Sometimes it is necessary to protect the innocent against the plans of the criminal.”
–Louis L’Amour (Westward the Tide)
“Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”
–Numbers 14:9 (NKJV)
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Does the future seem bleak to you? Maybe it is because of your outlook on life, your perspective on what is happening and your part in it. True, I know that some of you wish you could pack up your pistol, take your old shotgun and run the dastardly devils out of town. Hmmm, but really, would you?
There is so much clamor going on I wonder what is really down inside someone’s soul. It’s easy to be brazen on Facebook and other social media, but even then some are afraid of the so-called “media police.” I know that many are thinking through this, and wonder how far they go before action must be taken, but, oh, let someone else do it. But there may come a time when you have to get involved. Vigilante??!! Hmmm, seems to be a hateful word, but when you truly look at it, it is actually democracy. The people are taking action to enforce the law. Yes, there are many problems with vigilantes; if not guided properly they become a mob and similar to the ones they are trying to rid.
I like what Mario Murillo wrote”
“Millions of these ‘woke’ Christians are nervous and anxious about tomorrow. They see the storm we are sailing into. They even pray for protection for themselves and the ones they love—but they won’t take a stand, and they don’t agree with God’s means of saving us. Hypocrites! You want God to save you from the very evil you refuse to stand against!”
That’s hitting the nail on the head. Standing against evil, or do we let evil have its way and if not stopped it will and it will only get worse, more bizarre and perverted.
In this day of worry, doubt, and fear, I want to remind you that it should not be in the make-up of the Christian. Are there sorrows? Yes. Are there dark clouds of unknown? Yes. But, where is your hope? In Whom do you place your trust and faith? As I was writing this the words from an old song came to me. Let me finish this Echo with them and let them “echo” through your heart in this trying period.
“I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day,
I don’t borrow from its sunshine, For its skies may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future, For I know what Jesus said,
And today I’ll walk beside Him, For He knows what is ahead.
Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand.”
–Ira Stanphill
Hmmm, perhaps that is the problem, we don’t know what Jesus said and we really wonder if He is walking beside us. I can assure you that He most definitely is!
Month: August 2020
The Saga of Miles Forrest
Thursday, Molly and Marta were planning a going-away party for the Rev. Robinson and his wife Lucy and also to introduce the new preacher. Sunday would be his first official service. Things had settled down since the little confrontation in the diner. Of course, most of the time Keim would be working out at Thompson’s ranch, and Shaw was keeping a low profile.
On my way to the telegraph office, I saw the two reverends and Clyde Hoffner walking the streets. Reverend Robinson was still taking his successor around to meet the people of the town. I happened to talk some with Mateo and he mentioned that he was well-received in the Mexican section of town. I’m sure that will not make the priest happy.
There was a telegram waiting for me from Marshal Blasco. He said that Keim is not wanted for anything in the State of Kansas. He said a deputy would be making a call on the Langfords since they were the ones that issued the poster. I had to chuckle a little as he ended the telegram, “I’m still alive and doing well.” I reckon that was a jab a me for not checking on him. I had left him recuperating after our episode in Raton.
Solly Vendor was standing outside his cigar store when I came out of the telegraph office. I liked Solly but I couldn’t abide the smell from his ol’ stogies. He was a jolly sort, always ready to help out if there was a problem in the town, and behind the scenes I knew that he helped those who fell in need.
“Miles, got a new batch of plug tobacco in just yesterday. Want me to cut you off a chew? On the house,” he said soberly, then gave me a slap on the shoulder. “I heard about the commotion down at the diner. What’s with this ranch foreman?”
“Let me tell you, Sol. The wanted poster is bogus. I just received a wire from Marshal Blasco informin’ me of its invalidity.”
“How so?”
“I don’t know the story yet, but it seems a bitter family in Kansas put it out on their own. The marshal’s office in Kansas is checkin’ it out,” I informed Solly.
From up the street came Charlie Gold, marching in my direction. “Looks like he’s on a mission,” remarked Vendor.
He was, and it included me. “Solly,” he said in greeting. “Miles, get your gear together. You’re going with me to Silverton. There is a large shipment of bullion coming out and I need you to help me guard it.”
“What about the mine guards?” I asked. I think I was becoming domesticated for I didn’t enjoy the getting out and going like I used to.
“It’s a large shipment from several of the mines. Their guards will take it to the Wells Fargo office; that’s when they, along with us will take over.”
Stan Offut rushed out of the telegraph office bumping into me. “Oh, good, Marshal, this just now came in for you,” he said handing me a telegram.
It was from Marshal Blasco, “Shipment from Silverton–STOP–You are to guard as far as Kansas City–STOP J. Blasco.”
Charlie looked at me and I gave a big sigh. “When do we leave, Sheriff?”
He reached for the telegram, read it, then gave me a slap on the shoulder. “Next train goes out in two hours. I’ll get the tickets while you’re getting ready. I’ll meet you back at the diner in an hour.”
“If you see Mateo, tell him to come to the diner,” I hollered as he walked back up the street.
Stan and Solly were standing there looking at me. “How’s this Mateo working out?” asked Solly.
There was no animosity in his question but I turned to look at him. “Sol, why don’t you tell me?”
That brought a smile to his face. “If you can keep him alive, I think he’ll be a good one.”
