my eyes looking heavenward.

I was carried back in my memories. As a small child, I loved nature. Fascinated by all things and creatures in God's creation. Something about birds seemed to speak to my little heart. Reminding me of God somehow to me. About the age of 4-5, I was running and playing in the backyard. Only to discover a little bird fallen from his nest. My dad, of course, broke out the movie camera. So I was scampering about the yard after this little bird. Catching him ever so gently in my hands. Even now as I write about this, I can recall the feel of that tiny, soft life in my hands. He snuggled up in my warm hands with his delicate feathers. I held him up to the camera. Smiling as big as I could. The time came to put him back in his nest. The nest was in a tree that was not that tall. So my dad lifted me up to put him back in his home. I was happy he was home. That night I dreamed the little bird was with his mom and dad. Snuggling up close like he did in my hands.

My parents continued to look in on that minuscule bird. Taking time to make sure that he was looked after by it's mother. The lessons I learned that day were many. But the one I learned the most was the cornerstone it laid in my heart. If the little boy I was is still in there, I would like to tell him thank you. For reminding a ofttimes, misguided young man of the importance of all life; no matter how insignificant or how small. How love is the rock upon which everything is lain. And in that time of lost youth and innocence I was closer to God than I realized. Because if a young boy's heart broke for a baby bird. How much more does God's heart break for a wandering young man; who falls out of his place from time to time.

Lance Gargus

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Pick Them Up and Hold Them

2007-07-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

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

To Gain The Whole World

2007-07-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

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

He does not possess wealth that allows it to possess him. Author: Benjamin Franklin

Are we blessed by God as the poor in spirit or do we pray to be blessed with wealth of this world of shifting sand?

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

Luke 16:19-26

Matthew understood this more than anybody. He had a choice to make. To follow this man who he felt God was with or to hold on to life as a publican. Publican was a tax collector. Despised by other Jews because they collected taxes for the Romans. In exchange, they were rewarded handsomely by the Romans with social status as a class of equities. Equestrians were of upper social class in Roman society. Ranked among business men and Roman cavalry men, thus the modern reference to equerian and horses. Horses symbolizing power over other men. It was very profitable financially to the publican. He received interest off taxes collected and turned it in at the end of the collection period. The real money came with anything collected over the amount of taxes. This was pure profit to him. You can imagine the corruption that ensued in their dealings. Yet, Matthew faced a choice like we all do in life. As Jesus walked by, he made that choice. Giving up his old life of lavishness and ease that he had made at other's expense in order to go and follow this man. A man unlike any who had ever walked the earth before. In losing what he thought to himself was his whole world, he regained his soul back in return. In this moment, he received wealth beyond measure from God.

In the story of King Midas, he had a decison to make, too. He, at first, wanted to be even more wealthier than he was. So he wished for the power of gold. Everything touched, the Midas touch, turned to gold. So excited was he that he went about touching everything. Gold was everywhere. The time came to eat. And he had grown hungry. So he called his servants in to bring him his dinner. Being tired, he sit down to eat only to discover that the food he touched was transformed to gold. Now he could not even eat. All this gold and no way to feed himself. He started to panic and went to his daughter. She, the love of his life and most beautiful, came to him. In trying to console her father, he touched her. In an instant she was changed to gold as all the other things. Oh, how he weeped and howled for his loss. His pursuit of getting everything had cost him everything he really held dear. He thought back to the beautiful flower she had shown him. Telling him before had wonderful it smelled. And how with his touch had transformed it into pure gold. She had called it ugly. Saying you can't touch it and smell it like a real one. Only now staring at his loving, innocent daughter now a golden stature did he see how much it cost him. In the end, he was given the power to rid himself of the golden touch. Realizing it was a curse and not a blessing. Washing his hands in the river, it disappeared. And, thus, gathering water in a vase took it to his child. Pouring it on her restored her to life.

