Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on March 31, 2025

Standing alone in the desert at night one feels that all about one there is this listening, an alertness for movement, for life, for change.”
–Louis L’Amour (Taggart)

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

–James 1:17 (ESV)
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There is a phrase from a Willie Nelson song that depicts this portion of Psalm 139: “You were always on my mind.” It is very far from the mind and thinking of God, however. For we are always on His mind and He is very much involved with each and every facet of our lives.

13 — For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 — I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.
15 — My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 — Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed, and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.
17 — How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
18 — If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You. (NKJV)

I believe that there is a special place in hell for those who practice abortion. They have destroyed the formation of God’s image in the mother’s womb. Just to look at the human body, its intricacies has to point to a Creator. He is the one who laid down your genetic code and DNA. Not only the physical aspect came from God, but the wonderful brain, the mind that is better than any computer. The brain that keeps the body running and the brain that is used in the thought process. The intertwining of the tissue, the muscles, the blood vessels and the nerves are by His handiwork, not just the happenstance of evolution.
“Nothing takes God by surprise. He knows the future and can therefore guide us through its trackless ways,” so said W.T. Purkiser. He knows each and every thought, as well as each and every step we take. Think of His wonderful thoughts to each of us; yes, each person on earth. He thought so much of His creation, the wonder of His creation, that He sent His Son to die for it. Life came from God, sin brought death, but through Christ there is the gift and the hope of eternal life.
David was amazed at these divine truths; truths that cannot be fully comprehended. “If he tried to list these truths about God, they outnumber the grains of sand on the beaches of the world, far past his ability to understand.” (Steven Lawson) If we could and would take the time to seriously sit down and reflect on our lives we would see the numerous “grains” of God’s blessing in our life. In our frailty and with our sinful nature we really cannot understand the vast love that God has for us. We are certainly “always on His mind.” All of us, for God had every person on His mind when Jesus went to the cross. Friend, God knows each of us, no matter of condition in life, through and through.

“Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.”
–Patrick, Irish missionary

Coffee Percs

by Ira Paine, Posted on March 29, 2025

He took another sip of his scalding coffee. He wondered sometimes why he wanted the higher quality Arbuckle brand; he drank it so hot he couldn’t taste it anyway.”

–Nathan Wright (The Trail)

Good Saturday mornin’ to yuh, Pard. Trust yuh had a good week. Coffee’s on, strong and hot; it’ll tickle yur gizzard plumb right. Made some of that espresso this mornin’. Now, Pard, contrary to what folks think, I’m no conusseuer; I just know how I like my coffee. Why some put on the package, a hint of grape, or lavender, or chocolate. What I want to know is, does it taste good? I can’t taste any of those hints. I came across this coffee ’cause it was on sale and I’ll always try new coffee. Usually not too bad as long as it’s strong enough. What did the ol’ puncher say, “Life’s too short for bad coffee”?

Pard, since I’m ponderin’ coffee, I want to be tellin’ yuh that I’ve been ponderin’ a lot this week. Yesterday I pondered what it must have been like when Jesus was a boy. I do that quite often. The good Lord must’ve had a reason to not include much of His young life in the Holy Writ. Mostly probably, ’cause it has nothin’ to do with His task, His purpose, and our salvation. Most likely I’ll ponder it some more.

Just like I’m ponderin’ how yuh can drink that hot coffee so fast. My mercy, it’ll burns the hair off’n yur tongue. I reckon yuh done scorched yur throat down to yur gizzard an’ yur holdin’ yur cup out for more. Pard, sometimes…

But back to ponderin’. I’ve pondered a lot of about Genesis, especially the early part. My eldest daughter sent me a little thought, that caused to stop my slurpin’ and ponder. Now, I’ve pondered most of this before. Shem, yuh remember him? Noah’s son. Shem would have known Abraham, and I tend to believe that he was the man that Abraham gave honor to–Melchizedek. Now get this, since Shem was before the flood, he also would have known Methuselah. Now, go ahead an’ take a swallow, ’cause this is something I haven’t pondered until now. Methusalah would have known Adam. I wonder what ol’ Adam told Methuselah? Think of all that Adam knew. He walked with God, He talked with God. He sinned and was tossed out of the Garden. Did he tell Methuselah what the Garden was like, what the serpent was like, how life changed? Something for sure to ponder. But Pard, take it a bit further. Since Methuselah knew Abraham did he discuss those same things with him?

