If it weren’t for the ugly an’ the evil, we wouldn’t know the beautiful an’ good.”
–Zane Grey (The Mysterious Rider)
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.”
–Proverbs 3:7 (NKJV)
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I was in the ol’ steel mount the other day. Some of my best pondering and philosophyzing is done while traveling; the problem is that when I stop I can’t remember most of what was floating through my mind to write it down. However, on this particular day, I was pondering and the title of an old song came to me: “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked” by Geoffrey O’Hara. It’s not a song that is normally sung in church except as a special, but I began to ponder.
Even as a historian I have not had a real hankering to go to the Middle East. I know it is almost a requirement by some; sort of a Christian hajj. I figure that during the Millennium I will be able to enjoy the region more fully. It might be nice to see the places where Jesus lived and traveled. I’m the kind of person who likes to see these things and then think about those times. I have done that for years when traveling through our great country, but it is not a requirement to go to the roads where Jesus trod.
As I continued on my journey from Coldspring to Cleveland, the title wouldn’t leave my mind. The rest of the song didn’t seem significant, but the title stayed with me. I began to think of the steps of the Lord and if I truly believe the Holy Writ then it seems I should be traveling where Jesus walked. If I am in His will, then He guides my steps, and walks right beside me.
The “Paracletos”, some versions have the “Comforter,” others the “Advocate,” “Counselor,” or “Helper.” Neither quite sums it up for the Holy Spirit is Someone who walks beside. He is for sure our advocate in the courtroom, our counselor for all of life’s needs, our helper when we need more strength to get through the day. At times He wraps His arms around us, or gives us a “high-five”; but often He may have to give us a kick in the seat of the pants, and may even drive us into the wilderness. In other words, He gives us what we need!
So, as I travel through life’s journey, I should be walking where Jesus walked. If I am truly the “temple of the Holy Spirit,” then where I go, He goes.
Month: November 2020
The Saga of Miles Forrest
It was beginning to snow as I entered the restaurant of the Grand Hotel. Reverend Chapman was already seated, waiting for me. I hadn’t seen Langston, but then again, we hadn’t made any plans to be with each other. Langston went his way, I went mine.
“I just arrived, Marshal,” said the preacher joyfully. He seemed always to be that way, but reckon that’s the way all Christians should be, but we aren’t.
The waiter was there before I was seated. “You gentleman want coffee?”
We both nodded yes, then I sat down. “Parson, this supper’s on me. Anything you want.”
The menu boasted of beef steak, elk of various cuts, stews, venison, trout. There was a variety of side dishes as it was early fall and the potatoes and other vegetables hadn’t gone bad yet. There was a soup that I had once before when I was in Louisiana, French Onion.
“I’m goin’ to have a porterhouse smothered with onion, fried potatoes, sweet potato, and try some of that soup,” I informed the preacher and the waiter as he was now standing beside me.
“Perhaps you would like some oysters?” he suggested. “They arrived early in the week, came all the way from New Orleans.”
Shaking my head, I muttered, “I’ll pass. Parson what’ll you have?”
Handing the menu to the waiter he responded, “Just give me the same as the Marshal.”
“We have biscuits, cornbread, or I can bring a loaf of sourdough bread,” he offered.
“Bread!” piped up the preacher, then he added, “If that’s all right with you.”
Smiling I replied, “Bread it is,” then pointed to the empty coffee cup, “and keep the cup full, please.”
After he left I began to tell Rev. Chapman of the situation with Dr. Webb, and then of the ordeal with Frank Black. I did tell him that Black was indeed, Mrs. Blackstone’s husband.
“So he’s a derelict?” inquired the Reverend.
“Most certainly. Shame a man get himself in that lifestyle.”
“Marshal, man is bent to go to the devil. That’s why it is our duty and responsibility to help as much as possible. The liquor, shame, lack of self-respect, failure, greed, those are all reasons that despair and depression come into a man’s life.”
I took a sip from a freshly poured cup. “Not the best,” I uttered, “certainly not like Molly’s.”
We had a nice time chatting over a good supper. There was talk of Durango and what he would like to see accomplished there for the Lord. He mentioned the need of missions work needed in Silverton. I told him of Molly, how we met, then my job as an officer of the law. I asked him what happened to his cousin, Clyde Hoffner and was told that he was working on a ranch over closer to Cortez.
“Parson, I think it best that we leave tomorrow. This time of year a snow could put us up here a few days. Usually they can get the tracks clear, but it might be delayed a day or so this time of year.”
“Oh, yes, I must be back before Sunday. What do you suggest?” he asked.
“Let’s plan on leaving on the afternoon train. I’m goin’ to ask around in the mornin’ for Shaw’s whereabouts. I don’t expect anyone to come forth, but it doesn’t hurt to ask, and who knows, I might come across him,” I stated. “I’ll meet you at the station at 2:00.”
The reverend got up to leave then the waiter brought my bill. “Two dollars!” I exclaimed loud enough for those at nearby tables to hear me. I’ll have to tell Molly to raise her prices. I put two-bits on the table for a tip and I thought I heard a grumbling as I left.
The next morning I began to check some of the boarding houses in the area. The air was brisk and snow had accumulated a couple of inches overnight. As I was riding up on Greene Street I saw the preacher coming out of a clothing store with a package. I stopped Hawk so I could see where he was going for it looked as if he were on a mission. He walked right into the Empty Diggings Saloon, so I dismounted out front and walked in. As I went through the entrance Rev. Chapman was walking up the stairs to Black’s room. Black opened the door and there was some discussion before the preacher went in and the door closed behind him.
