Month: July 2025

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

One must always do their best, whatever it is they are asked to do, or choose to do. To do any less, is to offend the God of all power.”

                    –B.N. Rundell  (Last Chance Gulch)

       “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
                    –Revelation 17:14(NKJV)
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It is one of the most important verses in Scripture, yet we hear little about it.  It is degrading and shameful, to say the least for it speaks of the plight of man without God.  It is the last verse of Judges.

          “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” –Judges 21:25, NKJV
          “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever he wanted.”  –Judges 21:25, HCSB

Look closely at this verse.  In it we see the danger of ethical relativism; it is degrading and dehumanizing.  Read through Judges and look at the condition of mankind.  Read the Scriptures concerning the time before the flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Whenever man decides what is right or wrong, especially without moral absolutes there is the rampant growth of evil.  When you “do your own thing,” there is nothing left but moral chaos and confusion.  “Humans can no more decide what is moral than they can decide whether the earth will rotate on its axis,” so writes Gary Inrig.  
     Currently we can look at the news reports and see the appalling results when man decides what is right or wrong.  Moral relativism denies the validity of absolute moral, spiritual, or philosophical truth.  It celebrates diversity and the validity of “lifestyle choices.”  It is absolutely absurd that man can say a woman is a man, and vice versa, or that right is wrong.  The question that must be asked, “whose truth is valid?”  The answer given by those who are truly indoctrinated by their particular type of humanistic belief (Secular Humanism, Cosmic Humanism, Postmodernism) is that all views of truth are valid.  This ends up with a world that is lawless, confused, and full of chaos.  In other words, a world that is ripe for the man of lawlessness to appear.  
     Just to add to this idea, take a look at just a few of the major thoughts that pervade our society today.  Besides relativism, we have the idea of pluralism.  This goes along with relativism because it states that we should respect and accept all views, especially religious claims as equally valid.  Then we see the idea of syncretism, the blending of views.  This is compromise in its fullness; it is an attempt to unify forms of belief and practice.  This has so deftly slipped into the church.  We are all brothers, therefore we should treat each other as one big family; tolerance is the key.  I will mention one more, but the list could go on, and that is the idea of consumerism.  This is the concept that the individual is the center of the universe.  It involves materialism and is selfish for it brings man to the center.  He has the right to see that his needs are met.
     But, more often than not, we tend to focus on the second phrase in this verse and sort of put the first one aside, yet it is as important because it relates directly to the idea of autonomous man.  “No king,” but in reality there was a “king”; if nothing else the king of individualism.  Man, himself, was king for he thought he was sovereign and could do whatever he wanted.  Listen my friend, there is a king for everyone.  In fact, some may serve more than one king.  Who/What is it that sits upon the throne of your heart?  Are you boisterously shouting the idea of freedom?  But, whose freedom, and what is freedom?  Is freedom doing what you want, or is there a higher factor involved in true freedom.?  The words of Luke come to mind, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” (19:14)  Then who will reign?
     “No king, but King Jesus,” was one of the battle cries of the American Revolution.  The idea that a man could govern at will, going against the laws of society was anathema to these founding Americans.  Gone was the idea, “Rex Lex,” (king is law) and now in its place came, “Lex Rex,” (law is king)  so wrote Samuel Rutherford.  Without a “king” there will be anarchy, apathy, and apostasy; and depending upon what king you choose there could be dangerous consequences.  Compromise and complacency become the norm without the proper authority ruling upon one’s heart.  What was it the leaders of the Sanhedrin cried, “Give us Barabbas!”  There is no king on this earth, “people are rebelling against God and doing whatever pleases them; and it will be that way until the King returns and takes His throne on earth.” (Warren Wiersbe)
     Those in the book of Judges, and all of us living today should hearken back to the words of Joshua, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”  Choose wisely–choose carefully–choose with eternity in view.
               “King of my life, I crown Thee now
               Thine shall the glory be…”
                    –Jennie Evelyn Hussey

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

We never taken a trust lightly. It was a matter of deep honor, and a debt owed was a debt to be paid.”
                    –Louis L’Amour  (Galloway)

       “It’s a dangerous thing to guarantee payment for someone’s debts. Don’t do it!”
                    –Proverbs 11:15 (CEV)
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Chapter 6 of Proverbs has more instructions and warnings from a father.  So much of life, for better or worse, has to do with money and finances.  Let me give a word of warning as we read these verses.  Some may take it that it means never to give aid to a friend.  That is not the case.  This does not mean we should never be generous or helpful if we have the means, but we need to be careful and not promise what we cannot deliver.  I might add here, that this does not only include financial agreements, but also rash promises that cannot be carried out.