Yuh go ahead and ponder. Don’t be wrackin’ yur brains over it, but somethin’ interestin’ for sure. Here’s another thing I ponder. Why do I always have to be remindin’ yuh to check yur cinch?

Vaya con Dios.

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on March 28, 2025

Even while laughing with them, there was a quality and a strength to him that made him, without trying to be, more than they were.”
–Clair Huffaker (Cowboy)

“Only God! The God who equips me with strength and makes my way perfect.”
–Psalm 18:32 (CEB)
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LENT: a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter; a period of fasting and regret for one’s sins that is observed on the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter. At least that is what I found on the internet. I’ve not been one to get involved with “Lent”, the main reason being, shouldn’t we always be preparing ourselves, regretting our sins and repenting? Why only at this time of year? It wasn’t practiced by the early Church and from what I’ve read it wasn’t formalized until the Council of Nicaea.
However, on the other hand I have no problem with those who practice what is suggested during Lent. It can bring one’s mind to focus on Jesus Christ and all that entails. This morningI want us to ponder the life of Jesus. We know that He lived in a world where the local ruler, Herod, was paranoid and violent. Read his reactions when the Magi did not return. Also, during the boyhood of Jesus, the area of Palestine was under Roman rule. This was the beginning of what is known as “Pax Romana” and in one aspect it was good, but the Jews hated the dominance of Rome.
James Stalker writes, “It is enough to know that He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. He was a real child and youth, and passed through all the stages of a natural development. Body and mind grew together, the one expanding to manly vigor and the other acquiring more and more knowledge and power. His opening character exhibited a grace that made everyone who saw it wonder and love its goodness and purity.” Do not! I repeat, do not get caught in the wild tales that some tell of His boyhood. These are nothing more than “worthless and blasphemous fables.” (Stalker)
His earthly father, Joseph, was responsible for the training of Jesus, especially in giving Him a trade. Since Joseph was a carpenter (or stonemason as some say) it would follow that Jesus would be one as well. But before He was old enough to begin as a trade there was the responsibility of Joseph to properly train Jesus. Remember, the dreams of Joseph. He knew that Jesus was the Son of God; he also recognized the responsibilities of a father. It was his job to protect the young boy. Joseph knew and recognized the voice of God. I bring your attention to Matthew’s Gospel:
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.” (2:16, NKJV) But we must back up to see the faith of Joseph, “Now then they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.'” (2:13, NKJV) Jesus most likely would not understand what was happening. He could be at least two years old when this happened, so at an early age His life was disrupted and the family moved to Egypt until the death of Herod. Certainly as He became older Joseph and Mary would tell Him of this dream, this event, and the escape to Egypt. I wonder what He thought of that event knowing that many were killed to get at Him.
We know that Mary was chosen to be His mother, and she would perform all the motherly duties. She must have been well-versed in Scripture and had a tremendous faith in God. “She was no miraculous queen of heaven, as superstition has caricatured her, but a woman exquisitely pure, saintly, loving and high-souled… Jesus grew up in her love and passionately returned it.” (Stalker) There were His brothers: James, Joses (Joseph), Jude, and Simon as well as an unknown number of sisters. We know nothing of their boyhood relationship with Jesus. Perhaps their attention was on His siblings and that was the reason they didn’t notice that Jesus was missing when they were returning from the Passover when Jesus was twelve. It could be that He was somewhat older and therefore did not form a strong bond with His brothers and sisters. Also this would be the last mention of Joseph, His father and it would be the time when He was accepted into manhood. The words of Luke give us the following: “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” (2:40, NKJV)
He grew, physically, mentally, and spiritually. He must have spent much time in the Holy Writ devoting Himself to it. Did He find Himself within the writings? Most likely He did. “It formed the food of His mind and the comfort of His soul.” (Stalker) Jesus grew up in Nazareth, a town that did not have a very good reputation. It was notoriously wicked and the question was asked one time regarding Jesus, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”
In this season, whether or not you recognize “Lent,” take time to focus on the life of Jesus. Concentrate and focus your efforts on some aspects of His life. Read a “good” book on the Lord. Take time to pray–to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. Understand that He was definitely a man for His times, but also know and understand that He was a man for all time.