Offut was quiet, so I turned to him. “Uh, I have no problems,” he muttered stepping back to go back to his office.
Two hours later Charlie and I were on the train heading up to Silverton. We had said our goodbyes to Molly and Marta who had fixed us some nice ham sandwiches to take with us. “We should be back tomorrow afternoon,” I informed Molly.
She looked at me, “When will you have to leave for Kansas City? I want you here for the party on Thursday.”
All I could do was shrug and say, “I don’t have a schedule yet. I should get it from Wells Fargo when I get to Silverton. They should have all of the transfer and travel times.”
I had seen Upton Shaw sitting at a table, but I didn’t know how intently he was listening in on our conversation…
Echoes From the Campfire
Nothing is quite so beautiful as when you share it with someone else. There is no purpose in working unless one works for someone, for something.”
–Louis L’Amour (Westward the Tide)
“Both the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Anyone who hears should say, “Come!” And the one who is thirsty should come. Whoever desires should take the living water as a gift.”
–Revelation 22:17(HCSB)
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Monday again, ah, but this Monday and the next, we are going to a wedding. Psalm 45 is a wedding psalm which some believe was when Solomon was marrying Pharaoh’s daughter. There is much pomp and ceremony at a royal wedding and this psalm lavishes much praise upon the groom.
1 – My heart is moved by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
2 – You are the most handsome of men; grace flows from your lips. Therefore God has blessed you forever.
3 – Mighty warrior, strap your sword at your side. In your majesty and splendor—
4 – in your splendor ride triumphantly in the cause of truth, humility, and justice. May your right hand show your awe-inspiring acts.
5 – Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you.
6 – Your throne, God, is forever and ever; the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of justice.
7 – You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy more than your companions.
8 – Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume all your garments; from ivory palaces harps bring you joy.
9 – Kings’ daughters are among your honored women; the queen, adorned with gold from Ophir, stands at your right hand. (HCSB)
Take a moment and look at the qualities of the groom: (George O. Wood)
1) He has character which invites praise. (vs 2)
–“It is the man’s responsibility to conduct himself in such a way that his wife can honestly praise him.”
2) He has handsome bearing. (vs 3)
–A person of bearing always looks sharp, and conducts himself appropriately.
3) He has noble ideals. (vs 4)
–“His purpose in marriage goes beyond self-pleasure–he sees his life mission in larger terms and his marriage as part of God’s plan for the fulfillment of divine aims.”
4) He has inner strength. (vs 5)
–“He will be the victor and not victim…. He has wholesome self-confidence in addition to his faith in the Lord.”
5) He is in submission to God. (vs 6-7)
–“The earthly husband aligns his character to the Lord’s, possessing a love for righteousness, a hatred of wickedness, and a life of joy.”
6) He has love for beauty. (vs 8-9)
–“Here is a man who smells good, possesses a keen sense of aesthetics, and loves music.”
Note the change in verse 6 to one of prophetic tone. This handsome ruler with military bearing seems to be symbolic also of the heavenly Groom. Sometimes we should think of Christ as the “Groom” and remember that the Church is His “Bride.” Think of the feelings He must have. Think of the jealousy and anger that may reside in Him for the way His Bride is currently being treated. Think about how He longs for her, and wants her to be with Him.
“I shall see the King in His beauty in the land that is far away,
When the shadows at length have lifted, and the darkness has turned into day.
And to none will the King be a stranger of the throngs who surround His seat.
For the hearts of the saved will know Him by the prints of the nails in His feet.”
–A. B. Simpson
Coffee Percs
The smell of coffee was in the air, and the pleasant room was quiet… The pot was on the table and I filled a cup.”
–Louis L’Amour (Silver Canyon)
Let me have my rant, Pard, ’cause I want the room to be pleasant and we have coffee together. Did yuh see the foolishness, well, this particular piece of foolishness that is wanting to removed history from the curriculum in the schools? That’s all part of the plan, Pard, get rid of history, rewrite it an’ soon you’ll have a bunch of atheistic, dim-witted, dull-thinkin’ nincompoops. Whew! That’s out, now let’s drink our coffee.
Ahhh, thanks for stoppin’ by Pard. Heat ain’t got yuh shriveled up yet, has it? Just think, the hot weather is a time for us to be thankful for what we’re goin’ to miss in eternity, and a taste to those who haven’t accepted the Lord as Savior of what’s it’s goin’ to be like. There won’t be any cool mornin’ or evenin’ breezes. It just don’t make sense to live in this world with all the opportunity we have and not accept the Lord!
My mercy, we sure see the words of Paul when he said that the minds have been blinded by the god of this age. Yep, ol’ Slewfoot, don’t want the light of the gospel to shine on folks. Pard, that’s part of our job, to be lights a-shinin’ in the dark and evil world. Hmmm, Pard, reckon you and me are kinda like those old smudge pots that used to be laid out to warn people away from danger. Yuh, know, I had a cup of coffee once that tasted sorta like some of that smudge that was burnt in those pots, but that’s another story for another Perc.
Yuh be ridin’ safe an’ don’t let the devil get yuh all riled up. Yuh know it’s not good for yur gizzard, nor yur liver either. Keep yur weapons close and ready an’ if yur goin’ into rough country stop an’ check yur cinch.