Month: June 2023

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

Only a fool failed to take care of the tools required for his work.”

                    –Wayne D. Dundee  (Rainrock Reckoning)

       “We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.”
                    –Romans 12:5-6 (ESV)
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I’ve been in the Assemblies of God since I was two years old, my mercy, that means over seventy years.  In saying that I have seen wondrous workings of the Holy Spirit:  miracles, healings, exhortations.  There have also been many abuses that I have seen over the years regarding the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Most of the time these occur because of ignorance, but sometimes for lack of humility, or for the gaining of power or prestige.  Because of that some churches refuse to have the workings of the Holy Spirit in their midst, while others allow them to work without instruction or guidance.
       This morning I am going to do something that I seldom ever do and that is share a devotion by Alistair Begg.  I ask you to ponder and contemplate the thoughts.

          Spiritual gifts are tools, not toys.  They are not to be played with or used to attract people to ourselves but employed by God, through us, for His purpose and for His glory.
          Whatever our gifts may be–be they abilities to do with speaking or with serving–they are given for the well-being of the church.  God gives these gifts in order that, as we use them as He intends, the body of Christ as a whole might be strengthened.  They’re not given as an opportunity to advance an individual’s cause or for displays of greatness but in order that the unity, harmony, and progress of all God’s people might be strengthened.  That is why we have gifts that differ:  so that we would learn to serve each other and depend on each other.
          Yet God’s gifts are only able to promote harmony and well-being when they are exercised in a spirit of genuine humility.  The body of each local church grows only to the extent that “each part is working properly” (Ephesians 4:16).  Before encouraging his readers to use their gifts, Paul had already prefaced his discourse on spiritual gifts by mentioning humility, urging everyone “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment” (Romans 12:3).  Without humility, spiritual gifts can lead to chaos.  We would not give power tools to teenagers without proper instruction and oversight, nor would we give them chain saws to run around with–unless we wanted absolute havoc!  Similarly, spiritual gifts must be used for their proper function and in the right manner so that mayhem does not ensue.  So Paul tells the Corinthian church–a church full of gifts but not full of wisdom about how to use them–that while it is good to desire and celebrate spiritual gifts, the “more excellent way” to put them to use is to do so patiently, kindly, and humbly–that is, with love (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:7).
          We must remember that gifts are gifts.  Their source is God; therefore, boasting as if they are our own is foolish, and using them for our own benefit is inexcusable.  If, however, we practice humility as we use them and learn to live in harmony with one another, then we will see the fruit of God’s work in and through us.  In what ways has God gifted you?  Rejoice in that.  In what ways is He calling you to use those gifts for the good of your church and for the glory of His Son?  Go do that.  (Truth for Life, The Good Book Company, 2021)

       The gifts of the Spirit (Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12) are not to be shunned or feared, but are to be used to edify, exhort, and comfort the church.  The pastor is responsible for the proper administration of the gifts, yet there is often a lack there.  If a gift is used, “out of order”, often the pastor is hesitant to give proper instruction and guidance for fear of offending the user of the gift.  However, the person using the gift should understand that they are to be humble and accept his instruction.
       More could be said on the subject, but that is for another lesson.  However, recognize that the gifts are to be used, and as Begg started, they “are tools, not toys.”  They are not to be disregarded, nor trivialized, but to be used for the edification of the saints and the glory of God.

 