          1 — My son, if you become surety for your friend, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
          2 — You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth.
          3 — So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; for you have come into the hand of your friend:  God and humble yourself; plead with your friend.
          4 — Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.
          5 — Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.  (NKJV)

     First and foremost, know what you’re pledging and all the downsides.  We should think the transaction through very carefully.  “To be a surety for a friend is to take upon thee the charge of looking to another’s soul.” (Gregory)  One of the surest ways to destroy a friendship is through this sort of transaction.  Hopefully a friend will work with you if you find yourself in this situation, but a stranger–that is a different story.  We should not, except for exceptional occasions, assume the debt for someone else.  Flores says that this is “self-imposed bondage.”  In other words, do not make rash decisions or ignorantly co-sign, and do not put yourself in the hands of someone who is a bad risk…unless you are willing to lose your investment.
     Paul took upon himself on a specific occasion the debt of Onesimous.  He wrote to Philemon regarding this, “But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.  I, Paul, am writing with my own hand.  I will repay–not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.” (18-19, NKJV)  The lesson to learn is not that co-signing is wrong, but to understand that God is our surety.  There is a difference between giving and not being entrenched with another’s debt.  If there is a problem with this person or transaction, get it straightened out.  Don’t wait around.  If you have bound yourself to everything you can to get out of it.
     One more thought–watch out for credit debt.  This can also enslave you.  This kind of debt can keep you bound for many years and cost you dearly.  Remember, gifts that the world has to offer always has strings attached.  This debt is subtle, similar to what used to be called a “loan-shark.”  You want more, so you go deeper in debt not realizing the situation you are putting yourself into.  Dan Dick states, “It is never wise to live beyond our means to the point where we become a slave to our transactions.”  Perhaps the best way to look at this situation is to recognize that we are to be good stewards of what God has given us.  We are to be good stewards of Christ, not binding ourselves to man. (Flores)

 

The Saga of Miles Forrest

by Ira Paine, Posted on
Just as being too busy gives you nightmares, being a fool makes you a blabbermouth.”  –Ecclesiastes 5:3 (NLT)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
     I waited for an explanation.  “Vess Dawson, what do you know of him?”
     Osian spoke up, “Nothing really.  There was a gunfight, no one was hurt bad.  There was a little disagreement when we threw them in jail overnight to simmer them down.  One mouthed off and said something about a Dawson showing up.”
     “No other problems then?” I questioned, tucking what he said in my mind.
     “Nothing we haven’t been able to handle,” he said, then a grin came on his face.  “Exceptin’ one fact, Lucius can’t make coffee fit to drink.”
     “Hogwash!” came the reply from the other part of the room.
     “That’s what I was telling the Marshal, here.  Your coffee tastes like hogwash.”
     Lucius walked up to where we were standing.  I was holding a cup in my hand and Lucius looked in it.  “Marshal,” he barked, directing his words to Osian, “when was the last time you tasted ‘hogwash’?”  Then he gave his attention to me, waiting for me to say something.
     “Hmmm, it does have a peculiar flavor to it…” 
     He wouldn’t let me finish but grunted, “Bah,” and went back to his corner.  It was good that there was a comradery building among the men.
     Osian, to be polite, held his cup toward Lucius, “Uh, deputy, would you mind filling up my cup?”  I just had to laugh, but Lucius was dutiful and brought the pot to fill up Osian’s cup.  He then looked at me.  “What do you think about this Dawson fellow?”
     I pulled on the tip of my moustache, pondering a moment before answering.  “Just keep an eye on him.  If he’s a gunman, leave him alone unless he breaks the law, then at least two of you go after him,” I paused, then added, “with Greeners.  None of you are gunmen.  Always try to have the firepower on your side.”
     “Makes sense,” he muttered.
     “McGinnis’ trial is Monday,” I informed them.  “Have you heard any talk about breakin’ him out?”
     Marshal Beavin and the two deputies shook their heads.  I then added, “Anyone steppin’ up to take his place?”
     “None so far, in fact it’s hard to tell how many of the gang is still in town.  Bill Martin, I think you met him, has been keeping a close eye on them.”
     “They still makin’ the Glass Slipper their home base?”
     It was Deputy Greer that answered, “They still go there, but it seems that they’ve moved down to Boyd’s Billiard Hall and Casino.”
     I pulled my moustache again and then smirked, “Oh, Sparky is still around?”  His birth name was Aloysius, but because of his manner of dress he was referred to as “Sparky”.  “I might just have to pay him a visit before headin’ back to Durango for the trial.”
     “How long you staying?” asked the marshal.
     “The plan is to leave tomorrow.  I just wanted to check on you and your men.  I have to be back for the trial,” I paused to look back toward the cells.  “You still have Smith back there?”
     Osian nodded, and a smile came to my lips.  “Lucius, tell Mr. Smith, I’ll be takin’ him to Durango to stand trial.  Make something up ’bout McGinnis plea bargainin’ or something like that.”
     Now all the deputies were smiling.  Lucius went back to the cells.  Within seconds there came a roar.  “Forrest, you out there?  Marshal, you can take me…”