Every choice is a blessing or curse. Even as I read stories about those who find fortune instaneously or build wealth off the expense of others, how it corrupts their souls. Losing all they hold dear, even their very souls. May I never forget that anything I have accumulated is because of you, Jesus. And to always use it to help someone in need. May the Holy Spirit bless me with a generous heart. May He bless us all. So the Holy Spirit continues to try to guide an often stubborn soul on his search of God's truth. Leading me where I need go, not always where I want to go.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Holy Spirit Live In Me

2007-07-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Romans 8:26

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal with God the Father and Jesus Christ. He is the one who pulls at you when you sin. That still small voice that convicts you when you sin. And the one who reveals the truth to you to turn away from sin. The word translated into "Spirit" in the Bible has its root meaning as "breath" or "wind". He dwells with Christians as a guide and comforter. Having these characteristics similar to a mother as a comforter in times of trouble and guiding us when as we try to make spiritual decisions in our lives. Paraclete comes from the Koine Greek word παράκλητος (Parakletos) (Strong's G3875) meaning "one who consoles - a comforter" or "one who intercedes on our behalf - an advocate". Other titles for the Holy Spirit include 'Spirit of Truth', Lightfull Spirit of God Almighty, Holy Breath, Almighty Breath, Giver of Life, Lord of Grace, Helper, 'Comforter', 'Counsellor' and 'Supporter'. He helps an individual see the world more clearly around him. By dwelling in someone He produces fruits of the Spirit. Which are:

Charity
Charity is just like it sounds. It's love of your neighbor and love of God above one's own wants.
In addition, Paul explains in 1 Corinthians, 13, that Charity is the greatest gift from God. Charity is about giving of oneself. When Jesus died on the cross, it wasn't about anything other than Charity.
1 Cor 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Joy
Joy is the happiness found in being united with the Lord. As C.S. Lewis described it, it is a glimpse of the perfect happiness of heaven that leads us to desire heaven.

Peace
Peace refers to being content with the world and God. And having no animosity toward any.

Goodness
Goodness is the tendency to avoid sin and pursue good.

Generosity
Generosity is an willingness to sharing one's own gifts and goods with others. It is the opposite of both gluttony and envy.

Gentleness
Gentleness, also known as mildness, is the tendency to allow provocations and attacks to go unanswered.

Faithfulness
Faithfulness is the standing strong in faith, and strength against anything that comes your way.

A list of gifts that may be bestown include the gifts of prophecy, tongues, healing, and knowledge. In addition, wisdom, indepth supernatural understanding of the Word of God, spiritual power to perform miracles-healings-prophecy-visions-speak in an unlearned language-interpet toungues-drive out demons-even raise the dead, hear a calling to a special office in the church, being merciful and giving, hear God speak, see angels and demons at work, and love and forgive beyond normal abilities because of a strong personal connection with God.

Isaiah 11:2-3
The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears;

1 Corinthians 12: 8-10
for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

My prayer is...Sweet Holy Spirit, comforter and friend, live in me. Help me to trust in Thee. May my body become a clean temple to dwell in. May my heart be a place ever welcome to you. Touch me with your presence and bless me with Your love. Give me ears to hear Your voice. Flow out of me. May it be like a healing fountain to others I touch. Amen.

Lance Gargus

This Do In Remebrance Of Me

2007-07-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

Martyr- Greek word for "witness". One who chooses death rather than to deny Jesus Christ or His work.

The only apostle’s death the Bible records is James' (Acts 12:2). King Herod had James put to death “with the sword” – likely a reference to beheading. The circumstances of the deaths of the other apostles can only be known based on church history.

The most commonly accepted church history in regards to the death of an apostle is that the Apostle Peter was crucified, upside-down on an x-shaped cross, in Rome, in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy (John 21:18).

Following are the church history in regards to the deaths of the other apostles:

Matthew suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, where he had drawn to take the gospel. There he performed many miracles and great teachings. King Aeglippus of Ethiopia liked the Christians. But upon his death King Hyactus took the throne. He was an unbeliever who hated the Christians. While Matthew was teaching in his church, he had him arrested. Matthew was dragged outside, nailed to the ground with short spears, and beheaded.

John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos. The Apostle John was later freed and returned to what is now modern-day Turkey. He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.

James, the brother of Jesus (not officially an apostle), the leader of the church in Jerusalem, was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a club. This was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the temptation.

Jude, brother of James the Just and younger brother of Jesus, who wrote the book of Jude travels included Mesopotamia, Syria, Arabia, and Persia (now Iran). In Edema he angered the pagan priest by preaching against idol sacrifices and worships. They saw they were losing money and followers. So they attacked him with sticks and clubs, beating him to death in 68 AD.

Bartholomew, also know as Nathanael, was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed in present-day Turkey and was martyred for his preaching in Armenia, when he was flayed to death by a whip.

Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Greece. After being whipped severely by seven soldiers, Andrew's body was tied to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: "I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it." He continued to preach to his tormentors for two days until he died.

