Author: Ira Paine

The Saga of Miles Forrest

by Ira Paine, Posted on
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”  –1 John 1:7 (ESV)
 
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     The snow came the day after Christmas and continued for three days causing fifteen inches or more to lay on the ground.  It surely slowed things down for a while; it took businesses a day to get open, and then the proprietors had to keep shoveling and sweeping to keep the boardwalk clean.  Most of them hired kids from the town to do it for them, but I did see Solly sweeping his own walk, and Lucas volunteered to go help Darnelle shovel and sweep in front of Fosters.
     If I took it slow and easy I was able to keep the walk in front of the diner clear.  The bruises were gone, the cuts and punctures healed, but if I moved fast or in one direction, I could still feel a twinge in the ribs.  With carriage and horse traffic the main roads were eventually packed down so folks could get around easier.  Now, a week later it was slush, muck, and sludge.  The temperature now up to the forties’ it was now a job to keep the mud from the front of the door.
     I had just finished my task entering the diner.  “Miles, why don’t you hire one of those youngsters to clean that walk off?” questioned Doc while sitting at the table guzzling coffee.  
     Going to the stove I reached for the pot, shook it a bit and heard the coffee swish inside, what little of it there was.  On the table was my cup, and I poured it full, then looked for Marta or Lola.  Both were busy with customers.  Since the weather had warmed, the diner had been busy.  Lola saw me, lifted her hand with a finger pointing upward signifying in a minute.
     As she came to me I held out the pot, “If you would please…”  She smiled nodding.  I had taught her to make pretty decent coffee and she willingly took up the task of making sure the pot on the stove where I sat was full.
     Sitting down, I took a swallow of the hot brew.  It was bitter, strong, almost scorched and I grimaced at the flavor.  I don’t mind strong coffee, in fact that is my preference, but I do not like scorched coffee.  Doc gave a chuckle.  “Sort of like drinking tar,” then he laughed again.
     Molly was out, buying from an IOU I gave her for Christmas.  I gave her a small gift, but I reckoned she knew better what she wanted or needed so I promised to buy her something later.  She was out now fulfilling that promise.
     “Still no idea of who tore into you?” asked Doc, pushing his cup aside.  
     I shook my head.  “I have no idea.  I’ve looked for people I might have arrested in the past, for someone who might be after me.  There are several strangers in town but most of them are hardluck miners out of a job.  If something had been stolen from me I might think it was some of them, but all they wanted to do was beat me up.”
     “You mean, beat you to death,” declared Doc.  “If Lucas hadn’t come running out, a few more licks and kicks in the right place might have done you in.  Fortunately for you those spurs didn’t catch you in the eye.”
     Reaching up I touched my cheek where one spur came mighty close to doing so.  “I’ll find them, Doc.  Sooner or later one of them will slip up.”
     We were talking about the weather, and Sunday’s preaching when Lola came with a fresh pot of coffee.  I quickly downed the tar in my cup, making a face as I did so.  Not only was it scorched, thick, but also cold, but I wanted to make room for the fresh coffee.  Lola giggled as she saw my face, then proceeded to fill my cup.  “Ahhh, that’s much better.”  I received a smile, then she placed the pot on the stove.
     “Either of you men want something?  Pie maybe?”
     Doc shook his head, and I replied,, “Not now.  When Molly gets back.”
     The coffee was good and Doc and I sat there sipping the fresh brew, chatting about this and that.  He told me that Edith fell, slipping on the ice and was laid up at home.  Nothing serious, but it bruised her hip and she was having trouble getting around.
     In through the door rushed Molly. 
     Miles…!
 
P.S. Be sure to purchase from Amazon the new novel, Lawman.  It tells part of the story regarding Miles Forrest.

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

Be a man with your body! Don’t shirk work, or play or fight. Eat an’ drink an’ be merry, but don’t live jest for thet. Lend a helpin’ hand—be generous with your gold…. Don’t ever get drunk….  An’ the only way is to be game an’ kind an’ square.”
                    –Zane Grey  (Wanderer of the Wasteland)

       “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

                    –Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
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Have you ever heard a symphony orchestra tuning up?  My, oh my, what a horrendous sound.  But when they come under the control of the conductor and follow his direction there breaks forth a wonderful harmony that the soul can enjoy.  The orchestra must come together under the leadership of the conductor.  This is a good illustration of the church under the headship of Jesus.  “Genuine harmony is a precious thing, like sacred oil flowing down the head and beard of the priest, emitting a sweet aroma.” (Steven Lawson)  That is what we see in Psalm 133–harmony.

