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

Pick Them Up and Hold Them

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

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.

by

Lance Gargus

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

Holy Spirit Live In Me

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.

by

Lance Gargus

This Do In Remebrance Of Me

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