The Apostle Thomas was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church there.

Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.

Phillip's travels include going to Samaria. When the apostles later drew lots to divide the known world between them, he drew what is now Turkey and Syria. He planted many churches. Ending up at Hierapolis in Phrygia. He worked many miraculous signs there. The idol worshippers cared little for these miracles or the message he brought. Ancient historians say he was tied to a pillar and stoned to death. Others say they whipped him, threw him in prison, and later crucified him. He was the second apostle to be martyred.

Simon the Canaanite traveled in Egypt, North Africa, Mauritania-an island in the Indian Ocean, and in the Great Britian islands. Some say he was crucified in Great Britian. Others say after traveling with Jude he was tortured and crucified by a governor in Syria.

The Apostle Paul was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67.

It is not so important how the apostles died. What is important is the fact that they were all willing to die for their faith. If Jesus had not been resurrected, the disciples would have known. No one will die for something he knows is a lie. The fact that all of the apostles were willing to die horrible deaths, refusing to renounce their faith in Christ – is tremendous evidence that they had truly witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Lance Gargus

Huguenots

2007-07-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

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
Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Wedding Band

2007-07-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

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

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Never Realized

2007-07-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

In my time on this earth there are things I never realized,

just fanciful dreams a young man idealized.

But the older I get I have come to a realization of you,

Not in how you look but the things you do.

But what is it about you that makes me love you?

It's your gracious smile that makes all things new.

Your self sacrificing heart of putting others first,

the bountiful love you have dispersed.

Thinking of the family I have through you,

Their little eyes glowing sky blue.

Seeing how you unwaveringly love them,

Your eyes sparkle back like a gem.

For the love you give to our children two,

Is reflected back in my eyes to you.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Unworthy To Be Called Your Son

2007-07-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

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.
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Luke 15:20-24

"It is not flesh and blood but the heart, which makes us fathers and sons." - Johann Schiller

I don't want the man I was to rise up in me again,

He keeps me awake at night.

I try to silence this storm coming from within,

I yearn for peace and rest from this fight.

The waters coming rushing over me,

Pushing and pulling me underneath its rage.

Shouting here I am Lord and I'm drowning,

Trembling hands reaching for the rock of age.

Echoing in my mind that I'm just one mistake away,

Back to where you found me on that day.

Tears have filled my eyes with the coming of the dawn,

Here I am trying to carry on.

Daddy, please, don't leave me this way.

As the rushing waters begin to weigh.

The oncoming waters are drowning out your truth,

Asking me where is my proof?

This world has gotten me thinking for myself,

Saying answers come from a book on a shelf.

Seeking for the truth that your word reveals,

Praying for the peace only you can seal.

Looking at the world I had made my friend,

The ones always reminding me of my sin.

They flow like a raging river driven on by a storm,

The tattering of my heart's sails being ripped and torn.

I've held out as long as I can,

Letting go and holding out my hands.

As the current sweeps along,

In that instant of weakness I found where I belong.

Daddy, take my hands.

From that moment I'm lifted on to dry land.

I am so unworthy to be called your son again,

All the while your wrapping me in your light.

Before my final amen,

No more wandering, no more plight.

You embrace me with your arms,

Holding me close to you.

Son, this is just the beginning,

I'm here now to see you through.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Christian Brotherly Love

2007-07-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

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

Abandoned

2007-07-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

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

A Letter From My Grandmother

2007-07-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

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,

I love everyone of you all. Your daddy, you three kids, all the grand kids, my sister, and all the rest of my love ones. I don't like some of their ways, but I still love them. I don't know of anyone I hate. I just hope and pray all my love ones and everyone else will get saved before its too late.

For if we miss heaven we have missed all. So don't let anyone cause you to turn back. So don't worry about me. The Lord is going to let me be alright. If I don't come back, I don't want any of you to worry about me for I go to rest.

I love you all so much. And have wanted you to live for the Lord for so long. Please, don't worry about me. The Lord is going to be with me.

Love to you all. I'm going to quit. Go to bed for I am getting sleepy.

Love you all very much,

Mother

Myrtle Mae Wren Cantrell

I look at your photograph,

And I write about you,

Realizing I am not who I was,

No longer that teenager you once knew.

Wanting to see you now,

To tell you all that I have been through since you left,

Would you be disappointed in what I've become?

Finding myself in the midst of bereft.

