Month: May 2026

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

A rifle ball doesn’t look like much until you fire it out of a rifle.”
                    –Cliff Hudgins  (Viejo and the Outlaw)

       “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
                    –Ephesians 5:4 (NIV)
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          “To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom.” –Proverbs 10:23(NKJV)
          “Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.”  (ESV)
          “Fools enjoy doing wrong, but anyone with good sense enjoys acting wisely.  (CEV)

Here we see another characteristic of a fool to add to your list.  Look around you, look at social media and you will find a host of fools.  Watch talk shows and the fools are quickly seen.  We read in Galatians 5:19-21, a list of the things a fool mocks.  Those characteristics and lifestyles that God abhors are the very things that a fool breaks out into an insidious grin and jokes about them.  The mind takes pleasure in evil conduct and thoughts, and that’s where the fool finds pleasure.
     I have never been one who cared for pranks.  They are devised to hurt someone in some way.  In regard to this day’s study, that is the character of a fool–a prankster, one with evil intent in his joking.  He makes sport out of mischief; he laughs at others’ misfortunes.  Fools mock at sin, “Fools mock at sin…” (Proverbs 14:9, NKJV), they jest at the things of God, they make mockery and jokes of His holy name.  The fool is dangerous to be around, he is not one to associate with.  J.L. Flores states, “The fool who thinks sin is a laughing matter will not hesitate to commit sin himself, or to do his brother the irreparable mischief of leading him in the path of sin and death.”
     The fool makes light of sin; he characterizes it into large and small–the small white lie and the large black lie.  They mock those who follow God’s moral precepts and they take glee in hurting others (i.e., Kimmel referring to the First Lady as a widow), then saying it was all in fun, a joke–FOOL!  “I was only joking,” is the excuse to make light of hurtful and sinful comments. “Nothing proclaims a man to be a fool so plainly as his mockery of sin.” (Flores)  There is a seriousness to life, yes, enjoy it, but do not make fun of the things of God or the plight of others.  “The difference between the lost and the saved is,” according to Samuel Miller, “that to one it is but trifling to live; to the other it is the gravest wisdom.”
     To be a mocker, a jester, is according to Lawson, an “advanced stage of folly.”  Sport now, but one day there will be severe consequences.  This man, this fool, has the devil for his playmate.  He dances well with his partner, his folly. (John Trapp)  I recall two men on crosses with Christ.  Both mocked, but then one realized the seriousness of his circumstances and the Man on the cross next to him.  The one to whom Jesus spoke went to paradise, the other mocker–the fool–went to perdition.  See, salvation brings understanding.  Salvation brings a change and renewal to our mind.  Wisdom is an enjoyment; seeking God’s truth is a true endeavor of life.  The person of wisdom understands the seriousness of the fool’s actions.  There is a huge difference in the maturity level of the person with wisdom and the fool.  The man of understanding, the wise, knows the importance of life, and as the writer of Hebrews states, “I have come to do your will, O God.” (10:7, NIV)

 

