Month: March 2022

The Saga of Miles Forrest

by Ira Paine, Posted on
Oh, Marshal, I’m glad I caught you before you left,” came the voice of the exhausted minister. 
       He must have run from his house or at least the church to the diner, I thought.  He doesn’t normally get that much exercise unless he has one of those hellfire and brimstone messages which will get him wound up some.  “Sit down, Parson, what is so desperately important to get you runnin’?”
       That brought a chuckle for the group.  Molly had edged over to the table as she saw the preacher run in.  She was more thoughtful than I as she poured him a cup of coffee and placed it before him at the table.  He took a sip before he began, first thanking Molly.
       “You remember my cousin, Clyde Hoffner?” asked Chapman.
       “He’s the one who helped you and Betty move here, am I right?” questioned Doc before he scratched the side of his face.  
       “You’re right Doc, and for the past two years or so he’s been working out at Cecil Thompson’s ranch.”
       “So what seems to be the problem?” I asked, getting involved in the conversation.  
       He finished his coffee before answering.  “Nick Parsons rode by the church this morning.  I was in my office studying and praying for Sunday’s service.  He was very polite and apologized for interrupting me.”
       “Well, get on with it,” I urged him.
       “Let him talk, Miles,” scolded Molly.  “He’ll tell us at his own pace.”
       I glanced at her, then said, “Go on, Parson.”
       He nodded, then continued.  “Mr. Parsons told me that Mr. Thompson sent him to town to tell me.”
       He paused, while the rest of us looked back and forth at each other.  I wanted to say something for him to get to the point, but I remember the slight chiding I received from Molly, so I waited with the others.
       “Parsons said that Clyde hadn’t shown up for any meals for a week.  He said it wasn’t uncommon for a person to be out on the range for a few days, but rarely a week without Mr. Thompson knowing about it.  Something has happened to him,” he paused, then looked at me.  “Miles, would you mind checking into it?”
       The marshal has been dropped and the parson was making this a personal request.  I pulled on my moustache, then looked straight at the Reverend.  “Anything could have happened to your cousin.  His horse could have fallen on him, a cougar or bear, or even an renegade Indian.”
       “I know, Miles, that’s why I need to find him.
       “Preacher!” I kind of raised my voice without meaning to, “The Tompson ranch covers a lot of territory.  It would be like searchin’ for a needle in a haystack.”  I felt Molly touch my arm indicating that I should calm down.  “I’m not upset or angry, there’s no need to be, so I apologize for my outburst, but you can see the problem.”
       With a nod of his head he replied, “That’s why I’ve been praying, so it will be a beam instead of a needle you’ll be looking for.”  He paused again then said softly.  “Miles, if he’s dead I would like to give the body a decent burial.”
       “If he’s dead, the varmints have torn him apart,” I said with disgust.
       He dropped his head for a moment.  “There will be parts of him there.  Please, Miles.”
       I looked around at the others gathered there with their varied expressions of expectancy.  Then I felt a slight pinch.  I sighed, “I’ll go look for your cousin.  Parson, did you ever think he might have just rode off?”
       He shook his head.  “He would have stopped by to tell us.  No, he didn’t ride off–something happened.  He’s hurt, he’s sick, or. . . he’s hiding.”
       “Hiding!” Charlie spoke up for the first time.  “Why would he be hiding?”
       Preacher Chapman just shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.  I put a hand on top of his shoulder.  “I’ll head out in the mornin’.  I’ll do my best,” I assured him.
       “I know you will Miles.  May we all pray together,” he said, then started praying.
       I didn’t bow my head or close my eyes.  I usually pray like Jesus told the disciples, ‘Watch and pray,’ and being a marshal that has helped me survive.  I saw that the man who Charlie talked with had left the diner.  That made me wonder…

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on
A man was judged on how he did his work, not on what he had or where he came from.”
                         –Louis L’Amour  (Borden Chantry)

       “Let love be without hypocrisy.  Abhor what is evil.  Cling to what is good.”
                         –Romans 12:9 (NKJV)
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Psalm 72 is a song about Solomon.  Solomon definitely was an unique individual.  God granted him wisdom, but there were times when he didn’t use it very well.  He built a magnificent temple unto the Lord, yet he married outside the covenant of Israel and his foreign wives brought false gods into the land.  There were times in his life, such as building the temple, when he sought to give glory to God, yet there were other times when he was vainglorious in his own self-esteem.  It took him a lifetime to discover the truth of living as he wrote in Ecclesiastes, “Fear God and keep Him commandments…” (12:13)

          8 — He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
          9 — Those who dwell in the wilderness will bow before Him, and His enemies will lick the dust.
         10 — The kings of Tarshish and of the isles will bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba will offer gifts.
         11 — Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him.
         12 — For He will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him who has no helper.
         13 — He will spare the poor and needy, and will save the souls of the needy.
         14 — He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; and precious shall be their blood in His sight.
         15 — And He shall live; and the gold of Sheba will be given to Him; prayer also will be made for Him continually, and daily He shall be praised.
         16 — There will be an abundance of grain in the earth, on the top of the mountains; its fruit shall wave like Lebanon; and those of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.
         17 — His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun.  And men shall be blessed in Him; all nations shall call Him blessed.
         18 — Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things!
         19 — And blessed be His glorious name forever!  And let the whole earth be filled with His glory.  Amen and Amen.
         20 — The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.  (NKJV)

       It is easy to see that this Psalm is speaking of the reign of Jesus during the Millennium.  This will be a government based on the morality of God’s law.  Note how the poor and needy will be taken care of whereas today they seem to be forgotten and trodden on.  They will be protected in this reign.
       Whether it was David or Solomon who wrote this Psalm we are not sure, but notice that praises go forth to the “King.”  The King of Glory is recognized by the psalmist and he speaks of the wonder of God, the majesty of the Lord and how the whole earth will be filled with His glory.  It will be a time of true prosperity and peace on the earth.  The Lord shall reign with wonder and glory.