Recalling the moments we would sit together,

Talking while you would tell me stories of the Lord,

Sharing your faith with your grandson,

Telling of heaven's great reward.

You have touched my life even now,

Guiding me in someways,

Remembering the loved ones who sought the great light,

May the Lord impart that wisdom on me to the end of my days.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Young Love

2007-07-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

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

In The Garden

2007-07-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

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

Miles gave the background to this beautiful hymn in his own words:

Quote:"I read the story of the greatest morn in history. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet very dark, unto the sepulcher. Instantly, completely, there unfolded in my mind the scenes of the garden, where out of the mists comes a form, halting, hesitating, tearful, seeking, turning from side to side in bewildering amazement."Falteringly, bearing grief in every accent, with tear-dimmed eyes, she whispers, 'If Thou has borne Him hence.'"He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing. He said to her "Mary!""Just one word and forgotten are the heartaches, the long dreary hours, all the past blotted out in His presence."End of Quote.

Miles recounts a vivid vision of Mary Magdalene coming to the tomb at daybreak. While reading John chapter 20, he recalls seeing all this unfold against his wall. He saw Mary's despair then her joy as she recognized the gardener as Jesus. He recalls awakening and quickly writing the poem. That evening he wrote the music. The first account is given through Mary's eyes and are written in the first two verses as she comes to the garden "while the dew is still on the roses." Afterwards she rejoiced to recognize the voice belonging to her risen Lord. Lastly, she talks about Jesus 's command to go tell what she had seen in the last verse.

This was my Dad's favorite hymn. The hymn has given comfort to many people. And it gave him comfort that God was always walking with him. Listening to every word he said with understanding. Then Christ's words would return to him so soft and low to soothe his weary soul.

I hold a fondness for this song also. In the song it talks of Him talking with you. I am sure he talks with me. But I have to silence my soul to hear Him. May, Lord, I hear you speak to my heart as you did Mary Magedline and my father. Reveal yourself to me.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Birds Of Heaven

2007-07-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26

Do you ne'er think what wondrous beings these? Do you ne'er think who made them, and who taught The dialect they speak, where melodies Alone are the interpreters of thought? Whose household words are songs in many keys, Sweeter than instrument of man e'er caught! - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Did you know that birds have long been used as symbols in Christianity? Not just doves either but other birds.

There is a story or more appropriately a legend of the robin. It tells how the robin received his red breast. Story goes that as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus as a child was resting on their flight to Egypt sparks of a fire flew toward Jesus. The robin caught the sparks of fire on his breast instead thus protecting Jesus. His reward was the beautiful red breast that robins are known for.

Another bird the peacock is a symbol for immortality because of a legend that its flesh does not decay.

The crane symbolizes good works, loyalty, order, vigilance because legend has it that cranes are appointed to watch over their king while he sleeps.

The eagle represents constancy, faith, and the resurrection because on an ancient belief that the eagle would renew its youth and plumage by flying near the sun and then plunging into water.

Next, the falcon is symbolic of conversion cause they can be tamed with their hunting instincts turned towards good.

The goldfinch represents the Passion of Jesus cause of its fondness to thorns and thistles.

The rooster is symbolic of the response to God's grace by the soul's awakening.

The goose is the symbol for vigilance and providence because of a legend that the Capitoline geese saved Rome from the Gallic invasion.

The lark as it flies so high and while singing only in flight toward heaven represents humility.

The owl represents Christ to some as a night owl looking into the darkness for sinners to save.

The partridge is for truth and the church.

The raven is a wonderful symbol for solitude.

The sparrow stands for the lowliest among people cause its the least among birds.

The swallow takes the symbol of The Incarnation because it hides itself in the mud during winter.

The stork a symbol of chastity, piety, vigilance, and prudence because it announces the coming of spring.

Also, the pelican represents the Redeemer and atonement because of a legend that it feeds its young with its own blood.

The mythical phoenix represented Christ with its rebirth from the ashes.

The turtledove symbolizes Christ's fidelity cause they take a mate for life.

Last but not least, the dove representing the Holy Spirit, peace, a harbinger of hope, and the release of the soul from the body in death.