The Saga of Miles Forrest

by Ira Paine, Posted on
Marshal Johnson of Silverton has confronted Miles when one of his deputies was arrested for assault on Miles.  In the attempt, Deputy Phin Duggan was shot, maybe killed.  Miles was held up in the Wells Fargo office until the next morning when he planned on taking his prisoner, Deputy Tom Devlin, to Durango.  Can Johnson afford to let Miles and his prisoner leave Silverton?  Join me in another exciting tale of yesteryear in the Saga of Miles Forrest.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
       It was 7:00 when I heard a key in the door of the office.  I brought my shotgun to bear, but figured it was one of the agents opening up.  It was Dale Courtney, who I found was quite intelligent for he opened the door very slowly.  
      “Marshal Forrest, it’s Agent Courtney.  I’m alone,” he hollered before opening the door all the way.  After entering he closed and locked the door, then glanced around the room.  “I’ll make some coffee,” he said matter of factly and went right to it.
      Getting up from where I had been sitting I went to open the door where I kept Devlin overnight.  I imagine that he was pretty uncomfortable in that dark room, lying on the hard floor.  Upon opening the door, he threw his hands to cover his eyes; even the dull light from the office was brilliant to him.  
       Reaching down I grabbed where he was handcuffed and helped haul him to his feet.  “Coffee will be ready in a few minutes, then you and I have to take a walk up to Giles’ livery to get my horse,” I paused, looking him over wondering how well he slept.  “Train leaves in about two hours.”
       Courtney went over to a shelf picking up three cups, then over to the stove where he had the coffee on.  It was quiet in the office; the only thing that could be heard was the shuffling around of Courtney.
       As he handed me a cup of the hot brew, I asked, “How’s Morgan gettin’ along?”
       He gave another cup to Devlin, then took a sip of his own before answering.  “He was still hurting last night.  Ron took over for me and stayed the night,” was his reply.  Then he added, “I’m sorry, I should have brought some breakfast.  I can run out and get something.”
       “This is fine,” I assured him.  “We have to be leavin’ in a few minutes anyway.”
       The eyes of Agent Courtney widened.  “You can’t go out there!  Marshal Johnson will have you killed!”
       I smiled, “I’m a hard man to kill, but the eyes of the Lord are upon me.  Even if He would lead me through the valley of the shadow of death, which this might well be, I won’t fear.”
       Courtney sort of sneered when he answered.  “Nice to have faith like that.”
       “It sure is.  Nice to be able to trust in Someone a whole lot bigger than yurself,” I replied.  “Drink up, Devlin, we have a walk to make.”
       I thought I saw a flash of fear in Devlin’s eyes.  But in a few minutes, our coffee finished, I had him up and at the door.  “Tell Morgan I’ll see him in a few days.”  
       As we walked out, I heard the voice, “If you live that long enough.”
       “Oh, ye of little faith,” I said aloud to myself as we began to walk up the street toward the livery.
       I didn’t see any of Johnson’s men on the way.  In fact, there was little movement along Greene Street.  Arriving at Giles, I had to smile.  He already had Hawk saddled.  “Figured you’d want him to be ready for yur escape,” he said with a cackle.
       “Be seein’ you in a couple of days,” I responded after I mounted.  I had placed my rope around Devlin’s neck, then looped it around his shoulders.  He wouldn’t be running away anytime soon.
       I rode easy, the Greener in my right hand pointed toward the sky.  I was wondering what was going through Devlin’s mind when men appeared on the street.  It was about a block from the train depot.  Johnson and two others were in the street, spread apart.  I took a fleeting, yet thorough glance around.  To my right was a man standing behind a post.  To my left another was standing next to the corner of a building and an alley.  Five all together, if not more, and all spread out.  Not to my liking.
       A chuckle escaped me, I remembered the words from the Man at the camp.  “I’m going to stir things up a bit.”  Ha, He sure got that right.  Since He was doing some stirring I reckoned He was there to help me take a taste.
       “What’s so funny, Forrest?” came the question from the mouth of Marshal Johnson.  “You’re not taking my deputy to Durango on false charges.”
       That’s when I lowered the Greener, pulled back both hammers, and leveled it at Johnson.  “You want him, you untie him.” I challenged.  
       I didn’t think he was fool enough…

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

I stared up into the blackness of night and thought how little it took to really satisfy a man.”

                    –Louis L’Amour  (The Proving Trail)

       “For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.”
                    –Psalm 107:9 (NKJV)
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Psalm 98 begins with singing a song.  Now to hear me sing would definitely be an experience.  But there is a song given to us with the new birth.  We no longer sing the songs that belong to the old nature, we have a new song in our heart, the songs of heaven.  I also believe that when we finally arrive in heaven that we will again sing a new song.  Derek Kidner writes about Psalm 91, “There are two levels to the scene; one, God’s day of power, at His coming; the other, its anticipation in every act of worship.  The psalms we sing now are a rehearsal, and God’s presence among His worshipers is a prelude to His appearing to the world.”

          1 — Oh, sing to the LORD a new song!  For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
          2 — The LORD has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations.
          3 — He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
          4 — Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
          5 — Sing to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm,
          6 — With trumpets and the sound of a horn; shout joyfully before the LORD, the KIng.
          7 — Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it;
          8 — Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together before the LORD,
          9 — For He is coming to judge the earth.  With righteousness He shall judge the world, and the peoples with equity.  (NKJV)

       John Calvin wrote, “The first foundation of righteousness undoubtedly is the worship of God.”  One reason there is rejoicing in heaven when a sinner is born again is because of the “glorious triumph of His sovereign grace.” (Steven Lawson)  There is the recognition of all the miracles that took place at the crucifixion, all the miracles that take place with the bestowment of grace–therefore, the majesty of God is revealed.  “In the divine act of regeneration, the redeemed become worshippers of the one, true, living God.” (Lawson)  Singing is one thing, but we must always remember that true worship involves an ongoing lifestyle–every moment of every day should be worship; it should be living for the glory of God.  
       Let me relay some thoughts from the late George O. Wood regarding life and this psalm.