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on March 27, 2025

Hitting the trail and having at it, taking your licks, and pushing through. Driving through whatever the trails throws your way.”

–John Deacon (The Provider 2)

“For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

–James 1:3 (NLT)
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3.11 — My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD or loathe His reproof,
.12 — For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. (NASB)

3.11 — My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof,
.12 — for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. (ESV)

Funny how some things linger in the mind and never leave. I can remember that hot June night waiting, waiting, and then hearing the “click, click, click” of boots wearing taps. The drill instructor appeared. Tension was already high, but it climbed even higher, just like the hot, humid night. For the next several weeks we were trained, and disciplined, to do what we should do and were oftentimes severely reprimanded if we did not. Quickly we learned, most of us, that we needed to pay close attention to the instruction given to us. The CEB puts verse 11 this way, “Don’t reject the instruction of the LORD…”.
At the beginning of this time of training the job of the instructor was to tear down the old facade that we carried. The attitude of “I’m going to do my own things” was quickly erased or the recruit was booted out. In the military there is no room for autonomy. In fact, there is no room for it in the life of a Christian. To have this attitude is to put oneself up on a pedestal–to become an idol. Discipline, instruction are a must and we must understand the why of it. In fact, the writer of Hebrews says, “If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate…”. (12:8, NIV)
We are on this earth to do the Father’s will; to do that we must be properly trained. We are then not to make light of His discipline. Part of proper training is discipline, doing what is right, over and over. We are to understand what the will of the Father is and that comes from the Scriptures and His correction. Notice this part of 2 Timothy 3:16, “useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character”. (CEB) I like the way this is put. God disciplines us, chastens, not for punishment. Discipline is not punishment; criminals are punished, sons are admonished and trained. We need to understand that “if they [afflictions] were intended as mere punishments they would have been made more destructive”. (Spencer)
Overall, I didn’t mind basic training. I understood the purpose and I understood the need for discipline. We were pushed, we were admonished to finish the task at hand; to do it right and to do it right the first time. Oh, at times the affliction seemed hard to bear, but understanding the purpose of it made it bearable. J.L. Flores states, “The pain itself is that which renders us unable to see the connection between it and the benefit it is to work out.” Don’t let feelings get in the way, realize the hand of the Lord in His discipline. It is important for us to recognize the difference between the miseries of life that come because of sin and that of God’s correction. Do not confuse correction with rejection. This correction/discipline shows that we are children of God. Woe unto that parent who does not discipline their children for they are setting them up for a fall. Someone wisely has said, “God’s strokes are better than Satan’s kiss and love; God smites for life, Satan caresses for death”.
Hebrews tells us the purpose of God’s discipline, “For they [parents] disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness”. (12:10, NASB) We are called, “My son…” meaning we are recognized as individuals and one of God’s children. God knows what we need and when we need it, and how much discipline is needed. “God discerns the needs of His children.” (Flores) I remember speaking with a parent who spanked their child for every infraction, and I asked him what he would do if the child ever did something seriously wrong?
The purpose of discipline/instruction is for training, for education. There is a reason behind proper discipline. Even if it is rebuke or chastising for sin, the purpose is to eradicate sin–that develops character. There is significance in the idea of discipline. It shows relationship, son-ship. God is presiding over our training. And I smile as I now write, “No pain–no gain.” We are to “look beyond the pain to the hand that chastens.” (F.B. Meyer) A slogan from the Navy SEALs puts discipline in perspective, “The only easy day was yesterday.” Friend, the Lord loves so much that He is not willing to let you go your own way. He is keeping close watch and if need be bring His hand of correction on us. The words of Job should bring us hope, “Behold, how happy is the man who God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For He inflicts pain, and give relief; He wounds, and His hands also heal”. (Job 5:17-18, NASB)