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

She was discovering the blessedness of solitude, the something leveling in loveliness, the elevating power of the naked sheer walls with their inscrutable meaning.”
                    –Zane Grey  (Lost Pueblo)

       “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.”
                    –1 Corinthians 4:20 (ESV)
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          “The decisive things of life come not through our powers of intelligence but through God, the highest power.”
                         –Wilhelm Schmidt

     Psalm 147, a wonderful psalm that speaks to the power of God.  Nothing can compare to Him, and in His sight we are all the same “puny.”  But because of who He is and His gracious love toward man we should sing His praises no matter our condition in life.  This is a psalm that reminds us how good God is and how good it is to worship Him.

          1 — Praise the LORD!  For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.
          2 — The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
          3 — He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
          4 — He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.
          5 — Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.
          6 — The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.
          7 — Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praises on the harp to our God,
          8 — Who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains.
          9 — He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens that cry.
        10 — He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
        11 — The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.  (NKJV)

To fear God is to be properly responsive to Him in awe and wonder.  Not only is He great and gracious, but He is loving and caring.  Know this–He is good!  Therefore we should sing praises to God for that is our appropriate response.  Think for a moment:  has the enemy ever broken into your life attempting and maybe succeeding to demolish what you held close and dear?  The Lord will build you up again (i.e., the life of Job).  Perhaps you have failed God–did He forsake you, or has He lovingly taken you back in His arms?  He will now wash His hands of you, for you belong to Him, despite the failures and the mishaps of life.  George Wood puts it this way, “Consider His great patience and grace.  He’s not desirous of your remaining in ruins.  He’s committed to helping you get back on your feet, wounds healed, and heart no longer broken.”
     Man tries to compete with God and utterly fails.  It is God who builds, while man tears down.  Man attempts to figure out the immensity of space, but God tracks all the stars and knows them by their name.  It is no harder for God to bring the sun into existence than for any of us to light up a match. (Wood)  But then, with all His infinite power He still takes the time to care for each of us.
     I read a little about Wilhelm Schmidt, who was known as “Hot Steam Schmidt.”  During his life he received patents for twelve hundred inventions.  He believed that every invention was a gift from God and he would write in his diary over his drawings and thoughts:  “I thank you, O God, I thank you.”  Because of his inventions and genius he often was visited by dignitaries and leaders.  He would seat them in his house alongside the poor at his table. (William J. Petersen)  He was never overawed by human abilities because of his knowledge of the Almighty.  He understood the wonder of God.  The NLT translates vs 10, “The strength of a horse does not impress him; how puny in his sight is the strength of a man.”
     Verse 11 should be a Scripture that we can add to the building of our lives.  Look at whom the Lord takes pleasure in–those that fear Him.  From the NLT, “the LORD’s delight is in those who honor him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.”  Honor–something that is truly missing, not only from our society, but also from our worship of Him.  Someone said this of worry, “Worry is a cycle of ineffective thoughts and emotions whirling around a thick center of fear.”  Just reading this portion of Psalm 147, what is there to worry about?  “God’s greatest delight is when His people revere Him, serve Him, and hope in Him.” (Steven Lawson)

               “I sing the mighty power of God
               That made the mountains rise,
               That spread the flowing seas abroad
               And built the lofty skies.
               I sing the wisdom that ordained
               The sun to rule the day;
               The moon shines full at his command.”
                       –Isaac Watts