Life Is So Wonderful

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.

by

Louise Gargus

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

Not One Of Them Is Forgotten Before God

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.

by

Lance Gargus

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

Huguenots

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

Abandoned

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

In The Garden

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.

by

Lance Gargus

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

My Dove

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

Flattery

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

The Stones Will Cry Out

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

Speak

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

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

Crosses Everywhere

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

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,

Ephesians 2:14
All through the years of my distress,
an inner voice gave me no peace-

as this passage of scripture kept pestering me,

"Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people, saith your God."

Even in my darkest moments,

in the depth of despair, it never let me rest.

I tried to stop my inner ears from even sensing this compelling voice but no,

it always there.

Then I began to question my part or worthiness to even consider this call to repentance and mission,

once I had a ready and willing ally,

Satan saying don't listen,

don't heed,

we've gone too far.

Then as my real self began to listen,

the impelling words of Revelation started to trickle into my consciousness.

Not only was I withholding the Gospel and the keys of the mystery of the kingdom from myself,

as well as the power of Godliness in practicing and administrating the ordinances from others.

by

James Gargus

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


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Prayer Lines

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

"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.

by

Lance Gargus

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

The Untouched

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.

by

James Gargus

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

The Walk

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I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4

"Don't let me down, I want to see y'all again," was the words that hang in the back of my mind. The words that drive me on. The words of a father that wants to see his children in heaven with him. Other Fathers were consumed with the smartest and most athletic abilities with their children, he was concerned with his children's walk with the Father. But, Lord, without you how can I do that and lead my family home?

Questions arise in my mind. Do I let my children down? Am I an example for them? I've got so far to go. I've made so many mistakes. With all the pressures I can't seem to get it right. I want my little children to see Him. I seem mighty tall to them, but I'm learning from the best Father of all. The One my earthly father learned from. Something for their innocent eyes to see.

There is no replacing the memories of the walks I took with my father in the cool of the evening. We headed down that old, dusty gravel road as the sun would be setting. Him telling spiritual truths I didn't fully understand and still don't totally comprehend. But I knew in his presence I was loved. The road could have lead me anywhere, and didn't matter as long as he was going with me. Looking at his feet I tried to match him step for step. And still try too, even now, with much struggle.

I walk now, but not alone. I feel my earthly father and heavenly father's presence. I can feel the touch on my shoulder as a little child. The touch of a father's hand to encourage me to go on no matter how hard it gets.

As I touch my son's shoulder and hold his hand, it scares me so much. How can I lead him when I get so mixed up myself? And in that moment I drift back to that time. Just like I do him and my dad did me, when I'm tired I was carried. Placed on a shoulder to look back at the setting sun with its many splendid colors of fiery red, yellow, and orange. He let me lean on his strength when I became too weary for my little feet to carry on. And when we headed home he would let me ride his shoulders as the wind blew against my face. He lifted me up to what seemed like the top of the world. In that moment I felt 10 feet tall lifted up to the sky. I felt I could see past the horizon in the distance. The longer I walked with him the closer we became.

We saw all of God's handiwork in his creation and the wonders of a new world to me. Everything was new and exciting to discover. Pointing out various things and telling me the story behind it. Answering so many questions my young mind had. If he grew weary of the curious questions, I never noticed it. He seemed to have knowledge and wisdom beyond my few little years on this earth.

If I fell, he picked me up and dusted me off. He put me back on my feet. He calmed my fears. Wiping my tears away. I raised my eyes and saw the kindness of a father's love for his child. His kindness is what pulled me up to go on and his love kept me walking on. I would cry out, "Hold me." Sometimes not really needing to be carried. But just wanting his attention.

The sun set and cast long shadows across the ground as we strolled along. My shadow was so small but his seemed so tall. It looked like a giant's shadow though he was a man of medium height. The sun showed how I saw him. That no matter how tall I got, I would always look up to him.