The Saga of Miles Forrest

by Ira Paine, Posted on
There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins.”  –Ecclesiastes 7:20(NLT)
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     Now, I’ve seen the Parson Chapman excited when he gets to preaching the Word and the power comes on him, but he was downright excited when the train pulled in.  He wasn’t jumping, but he was sure walking back and forth waiting for the baggage car to open.  Lucas was with me and I grabbed Grath McCall and Darnelle’s new suitor, Glynn Allison to help me with the preacher.
     “There it is!” he exclaimed, pointing to a crate inside the car.  He started to enter the car when the worker for the Denver & Rio Grande held him back.  “Preacher, you stay on the platform, we’ll get it out to you.”  It was not belligerent, but just business.  
     In minutes, which probably seemed longer to the Parson, the crate was on the platform ready for us to load it in the wagon that the Parson had borrowed.  On the crate in bold letters were the words, “Burdette Organ Co.”  We had been singing in the church, contrary to the view of some of the parishioners to Lyn Gimmel’s guitar.  I smiled wondering what the stogy folk would think about this new organ.  The church had agreed to purchase it through offerings and a couple of bake sales.  I knew that Dale and his wife Betty put plenty of their own money into the purchase as well as a certain Molly Forrest.
     He was all a tither, telling us to be careful, to not bump it against the side of the wagon.  “Preacher!” hollered up McCall, “it’s in a crate!”
     Within the next hour it was unloaded, uncrated, and positioned in front of the Durango Community Church.  Both the Parson and I thanked the men for their help and they went their way.  Before I joined them, I leaned to the beaming recipient of the organ.  “Uh, Pastor Chapman,” I said in a loud whisper.  “Let me remind you about idols.”
     He jerked, looked at me, then laughed.  “Miles, I guess I am a little excited.  Not to show off that our congregation has a new organ, but that we can enjoy the music that the Lord has provided in our worship,” he paused, reaching down to touch the keys and then to wipe his hand across the top of the organ.  “But you’re right.  I will be careful.”
     I bid him good day, but by the time I was down the steps and walking on my way to the diner, I heard the sweet refrain of “In the Sweet By and By.”  I couldn’t help but smile, and I think I even kicked up my heels a bit.
     It was too early for lunch, but Molly smiled when I walked in and then before speaking headed straight for the kitchen.  I took off my jacket placing it on the back of my chair, placed the Greener against the wall, then pulled a mug from the shelf and filled it with coffee.  As I was sitting down, Molly came marching out, or was she swaying, with a piece of pie.
     “Rhubard,” she said.  “Mrs. Calder found some growing in her garden already.  Fresh shoots, and I will say, mighty tasty.  I saved you this one piece, Miles.”
     She sat with me, while I devoured the pie.  She still worked with the diner, but she was only supposed to be doing the books and ordering supplies.  They couldn’t keep her out of the kitchen though.  The people liked her cookies and pies so much.
     I was taking a sip of coffee when the door opened and I glanced over the rim of the cup.  It was Desiderus Luther, the city district attorney.  He looked his dapper normal self, but I knew the clothes were for professional appearance.  He was as tough as nails in the courtroom.  He doffed his hat, “Good morning, Mrs. Forrest,” then he glanced at me, “Miles.  May I sit?”
     Nodding, I didn’t let him stop me from taking a bite.  He was quite interested in what I was eating.  “Hmm, Molly, is there any more of that delectable looking pie?”
     That brought a smile from her.  “No,” she said, getting up.  “But there is a piece of butterscotch left.”
     A little sigh came from Luther, then he said.  “It might not be delectable, but I’m sure it will be every bit as delicious.”
     I couldn’t help it, I groaned and rolled my eyes.
     He laughed.  “Miles, the case has been rejected by the federal court.  I am to proceed in our court with the trial,” he said with a lengthy pause.  That wasn’t good.
     “Miles, I don’t have evidence to try them for murder.  There are no witnesses against them.  I can try them for the attempted murder of an officer of the law.”  He paused as Molly brought him the pie.  “Excuse me why I enjoy my first bite.”
     Molly and I were both grinning at him.  He saw us, and joined us, then remembered his manners and wiped his mouth.  “Now, Miles, you could round up some witnesses.”
     I began shaking my head, “Not gonna happen Counselor.  I might find Charlie Two-Face, but he didn’t see the crime.”
     He saw the frown on my face, “What’s wrong, Miles?”
     “If I release them, there is a good chance that there will be another murder, or more if…”

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

When he hid alone in the brakes he was safe from all except his deeper, better self; when he escaped from this into the haunts of men his force and will went to the preservation of his life.”

                    –Zane Grey  (The Lone Star Ranger)

       “Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.”
                    –Romans 8:8 (NIV)
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          “God blesses these people whose hearts are pure.  They will see him!”  –Matthew 5:8 (CEV)

