Echoes from the Campfire

I couldn’t help but wonder how many lives are taken mercilessly by the cold, unfeeling waters of the world.”
–Clair Huffaker  (The Cowboy and the Cossack)

“We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.”
–1 John 5:19 (NLT)
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Listen, and listen straight, couch potatoes and snowflakes will have a hard time making it to heaven.  The sluggards and sloths are warned several places in Scripture to get their act together.  In the Book of Ezekiel the Lord was looking for someone to fill in the gap in the line lest the enemy should attack.  Not only are there direct attacks by Satan upon the believer, but there will be attacks on the family and on friends.  This is not a time to become complacent and wonder if things are right; do not hesitate to proclaim the truth.

     “If you’re in the battle for the Lord and right,
      Keep on the firing line;
      If you win, my brother, surely you must fight,
      Keep on the firing line;
      There are many dangers that we all must face,
      If we die still fighting it is no disgrace;
      Cowards in the service will not find a place,
      So keep on the firing line.”
               –Bessie F. Hatcher

The Christian life is not for the namby-pamby.  If you want a crown, then you must daily pick up your cross.  Sometimes that is hard, even Jesus didn’t pick His up easily.  The evil of this world wants to wear you down.  Satan wants to defeat you in any way possible.  Once you become complacent, you are defeated.  Once you compromise, you are defeated.  Do not look to the left or the right, but keep your aim straight ahead at the onslaught of the enemy.  No, you cannot do it all, but you have been called, and you can do your part.  You can be the one to fill in the gap.  Medals and accolades are not for this world, but they await you in the heavenly realm.  Are you trustworthy?  Do you know how to properly use your weapons?

     “God will only use the soldier He can trust,
      Keep on the firing line;
      If you’ll wear a crown then bear the cross you must,
      Keep on the firing line.
      Life is but to labor for the Master dear,
      Help to banish evil and to spread good cheer;
      Great you’ll be rewarded for your service here,
      So keep on the firing line.”

Now is the day of salvation; now is the time of the fight.  Each of us must do our part.  We cannot toy with the things of the world; and for sure they will not toy with us.  Something innocent, simple, might be the thing that destroys you.  It may be the thing that catches your attention just for a moment, just long enough for the darts of the evil one to find their target.  “It’s too hard,” well let me tell you, life isn’t always easy and fair.  It’s a fight for your eternal soul.  What is the affliction we have today compared with the riches of His glory in our eternal abode?

     “When we get to heaven, brother, we’ll be glad,
      Keep on the firing line;
      How we’ll praise the Savior for the call we had,
      Keep on the firing line;
      When we see the souls that we have helped to win,
      Leading them to Jesus, from the paths of sin,
      With a shout of welcome, we will all march in,
      So keep on the firing line.”

It’s a shame, but there will be those who will run from the fight.  There will be those captured by the deceitfulness of riches and the lure of the world.  However, that shouldn’t be you!  The fight is hard, lean upon your Savior.  You are armed and trained to win life’s battles, so lean upon the Spirit’s training.  The battle is fierce at times, think of the Navy SEAL motto, “The only easy day was yesterday.”  We take things for granted; we expect to tip-toe through the tulips; we don’t want to think of war because of the cost.  Ah, but he who endures to the end shall be saved.

          “Oh, you must fight, be brave against all evil,
           Never run, nor even lag behind;
           If you would win for God and the right,
           Just keep on the firing line.”

Keep on the firing line, for Jesus has promised that He will never leave or forsake you!