The Daily Paine

It doesn’t take long to tell where a person’s treasure is, in fifteen minutes, with most people, you can tell whether their treasures are on earth or in heaven.”
–D. L. Moody

“What does a name mean?  Nothing, until a man makes it mean something.”
–Louis L’Amour

How are you identified?  What is it about you that others notice?  Are there identifying marks or scar; possibly there is an outstanding character trait?  Lincoln was known as “Honest Abe,” Washington for “not telling a lie.”  What is it about you?  During the days prior to World War II, Jews in Germany were required to wear identification–the yellow star.
Maybe you are identified by a character trait.  Anger may exemplify you, or perhaps you are always happy.  I can remember a student who always brightened up any room she was in by her smile.  That smile was always present, and it helped others.  Maybe you wear a constant frown or your lower lip is swollen from having it pooched out and stepping on it.
I’ve known people who were known for their hard work and others for their laziness.  Remember “Lightning” on “Amos & Andy”?  His words were always, “I’ll flash right over there,” but it was always in slow motion.  And then there was Wild Bill Elliott who always said, “I’m a peaceful man.”  I can remember a set of parents that caused teachers to avoid them.  If either of those parents walked down a hallway and a teacher saw them coming that teacher would dart into the restroom.
Some people are known for their evilness.  Think of Charles Manson, or of Gothic lore–Dracula.  They are cruel, hard, and uncaring toward others.  There was Dorian Grey, the epitome of self-centeredness and lust.  On the other hand, there are those who are definitely “good Samaritans.”  To throw a Biblical truth at you, people are known by their “fruits,” in other words their works and actions.  Take a minute and read Galatians 5 and think of those people you can identify by their works–either of evil or of the Spirit.
In the West the cattle were marked, branded and were identified by that brand.  It was a way of telling ownership and wealth, what belonged to whom, and there then was no question.  It is important that we carry on us the “brand” of the Holy Spirit and are known by Him and by others that we belong to Him.  In ancient times there was the “seal” the signet of the owner.  We are to be sealed by the Holy Spirit so that we are recognizable to Him on that day with the Lord returns.
With that in mind there will also be a seal of damnation in the end times.  There will be those who are known by the seal of the Antichrist.  They will be known as one of his.  Hmmm, interesting to ponder; so many today are seeking “seals” calling them tattoos.  Why would a person want anything other than the seal of the Holy Spirit – perhaps to draw attention to themselves.

“And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by Him for the day of redemption.”
–Ephesians 4:30 (HCSB)

Echoes from the Campfire

On a late afternoon when the clouds gather around the peaks and the lightning begins to play its games over the mountain meadows, the high country is no place to be, but it can be spectacular to watch from a safe distance.  At such times the hills can be alive with a sound that isn’t music, but it has a magnificence of its own.”      –Louis L’Amour  (Passin’ Through)

“The guilty walk a crooked [trail]; the innocent travel a straight road.”
–Proverbs 21:8 (NLT)

The Daily Paine

Nobody on earth strikes the match for burning bushes.  Only God can do that.  Our part consists of wandering through the wilderness until we find that spot, and then to remember to take off our shoes because we’ve stumbled onto holy ground.”
–Tommy Tenney

“Men, trust me, are not born, but fashioned.”
–Erasmus

Right now you may feel that your mind is muddled, that the world is nothing but chaos.  Darkness looms, and in that darkness there is evil lurking, ready to strike you down.  You wander in that darkness, stumbling over the roots of despair.  The branches of immorality scratch at your eyes and sting your face as you continue to walk through the dense brush of a society that seeks your soul by compromise.
How, how will you ever make it?  The news is appalling, not just here in America, but the whole world seems to be enthralled with darkness.  Is evil overcoming the world; is it overcoming you?  How in the world will you make it; how will your children make it?  This is a time to think of Jesus as He was thrust into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit.  Don’t think it odd that the world situation is such as it is, and don’t fail to realize that God knew that you would be alive during this time, and going through these difficulties.  He ordained it so, therefore, buckle up to the situation.
Remember, you are a stranger in this world.  Don’t get comfortable with it.  In the midst of traveling through this wilderness look to the Holy Spirit.  As He thrust Jesus into the wilderness, so He has thrust you into your circumstances.  I really like what George Matheson wrote.

“When I stand below the stars without Thee I say with Jacob, ‘How dreadful is this place!’  Take away the dread, my Father!  Light this solemn world with Thy smile!  Dispel with Thy voice the solitude I feel!  Guide me amid the things I know not, the things that know not me!  It is not death I am afraid of; it is life–life without Thee.”

We get too caught up with the cares of life, the trek in the wilderness, and we forget to realize that the Lord is with us each step of the way.  We make praise casual instead of coming from the heart.  When praise truly comes from the heart it will light a fire so that we can see our way through the forest even in the darkest night.  Recognize Him with each step, for He is guiding them.  Don’t turn to the left or to the right, but follow and obey His Word.  Do not give in to the darkness, to the wilderness for it will only bring despair.

“Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
–Joshua 1:7-9 (NASB)