Lance Gargus

Every bird that upwards swings Bears the Cross upon its wings. - Marcus Valerius Martial

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

My Dove

2007-07-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

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

I Just Pray

2007-07-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

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

Alone

2007-07-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

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

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Greed

2007-06-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

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

Greed is defined as a selfish excessive or uncontrolled desire for possession or pursuit of money, wealth, food, or other possessions at the expense of another person's welfare. It is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness. Greed is, like Lust and Gluttony, a sin of excess. However, Greed particularly applies to the acquisition of wealth. Thomas Aquinas wrote that Greed was "a sin against God, just as all mortal sins, in as much as man condemns things eternal for the sake of temporal things." In Dante's Purgatory, the penitent were forced to kneel on hard stone and recite the examples of avarice and its opposing virtue. Avarice is a blanket term that can describe many other forms of sinful behaviour. These include disloyalty, deliberate betrayal, or treason, especially for personal gain, as when someone lets themselves be bribed. Scavenging and hoarding of materials or objects, theft and robbery, especially by violence, trickery, or manipulation of authority are all actions that are inspired by greed. Such misdeeds include Simony, where the sinner feels the urge to make money by selling things within the confines of the church.

In a movie, a self-indulgent character quotes greed like this, "The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed -- for lack of a better word -- is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms -- greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge -- has marked the upward surge of mankind. And greed -- you mark my words -- will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA." The world embraces this philosophy and puts it into action everyday. "Who would you step on to get ahead?", "Get rich or die trying.", "Nothing personal it's just business.", "He who has the most toys wins.", is their battle cries.

Greed consumes one's soul to the point that nothing else matters. In 2 Timothy 6:10 it says, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." These griefs it talks about are loss of family, friends, co-workers, and all you hold dear left in the wake of the pursuit.

A fairy tale tells of greed like this of a dog who managed to steal a large steak from a butcher's shop, and ran into the woods to eat it in peace. On reaching the banks of the stream, he happened to see his face reflected in the water. He did not know that he was looking at himself. What he thought he saw was another dog, holding a large steak in its mouth.

Being a greedy dog, he jumped into the stream to snatch the other's dog meat. Of course, the reflection vanished and he could see no sign of dog or steak.

Only then did he realize that, when he barked to frighten the other, he had dropped his stolen meat. The current was swift and the steak was carried away. So, instead of having two steaks, the dog was left with nothing. Christ says in Mark 8:36, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness took place with the dark one using greed as a weapon. Luke 4 reveals:

5And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
6And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
7If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
8And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

The dark one owns the greed of this world. Janwillem van de Wetering is quoted as saying,"Greed is a fat demon with a small mouth and whatever you feed it is never enough."

Greed will corrupt your soul. Once a tycoon of the industrial age was asked a profound question by a reporter. He asked, "How much money is enough?" He responded back with these words that sums it all up. "It's never enough." There is something perverse about more than enough. When we have more, it is never enough. There is a quote by an unknown author that says -"It is always somewhere out there, just out of reach. The more we acquire, the more elusive enough becomes." Greed is an insatiable appetite that is never satisfied. Only One can satisfy the soul to live for something besides yourself.

God will deal with those who take advantage of others in the quest for greed. Those who destroy other's lives in pursuit of profit at any cost. In James Chapter 5 the Word is quoted as saying -11Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
2Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
3Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
4Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
5Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

Jesus says in Luke 16:13, "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Who will you choose?

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Faith

2007-06-26T21:50:00.001-07:00

Don't get trapped by discouragement and sorrow! It will paralyze everything. Memories can be wonderful, but you can't live on them! Make the memories effective in your life. So we experience it and grow it.

Make the memory of Christ so personal that it is like praying without ceasing. It becomes our very nature. Eventually, the emblems won't be needed. We experience Christ completely. We may or may not see Christ on Earth. But we can and must experience Him. For in Him we live, and move and have our being.

Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

To be 100% certain of who we are and where we belong is something that most people seek, yet sadly few find. Full assurance of faith means that as children of God we can trust and depend upon Him to do all that He says. It is a matter of faith.

Faith represents the washing and cleansing of the body as the Holy Spirit sweeps over the Believer’s life.

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to,and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

Isaiah 55:11 NLT (New Living Translation)

James and Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

The Holy Spirit Has And Will Guide Us Into All Truth

2007-06-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

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

And the promise in Amos's discourse has He kept;

so we follow His directions till He decides its time to reveal new truths,

"not new gospel,"

the Holy Spirit has and will guide us into all truth,

as we merit new,

or renewed light,

or responsibility.

If it falls into our area of responsibility,

and we do not respond then the light indeed has grown dim,

or has been extinguished.