There is an inclination today within the church to think that there is no “law” to which they are bound and thus, they have complete liberty.  No need in expounding on the idea of liberty.  Liberty is not the absence of responsibility but in reality it is the acceptance of it.  God called Israel to be a pure, separated nation.  They were to be separated from the actions of other nations, nations polluted with idolatry.  But, you say, that was the Old Testament.  Rightly so, but the principles of God do not change.  We are to be separated from the evil system of the world, avoiding all the idolatry that it holds.
     When salvation occurs there is internal cleansing that both accompanies and follows the new birth.  We are saved from sin, and now are working out our salvation.  The penalty–justification–was taken care of on the cross, but now comes that dreaded word in our church society today–sanctification.  We read in 1 Samuel 16:7, that God looks on the heart.  That means He looks upon the whole inner being, including the understanding, the affections, and the will.  Arthur Pink states, “It is not enough to be pure in words and outward deportment.  Purity of desires, motives, and intents is what should characterize the child of God.”  
     Oh, that we had purity of heart.  Oh, that we actually sought to have a pure heart.  Once saved, does not mean not ever sinning or having the desire, but seeking the Holy Spirit to work in our lives to help us live a pure and acceptable life unto the Lord.  This morningwe look at some signs of an impure heart.  Check yourself out, see if there is anything lacking and then, with the Holy Spirit, begin to work on that area.
     First sign is that of ignorance.  Oh, Lord open our eyes and turn us from darkness to light (Acts 26:18)  Paul, numerous times, writes “I would not have you ignorant.”  Ignorant of what?  Many things but among them living a life holy and acceptable to the Lord.  We are warned by Thomas Watson that, “Ignorance is Satan’s stronghold.”  Understand what God is telling you to do, study to show yourself approved–in other words don’t walk around in ignorance.
     The second thing is that of being self-righteous.  Revelation 3:17 states, “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’  But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” (NIV)  Listen, “not to be sensible of a disease–is worse than the disease!” (Watson)  Thirdly, and this is becoming more and more rampant and that is the acceptance of iniquity.  Repentance and restoration, yes, but indulgence and approving sin can never be accepted.  We see this among church members, but even more appalling is that we see it among church leadership.  It is wrong to take delight in sin, it is wrong to make provision of sin, it is wrong to approve of those who do so.  Paul writes that we are “not to think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (Romans 13:14, NIV)  Watson reminds us that, “The wicked are caterers for their lusts.”  
     Four more signs of an impure heart.  It is when we entertain sin or the presence of sin.  One thing an alcoholic must never do when he is on the way to recovering is to enter a bar.  Stay away from the places, in reality or in the mind, that entertains sin.  The gambling halls of Las Vegas say that once you enter, they’ve got you.  Friend, the sinner bows before sin; the pure in heart is repulsed and grieved.  God warns us and people do not believe or are ignorant (there it is again) of His warnings.  Some people are simply fools–unbelieving of God’s Word.  Then finally, there are those who are covetous.  They are discontented with their lot in life, with their possessions, with their job, with their career, with their school, my mercy, they are just discontented about the way life is going for them.  This person cannot have a pure heart for they do not recognize the working of the Holy Spirit, but are envious of the lives of others.  
     True, we cannot make a pure heart, but our motives can be pure, our lifestyle can be pure.  God looks at the heart; He wants to see it in a pure form.

 

Coffee Percs

by Ira Paine, Posted on

Cowboys drank too much coffee, sometimes ten cups a day.”

                    –Zane Grey
 
Mornin’ to yuh, Pard.  No, we ain’t gonna set ourselves down and drink a couple pots of coffee.  Though, I can recall a few days of doin’ that.  Why one ol’ runnin’ pard back in Colorado used to be a coffee drinker.  One night his wife and mine, we all sits ourselves down to play cards.  I remember the missus had made several dozen bear-sign, that’s donuts to yuh tenderfeet.  We ate donuts, drank coffee, and had a good ol’ time.
     Let me pour yuh a cup, not that I don’t be trustin’ yuh with the pot, but I surely don’t want to spill a drop.  That’s birthday coffee, real genuine coffee from New Guinea.  Hard to get any better than that.  Go ahead yuh start yur sippin’ an’ I’ll fill yuh in on some more of the stupidity that is in this country.  I tell yuh Pard, yuh don’t want to even take a gander at the news anymore.  The hatred, the evil, and my land, all of the stupidity.  
     Heard that a Walgreens was been attacked by repeated shopliftin’.  They put in anti-theft locks to secure merchandise.  Guess what–they’re callin’ that racist?  Go figure that out if’n yuh can.  Now here’s one that beats all.  Almost fell out of my chair when I read it.  That wicked person who recently tried to kill the President and other officials came up for a hearin’.  The judge (small capital j, he doesn’t rate a capital J) apologized to the accused for the “extremely restrictive conditions” inside the jail.  My mercy, the man is in jail not the country club.  Get this, here are the conditions:  “placement in a padded cell under near-constant observation, with limited access to basic privileges such as phone calls, reading materials, and recreation.”  Recreation for a would-be assassin??!!
     Finish yur cup ‘fore I tell you this one.  I don’t want yuh snortin’ out that good brew.  Dinesh D’Souza wrote this from the former first lady.  Hold on, Pard, let me be tellin’ yuh, then I’ll get yuh another cup of coffee.  “Let me explain something to white people.  Our hair comes out of our head naturally in a curly pattern.  So when we’re straightening it to follow your beauty standards, we are trapped by the straightness.  That’s why many of us can’t swim.”  ????  If’n she really said that…..my, my we’re in trouble.  No logic, no sense in it at all.  What was it we read in the Psalms?  “Some became fools through their rebellious ways.”(107:17)  Fools, that ain’t the half of it.
     Well, Pard, we didn’t drink ourselves ten cups, but we almost finished a pot.  I make sure it’s gone by the end of the day.  Watch yur talk, be wary of yur walk, don’t be hangin’ out with fools, and for sure be a-checkin’ yur cinch.
    Vaya con Dios.