          1 — Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
          2 — It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments.
          3 — It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing–life forevermore.  (NKJV)

“Good and pleasant” may be phrased as “great delight.”  Harmony and unity what a sound.  Take one instrument in the orchestra out of unity and the harmony is broken and there is discord.  It is easy to distinguish.  Each instrument must be in tune and that takes time and effort, then when they are played together, they become one sound.  How so the church should also be.  One of my former pastors, Wayne Clark, used to try this to show this example.  He would have everyone begin singing, at the top of their voice, their favorite hymn.  It was a cacophony, simply put–noise.  But when he said, we will all sing such and such together the words were distinguishable, the sound favorable to the ears, all was in harmony.
     To live or dwell together “is to function in close and intimate association with others.” (Lawson)  So much of the time we are caught up in self-centered pursuits.  Either that or we are caught up in our own troubles and trials.  “In your darkest night, you may have been unaware of anyone except yourself…  You felt you were hurt too many times so you remained oblivious to the companionship of others.” (George Wood).  Now, you’re almost to your destination.  Darkness has dissipated, and you look around and notice others near you.  Some of whom gave you support in your time of need.  They’ve been climbing as well, now as the destination is near there comes the sound of unity.
     F.B. Meyer said, “Love in the Spirit is the dew which is a symbol and channel of the eternal love and blessing of God.”  The refrain from the old song sounds, “They will know we are Christians by our love…”  As the oil of the Spirit comes down into our inner being and we allow Him to take over “love and harmony spreads blessing to the entire body.” (Lawson)  When we are in unity we have fullness of life, or as John wrote, “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (10:10, NKJV)  Not just the humdrum life of existence, the life of trodding along, but abundant life!
     I read a good illustration of the strength of unity.  A man gave his son a stick and told him to break it which he easily did.  Then he gave the boy two sticks which he was able to break.  He added a third stick, which was broken, but with a struggle.  Finally, enough sticks were added where the boy could not break them.  The lesson:  “unity is strength.” (Lawson)  Solomon tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion, but woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up…  Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (10:9-10,12, NKJV).
     Each of us has to walk our own path.  Each of us must lift one foot after another.  Each of us has special gifts and talents.  As we journey on the upward road to our destination which is heaven we have others around us to aid us.  Others who have gifts and talents that will aid us and add to our ease along the way.  “The pilgrim’s decision to leave behind the old life and call upon the Lord is an intensely personal one.  No one else can make that decision for you.  But, as you continue in your upward climb, you will be strengthened by the gifts God gives–loving, caring, and supportive fellow pilgrims.” (Wood)
     
          “Be this our common enterprise:
          That truth be preached and prayer arise,
          That each may seek the other’s good,
          And live and love as Jesus would.”
                –Frederick K. Brewster

 

Coffee Percs

by Ira Paine, Posted on

The trio spent the afternoon sipping coffee and reminiscing about the past and questioning the future.”

                    –Cliff Hudgins  (Grandpa & the Kid)
 
Another year, Pard, glad yuh could make it into this one.  A person never knows what waits ahead of them.  Fact is, I may have made yuh tea this mornin’ instead of coffee.  Ha, ha, if’n yuh believe that yur coconut is all messed up.  ‘Course that wouldn’t surprise me none with the times yuh forgot to check yur cinch.  Drink up, take a long swaller, coffee is good ‘n’ strong this mornin’.  Need to start the year off right an’ sippin’ coffee sure puts us on the right track.  
     Let’s see, bombing, terrorist attack, shooting, murder, hmmm, seems like 2025 is similar in nature to 2024.  Things are no different than in other times in history.  There have always been terror, turmoil, mayhem, and ruthless leaders.  But, Pard, here’s the thing I’m a-seein’.  There have been Hitlers, Stalins, Mao, Pol Pots and all sorts of evil men, but the difference is that most of them came from pagan and heathen countries.  There could be the exception with Hitler and Stalin, but by the time they took over their country was mostly apostate.  
     Say, that is good coffee!  One more swaller an’ I’ll continue.  Ahhh, the ol’ gizzard is right happy this mornin’.  Back to my speechafyin’, what I’m a-seein’ is that these things and the dropping of biblical morals, and the rise of abominations in this country is somewhat different.  This country was founded as a “city on a hill”; to be an example, to be established on Christian principles and morals, to present the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to send missionaries with this gospel throughout the world.  It has done a good job in that respect.  Now, that doesn’t mean we haven’t done some things wrong, in fact, I’ve a notion that there were traps set out by ol’ slewfoot to get this country off track.  But now…my mercy, we’re in a mess.  A good revival is needed, no, an awakenin’ is needed.  I was readin’ the other day from 1 Corinthians, “Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning…”  We have the beginnin’ of an opportunity to do so.  Time will tell what the bureaucrats and the preachers do.  Some of those preachers are so wishy-washy, not wantin’ to preach the whole gospel.  Mercy…I think of ol’ John the Baptist, or Amos, or Elijah, or some of the other propets.  I reckon they would have words for some of those behind the pulpit.
     Pard, we’ll keep ridin’ up that gloryland trail.  Yep, onward and upward.  Pard, whatever this year brings, we’ll be on guard and will stand firm in the faith.  Ready, for the attack–ready for the return of the Lord Jesus.  Yuh be havin’ a good week an’ take care of that noggin’ of yurs.  I reckon with all the knots on it, yur hat size is two sizes larger than a few years back.
       Vaya con Dios.