Some day some of you may have the privilege of seeing it;

it will not be necessary to have The Lord's Supper-sacrament,

we shall be immersed in,

not just His memory of Him but be immersed in His life and service-

call it "Zion", "Utopia", "Kingdom On Earth".

But,

this has to happen before he can accept His bride,"The Church."

To bring to pass the immortality and eternal live of man-

this is not over night,

but line upon line,

precept upon precept,

we grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,"declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9

James Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Flattery

2007-06-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

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

Alive

2007-06-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

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

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

The Stones Will Cry Out

2007-06-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

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

Tears Are Prayers, Too

2007-06-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? Psalm 56:8

Are we afraid the tears won't stop falling down like rain? That we might drown as we fight our fears. God bottles every tear that we cry. Think about it. We have cried oceans and rivers of tears of grief and sorrow as well as tears of happiness and joy since time began. Tears that travel to God even when we can't speak. These tears are prayers to God on the deepest level.

It is a known fact that in Bible lands and other middle eastern countries there was a tradition that when someone died, tears of those present were collected and placed in a bottle. This bottle was considered sacred for it represented all the sorrow of the family and was buried with the deceased. Many of these bottles have been found in ancient tombs. In ancient Rome, mourners filled small glass vials or cups with tears and placed them in burial tombs as symbols of love and respect. Sometimes people were even paid to cry into cups, as they walked along the mourning procession. Those crying the loudest and producing the most tears received the most compensation. The more anguish and tears produced, the more important and valued the deceased person was perceived to be. In some war stories, women were said to have cried into tear bottles and saved them until their husbands returned. Their collected tears would show the men how much they were loved and missed.

God collects them to let us know he cares and takes notice of us not only when we cry tears of sorrow, pain, anguish, repentance, confession, and joy but in everything we do and say. God notices all our wanderings in this short earthly pilgrimage of ours. He loves us so much and is ever touched by our burdens, our anguish of heart, and feelings of infirmities.

If you notice that these tears are recorded in a book. The book is God's book of remembrance. Every word of tender pity, every act of sacrifice, every suffering, and sorrow for Christ's sake is faithfully recorded.

It is amazing how one so powerful can love one so lowly as to know every tear that has fallen. He catches it one by one in his hands. To bottle them up for a time that is to come.

So remember that your tears do not fall in vain. There is one who holds each one in a bottle and write's it down in his book of remembrance. And I feel like that as he does this he feels our pain, too. He felt the pain of those mourning for Lazarus and the Bible says,"Jesus wept". (John 11:35) How profound are those words that as we weep that our God weeps with us. Now that is Love.

Lance Gargus

Books:Christianity,Bible,Jesus,Angels,Soul,God,
Holy Spirit,Doves,Love,Children,Heaven

Speak

2007-06-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

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

A Pocket New Testament

2007-06-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

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

The Purpose, The Cause- The Effect- of "The Life of Christ"

2007-06-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Romans 5:19

Adam's creation-

his life assignment,

his success and failure-

were all for known and contingencies in place-

all because of one basic law,

and blessing,

that of "free agency of man",

that even "God" in all "His" greatness,

once established,

could not,

and most importantly,

would not,

violate.--

All Adam's experiences,

fore ran,

or were foreshadows,

or symbols of "Christ's" purpose.

Adam knew the greatness of God,

the importance of his function,

in the ongoing process of keeping,

developing the creation of God;

He had one "role model",

"God",

yet,
the opposites of that role model was Satan,

Satan could never have invaded The Garden of Eden initially.

Through his deception he had to have an inside contact,

to open,

or unlock the "door of rebellion",

desire for power.

The impulse for disobedience,

the foreshadow of ,"do your own thing".

All these things,

with all their dire consequences were the historical markers in history-

or background that told us "to beware" of pitfalls,

already encountered.

All experiences in life,

for ourselves,

and our forebearers,

are of invaluable importance to us as we weave our way through life;

all in order to "beat" the paths,

guide the way,

mark the spot,

blaze the trail,

that we may,

receive the torch of of life at each "last mark;"

we are not not to retrace but "replace" with fresh vigor and new out look,

receiving and utilizing the past,

that propels us forward,

with the "past",

the "present" and the "future" as an "aura" of God's purpose encircling us.

"Christ" was and is,

co-creator with "God" in all,

and as he,

as co-creators in all things.