I know he fretted over every footstep I made, as I do mine. He couldn't do it for me, but was there for me if when I needed him. And he and my Heavenly Father continue to be. His little boy continues the walk into the deepest parts of his soul. All the while being followed by the little footsteps behind me.
by
Lance Gargus

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

The Tensile Strength

The tensil strength of a chain is wholly dependent upon each link.

(Faith-Baptisms of Water and Spirit-Repentance-Laying On of Hands-Resurrection of the Dead-Eternal Life and Judgement)

If we neglent, ignore, or phase out as has happened as with the pressures of social expediency, just one or more of these doctrinal principles then the remaider will soon follow.

And we have seen it happen with the so called church spiritual structure that will collapse under dead works.

Keep the principle chain intact and lay hold on eternal life.

Now, for our salvation it is entirely dependent upon it.

And like destruction, salvation is near.
by
James Gargus

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Hebrews 9:14

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

Dear Ones...

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28


Dear Ones,
I love you all very much
and I hate to leave you for such
a long time but I'm trying to do
what the Lord wants me to do.
All my love,

I need your prayers.

Dad-Jim

by
James Gargus

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

Soul Bound

My soul is in anguish.


How long, O LORD, how long?


Psalm 6:3


(New International Version)




In the night while my soul sleeps,
I realize where I am.
All of a sudden my soul leaps,
but these chains I start to slam.

I am bound to the ground,
I jerk my arms to the left and right.
In frustration and anger I furiously pound,
Here comes the night.

The darkness closes in around me,
My eyes struggle in the absence of light.
I yell at the darkness trying to break free,
And so begins the fight.

I hear voices off in the distance calling out to me,
What is that they are saying?
So many voices shrieking like a banshee,
These horrendous voices, my ears, is there no allaying?

The odor that assaults my senses,
It is something just putrid on the air.
What is that in the distance preparing its offenses?
It's coming to rip and tear.

My mouth has the taste of something rotton in it,
This I can't quite discern.
This frightful place assaults my very senses,
The restiveness makes my stomach churn.

I await my fate peering into the void,
I feel the cold metal shackles around my wrists.
My life's meaning has become devoid,
I squeeze my hands into tight fists.

I call out to you,
In the hope that you hear me.
"I've lost it all, it's all I ever knew,
I feel so empty. Why aren't you with me?"

"I am holding on,
but I feel like giving in.
Staring out for the rising of the dawn,
Struggling within."

I scream at the top of my voice,
"Do you hear me?"
Through tear streaked face I shout,"I have no choice."
"I offered ten years off my life. He didn't have to die, did he?"

"He was my light,
without a light I fear I'll stumble in the dark.
This is my only plight,
Which way do I embark?"

"I can't remember who I am,
I've lost myself.
Is light just a sham?
What does one do with oneself?"

On the outside I am hiding in my skin,
There I am at a loss for words.
broken from within,
Is this what girds?

Outwardly, I sit in silence and wonder what led me to this place,
How my life seems so lifeless and cold.
Where is my face?
Despair has taken hold.

All my efforts are like chasing the wind for others to see,
And I've given all my strength and there's nothing left to give.
My attempts have successfully drove me to one knee,
All this cause me to misgive.

I've lost all feeling and I'm numb to the core,
So much, so much distress.
I can't fake it anymore,
Feelings I try to suppress.

Inwardly, my bound soul faces the emptiness as it approaches,
Antagonizing the nothingness and challenging it.
Caring less if it encroaches,
No matter my life I won't submit.

The face coming out of the shroud is recognizable some how,
The voice distinctly familiar to me.
"This can't be, I won't allow,
That's not me, you let me be."

It says nothing back to me,
For it is just my soul's shadow, you see.

by
Lance Gargus

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

Mortify

Mortify therefore, your members which are upon the Earth are:
Fornication-
Uncleanness
Inordinate Affection
Evil Concupiscence/ Lust
Covetousness- which is idolatry-

Colossions 3:5
These are the restraining lines that hinder- and they are not always inordinate- except in the lives of those we need to help.
by
James Gargus

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