                    “Jesus shall reign wher’er the sun
                    Does it successive journeys run;
                    His kingdom spread from shore to shore,
                    Till moons shall wax and wane no more.”
                                 Isaac Watts

 

Coffee Percs

by Ira Paine, Posted on

He took a pot of coffee and a cup and went to a seat by the window. He sat down, filled his cup, and leaned back in his chair.” 

                         –Louis L’Amour  (Borden Chantry)
 
Come on in and join me, Pard.  This is one of my favorite spots, this ol’ chair and looking out to the woods.  Had some visitors the other day.  Yep, some deer ventured out of the woods to watch me drink coffee.  Ahhh, so serene.  Oh, yur not familiar with that term–well, yuh should be.  In fact, I was just thinkin’ that in our walk through this troubled world, we should be more serene and not worry or fret so much.  If we seek the Lord, He will help us find it.  Why, havin’ this cup of coffee, and looking at God’s creation sure does help create that feelin’ of serenity.
       Had a situation occur this week.  I went to make coffee and the pot had given up the ghost.  It was done dead.  Not a real problem, I made coffee in the ol’ percolator on the stove for the next few pots until I dared to venture to the WalMart to buy another.  I make coffee on the stove quite often, but there is a time when I want it brewed a little quicker and also once in a while when I make it on the stove it boils over makin’ a mess.  Yuh know they sell brewers that cost upward to $500.  Mine has an on/off switch and that’s all.  It don’t even make a beep when it’s finished brewin’.  And on top of all that, Pard, the coffee tastes good.  Yur’a drinkin’ it now.
       I remember readin’ once where ol’ Dan’l Boone said that it was time to move as the neighbors were startin’ to encroach.  Well, I’m not goin’ to move but there is buildin’ goin’ on around us, and folk keep lookin’ at lots next to ours.  More an’ more people movin’ out to the country.  If that trend continues, then the country won’t be the country any more.  But unless they’re a cantankerous sort, I’ll keep on bein’ happy.  Can’t help but be, the Lord is good to us.
       Go ahead, pour yurself another cup.  There’s plenty an’ if’n yur stayin’ a while I can always make another pot.  Monday, this ol’ fence post has to go see the heart doctor.  No, nothin’ wrong, he just wants to make sure the ol’ ticker is still tickin’ properly.  My plan is to be back with yuh for more coffee next Saturday.  Yuh be careful out there.  Watch out for the coyotes and wolves for they’re amongst us.  Oh, and don’t forget to tighten that cinch.
       Vaya con Dios.

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

If something is evil, then it is the duty of good men to stand firm and try to correct the situation.”

                    –D.C. Adkisson  (Mal de Ojo)

       “So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life.  Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence.  A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better.”
                    –1 John 1:5 (NLT)
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How to Live in a Pagan, Apostate, and Foolish World

Key Verse:  “We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one.”  –1 John 5:19 (NLT)

In these wearisome days of trouble we are to be people of prayer.  We pray for ourselves, our family, and other children of God.  We are not to be busybodies, but if we see someone in danger we should go to them and especially pray for them.  

            “If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death.  There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this.  All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin leading to death.”
                              –1 John 5:16-17(NASB)

            “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
                              –Galatians 6:2 (NASB)

There are a few things seen in the above verses.  We are to care for our family in Chriist.  We should have a genuine concern for those who are Christians that are seen in sin.  Remember, all unrighteousness is sin; that is not living in accordance to God’s way of life.  Sin interrupts fellowship with God and we should be concerned.  These verses also answer the problem with antinomianism–living as I want.  We live according to the Lord’s will and word.

            “When we fall into sin, what grieves us most of all is not the sin we have done, but the fact that we have hurt the Person.”
                              –D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

       I mentioned briefly in the last lesson regarding “a sin leading to death.”  This is the doctrine of the antichrists, those evil people who have come out from the body of Christ and preach a false doctrine.  I do not want to get into a discourse regarding the “unpardonable sin,” but I want to mention a few things.  In my experience I have dealt with individuals who have believed they have committed this sin.  Young people with their life in front of them now living in fear thinking that there is no hope for them.
       First of all, those who believe they are guilty of the sin against the Holy Spirit are not guilty of it.  People who sin against the Holy Spirit are not worried or troubled about it.  They go on their way thinking they do not have a care in the world.  They are certain they are right and pour contempt on the truth.  The people guilty of this sin are arrogant and self-satisfied; they dismiss the gospel and do not want to hear from God.
       Jesus in Matthew, chapter 12, deals with this subject.  He is talking to the religious leaders, those who should know the Scriptures.  Therefore, we should look carefully at that and look back at today’s verses from 1 John 5.  A Christian would never blaspheme the Holy Spirit.  Second, an unbeliever cannot do it for they have no concept of what it is.  That leaves those who are religious.  Those who went out from among us with false doctrine to spread.  Also, remember Jesus said that the religious leaders were in danger of committing the unpardonable sin, not that they had already done so.
       In bringing this up, we can see the importance of praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We also see how important it is to know right and true doctrine.  It is easy for someone who does not know the truth to be duped into believing a falsehood.  I will leave these thoughts from the NLT in closing today,

            “With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter.”
                              –2 Thessalonians 2:13