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

I’d wanted to grow up fast, and he’d wanted me to grow up right.”

                    –Mel Odom  (The Pecos Undertaker)
 
       “Don’t you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master?  You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval.”
                    –Romans 6:16 (NLT)
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     Recently I have been reading about the “outward life” versus the “inward life.”  That is the struggle that Paul discusses in Romans 5-8.  This is the struggle of mankind–the result of Adam succumbing to the outward and eating of the forbidden fruit.  Books upon books have been written on this subject, words multiplied into the thousands have been written and spoken.  However, on this day, I want to give my feeble attempt to a portion of the struggle.
     Jesus when speaking to Nicodemus spoke regarding the inward life, that of the spirit.  “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, NKJV)  The NKJV Study Bible states, “The new birth, or regeneration, is the act by which God imparts spiritual life to one who trusts Christ.  Without this spiritual birth, a person cannot perceive spiritual things, nor can he or she enter the kingdom of God.”  That’s one reason it is appalling to hear or read someone not of the new birth and kingdom trying to explain it.
     Christianity is a matter of the heart–of the spirit.  We read in Ezekiel 36:26-27, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (NKJV)  When God restores us, He begins with the heart, but He doesn’t stop there.  Jesus speaks:

                If you love Me, keep My commandments.  And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever–the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.  (John 14:15-17, NKJV)  

When we are born again, when we receive the “new heart” our life changes, therefore our motives and attitudes should change as well.  With the “new heart” the Holy Spirit begins to work from the heart, the inward, to change the outward–the soul (will, emotions, mind) and yes, the physical.  Call it sanctification (for that is what it is), call it growing in grace, or call it maturing in the Spirit, growth/change comes and it is a lifelong process.
     The conflict comes when Satan throws his fiery darts at the outward life.  He cannot damage the new, born-again heart, but he can cause serious turmoil and severe havoc to the soul and body.  The devil works outwardly to the inward while the Holy Spirit works from the inward to the outward.  Change may be rapid, or it may be slow, just like a child growing.  The process may be slow, but then there are those growth spurts, and we know the same is true of the mind.  However, even within Christian circles there is debate from the one extreme of legalism to the other of antinomianism (the rejection of the idea that Christians are obligated to follow moral law.)  
     We see the struggle of giving more interest to outward experiences versus the idea of extreme freedom.  (I might ask, what are you free from?  And follow it up with, if you love someone what will your actions and motives be?)  As we grow in Christ we should seek to see changes in the whole of our being, from the soul to the physical.  Someone has written that we should, “desire to have everything within you changed into the spirit of the holy Jesus.”  In this struggle one thing we can be assured of–God is at peace with us.  Paul writes, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, NASB)  We no longer struggle with Him, but we now wrestle and struggle with the world and with the powers of darkness.
     I would encourage you to spend the first part of the new year pondering Romans 5-8.  Change will take place when the heart becomes new; change must take place.  Old things are passed away, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Therefore, as a new creation growth (change) must come just as the natural body changes and grows so must we change as the Holy Spirit works within us and as we study the Bible.  We must become more like Christ.  As Ray Stedman has said, “Pleasing God is the proper occupation of the Christian.”
     Take time to take inventory where you are spiritually.  Then begin to work on becoming more like Christ.  This cannot be done in our own strength; we must depend upon the power of the Holy Spirit.  “Would you do service for Jesus your King?  There’s pow’r in the blood, pow’r in the blood; Would you live daily His praises to sing?  There’s wonderful pow’r in the blood.” (L. E. Jones)  Determine, in Christ, that you will begin to grow, not legalistically but in working for Him out of love.  Let the Word of God speak to you; listen to the voice of the Spirit and work for the kingdom in 2025.