               “Before singing to the Lord a new song, perhaps you need to sing an old one.  It’s appropriate and helpful to meditate upon your own history with God, from the womb to the present.
               I have personally found great strength in present trials by rummaging through my past and finding specific instances or processes in which God met me.  I remember times I did not think I could make it, but He brought me through.  Those experiences of the Lord’s help are permanently etched into the pathways of my own personality.
               It’s today we often have difficulty trusting Him.  As Christians we have a wonderful yesterday and a secure tomorrow–but the here and now frequently finds us failing to connect God’s past and future help with our present need.”

God has done wonderful things in the past, for us, for our family, for our nation, and we see His wondrous works in the Bible.  “The fact that God remembers His love and faithfulness assures us He is the one constant in our lives that cannot be taken from us.” (Wood)
       No, this psalm is not “New Age,” but it does show that creation is under the control of the Creator.  Right now the earth is moaning in sin, the ground was cursed, things changed at the fall in Eden.  One day, it will be renewed and rejoice as well.  Note, there is a word of prophecy in the last verse.  One day the Lord will be back to judge the earth and the inhabitants thereof.  I wonder, if the words penned by Isaac Watts, there was thought of the Creator and this psalm when it was written.  It would do us good to get it into our soul and not sing it just as Christmas-time.

               “Joy to the world!  the Lord is come;
               Let earth receive her King;
               Let every heart prepare him room,
               And heaven and nature sing.”
                     –Isaac Watts

 

Coffee Percs

by Ira Paine, Posted on

A few seconds later she was back with the cup. She handed it to me and I took a sip—it was hot. I blew on it for a few seconds then took another sip.”

                         –D.C. Adkisson  (Walker)
 
Mornin’ Pard, glad yuh showed up.  Whoopee, it’s been a busy few days, almost didn’t get this up and out.  The ol’ steel mounts were ailin’, had to get them to get taken care of, in fact, one is ailin’ right now with a broken down hoof.  Then had to see the sawbones a couple of times this week.  Nothin’ urgent, he didn’t remove nothin’, but gave me a good bill of health.  That’s good news for this ol’ fence post.
       Father’s Day is tomorrow.  I remember my Dad.  He died before he reached his sixtieth birthday.  In his later years, he was a bit of a conundrum, but the negative side has pretty much faded away.  I remember how we would sit and talk baseball.  He would show me things about the game, then after a game we would dissect it.  He knew the value of work, he told me that the greatest gift his father (my Grandpa) gave him was the value of hard work.  Helpin’ others was part of my Dad’s nature.  Why, Pard, if’n yuh needed it, he’d give yuh the shirt off his back.  Dad worked at many jobs, but mostly he was a truck driver.  One of the greatest compliments he ever gave me was the time we were movin’ Grandma and my Aunt, and I was backin’ up a truck.  He said that he couldn’t have done it any better himself.
       Most of the time, Dad worked two jobs, and wasn’t around.  But let me tell yuh this Pard, go ahead and slurp yur coffee, and I’ll tell yuh, it was Dad that got me to drinkin’ my coffee black.  No cinos from him, no way!  No, he didn’t tell me to drink it thataway, I just watched him.  He liked his black, so I would too.  Don’t ever tell me that yur parents don’t have influence over a youngster.
       Back to what I was goin’ to say.  My heavenly Father is always there.  He is interested in me talkin’ with Him about my plans, I don’t know if’n He smiles, but I know He will tell me that I might want to reconsider something, or He’ll guide me a different direction that what I had intended.  My Dad wasn’t a hugger, neither am I much, but I know my heavenly Father welcomes me to His arms–for protection, for security, for safety, sometimes just for the good feelin’ it gives.  My Dad was a small man in stature, but strong, especially his arms.  I reckon because he drove them big trucks, and that was before power steering.  Shucks, that’s now a candle to the strength of my heavenly Father.  
       Dad was a jack-of-all trades, a fixer-upper.  However, my heavenly Father is the One who made everythin’ from nothin’.  Oh, He fixes things–broken lives, broken hearts, broken souls, but He is also a builder.  Why Pard, let me tell yuh, right now His Son, Jesus, is fixin’ me up a place to stay with Him for eternity.  Yep, I’m part of His family now, an’ that is somethin’.
       Go ahead an’ swaller that last drop.  Be seein’ yuh, if’n yuh don’t fall off yur hoss ’cause yuh forgot to check yur cinch.  Plenty to get done today.
       Vaya con Dios.