I went back out to continue my search. It went just as I expected. Most had not heard of an Upton Shaw, others, well, if they had they concealed it well. Just before noon it began to snow harder. I rode on down to the station to get tickets and for them to go ahead and load Hawk. I decided to walk to the Wells Fargo office, chat with the boys, then grab a bite to eat before it was time to board the train.
Just before entering, shot were fired. That was unusual for this part of town. I glanced toward the direction of the shots. They were in the direction of Dr. Webb’s office. Turning I started in that direction…
Echoes From the Campfire
During every moment, walking or sleeping, we are vulnerable…I could die tonight…tomorrow.”
–Louis L’Amour (Mojave Crossing)
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
–Romans 14:8 (HCSB)
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Maybe these words from John I. Durham is a good place to start: “It is still easier to offer a bull, sacrifice a goat, make a special gift, or do a job than to grapple with the hard realities of honest faith.” It is also a good section to start in thinking about Thanksgiving.
“This section of Psalm 50 is targeted toward wicked people who pretend to be righteous… God’s message is: ‘Stop the act! Repent! Get back on track, and I will show you salvation!'” (William Petersen) It is an encouragement to trust and giving proper sacrifice doing the will of God.
15 – Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me.”
16 – But God says to the wicked: “What right do you have to recite My statutes and to take My covenant on your lips?
17 – You hate instruction and turn your back on My words.
18 – When you see a thief, you make friends with him, and you associate with adulterers.
19 – You unleash your mouth for evil and harness your tongue for deceit.
20 – You sit, maligning your brother, slandering your mother’s son.
21 – You have done these things, and I kept silent; you thought I was just like you. But I will rebuke you and lay out the case before you.
22 – “Understand this, you who forget God, or I will tear you apart, and there will be no one to rescue you.
23 – Whoever sacrifices a thank offering honors Me, and whoever orders his conduct, I will show him the salvation of God.” (HCSB)
The nonbeliever should tremble with these words, but most likely they will ridicule or ignore the warnings of God. Does this not seem like today? People using God’s Word where it suits them, especially in the fulfilling of their agenda with is really godless. They recite God’s words then turn their backs on it. They really do not want to hear what God has to say for it interferes with their lifestyle. I like verse 17 from the NLT:
“For you refuse my discipline and treat my laws like trash.”
Could this be addressed to the culture of today as well as in David’s time? Of course! God’s Word does not change, nor does it alter with time. When we honor God, He honors us. However, there is a day coming. Man has sinned, and God has kept silent. Some take that to mean that God winks at sin; others say it shows that there is no God. No, God is silently waiting; He is longsuffering wanting none to perish but there is a time coming.
“Repent, all of you who ignore me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you.” (50:22, NLT)
Very similar to Proverbs 1, where God says, “Mock me, why when you cry out when calamity comes, I’ll mock you; I’ll laugh” (my paraphrase to Proverbs 1:22-33) “Part of the value of God’s silence is that it allows us to be ourselves and thereby reveal ourselves.” (George O. Wood) Are we listening to God? Do we repent when convicted? Which type of person are you–they type that trusts God and lives for Him, or the type that ignores Him, and misuses His Word?
The true believer is safe. The true believer is thankful that God is in control of his life and this world. The true believer can give thanks in the midst of calamity, in the midst of a “pandemic,” in the midst of stress, trials, and terror for God is his salvation. So keep on the path; meaning know the Word and follow it fully. God is there for you.
“With broken heart and contrite sigh,
A trembling sinner, Lord, I cry;
Thy pardoning grace is rich and free:
O God, be merciful to me!”
–Cornelius Elven
Coffee Percs
The fire was kindled, and the coffee pot prepared.”
–Johnny Gunn (Terror on Flat Top Ridge)
Ugh, that’s an old Indian word for “taxes”! At least that’s what ol’ John Hardwood told me. ‘Course, he used “Ugh” for just about anything disagreeable. Well, at least they’re paid for another year. Before yuh, take a sip, I need to warn yuh that’s it’s extra strong. If’n yuh don’t think so, before yuh take a sip, jerk one of them hairs from yur scraggly moustache, stick it in, an’ see if it don’t stand up straight. After payin’ muh taxes I need some strong coffee, plus the fact I’ve been readin’ some of the most ridiculous, antiChristian, lack of common sense garbage.
My mercy, Pard, this nation must be grievin’ the heart of the Father. After all He’s blessed us with, and brought us through, and guided us through hard times, He just has to be. I’m a-thinkin’ there’s no hope for America unless there is a genuine “Awakening.”
Well, I’m not goin’ to go on ’bout politics. Can’t do much about it and all it does it rile my innards. I’d rather stay cool and calm. Why some of them liars could bring the hate out of me, an’ that wouldn’t be right. The Lord will take care of them in His good time. Plus He’s not nervous at all, so why should I be? He expects me to be prepared, but also to be trustin’ in Him
Pard, yuh be keepin’ life simple. Check yur gear, make sure its in workin’ order, read yur Bible. Don’t be pollutin’ yurself with lies and shady characters. And for mercies’ sake, be checkin’ yur cinch.
Vaya con Dios.