He came,

not so much as Savior,

as Redeemer-

Trailblazer-

Champion-

Guide,

Exemplar of Love-

we are saved,

so many ways;

but,

first and foremost by love and obedience-

obedience to Christ,

to follow His example through love,

love for fellow man through love of Christ-

How would we know to obey-

or the way to follow,

except someone has gone on before?

James Gargus

Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven

Crosses Everywhere

2007-06-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

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

Inner Peace

2007-06-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

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

Technorati Profile

Superficial

2007-06-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

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

Prayer Lines

2007-06-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

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

Two Doves

2007-06-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

"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.

In the biblical creation story, Noah sent a dove from the ark three times. When the dove returned with an olive leaf in its beak, there was hope in the midst of the treacherous flood. Later Christians used the dove to symbolize the Holy Ghost over the Christ's head, associating the dove with transcendence and compassion. Much later, the legendary artist Pablo Picasso used stylized doves to evoke peace, enlightenment, and immortality. The sighting of a dove is auspicious in every world culture. In China a dove seen at life events is a sign of longevity. In Japan, a dove along with a sword to represents the nation's commitment to peace. In all nations, two doves shown paired together represent the unity of love, when two individuals join together in a partnership.

Two mourning doves followed my father to church every Sunday a year before he died. It was a sign to Dad cause he knew he was dying. The weaker he became in his body, the stronger God grew in his life. Those doves were waiting on the powerline every Sunday for his trip there and return trip home. This lasted until his death. After that we haven't seen the doves since. I feel this was his blessed assurance of God's presence.

Why two instead of one? I have often wondered that. Is it to show the unity of love between my mom and dad married all these years? I don't know. Maybe it was to show the beauty of the partnership of him and his savior. It could show both.

I ponder on this and many things. My shaky walk and the many times I continue to fall down makes me question my path I am on. But there is still something about the sight of doves in flight that does my heart good. So my search continues with hopes of revealing my dove to me.

Lance Gargus

Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven

The Precipice

2007-06-05T19:12:00.003-07:00

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 Untouched

2007-06-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Proverbs 19:23

I walk the pathway of life swiftly,

As the breeze of time flows gently by.

Never hesitating, in my quest for the new,

needless of the ones passing by.

For some,-somewhere, out there, over there,-there's adventure, something uniquely mine.

The enthusiasm, joyful exuberance of youth,

blissfully unaware of the shifting, changing, passing sands of time.

I tread the road of life expectantly, sure,

that the hidden treasure of a new experience

a new me world, is there for me to find--

The pace, the pace---is more measured now,

the high anticipation isn't quenched.

As I stalk the untouched, be it even the

unstoppable ever moving sands of time.

I trudge the rugged, hilly, terrain of life,

and now, often pause and gaze at the faces,

of those I meet.

As perhaps in their eyes I may see,

the lost joy of friendship,

the golden gem sublime;

that I shunned,

even as I hungered, unknowing,

for someone to share with me,--

as I face the inevitable, lonely sands of time.

Life is more subdued now--as trembling legs, move me unsure-

I treasure now each word, each sound,--things, before I just--endured.

As my eyes grow dim, and dimmer now, I must hold some one's guiding hand.

I valued little, before, keen senses, vital health,

good friends, and now, late;

and slowly and surely the sands of time, has slipped through my unwary hands.

I hear my mother's voice now as in my childhood days,

calling "Jim"-"Jim"--"Come home"!

I hesitated then to heed that call,

for a boy treasures nature's lure to--wander, and roam.

But wait!

There's another voice, and another, joined in that melodious call,

-now a command

"Come home Jim, come on home to us"-

"And shake your Mother's and your Master's hand"!

I know I must respond to this final call,

en route, no tiring hill to climb.

I'm going home again!

-where there's no worry about earthly cares, and quivering, shifting, sands of time.

The treasure of time, "God" gives to us,

is immeasurable in terms of value, and true worth.

To be contemplated, dedicated and joyfully utilized,

in the most vital sense of the term here on earth.

Wake up to each new day,

to a new life,

to new joy,
let your glad voice sing!

Of a time to love,

a time to care for all people, places, and things.

James Gargus

Key Search Words:Christianity, Bible, Jesus, Angels, Soul Searching, God, Holy Spirit, Doves, Love, Children, Heaven

Hope, Sorrow, and Despair

2007-05-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

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

The Walk

2007-05-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

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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