Don’t trust a fool.”
–Robert Peecher (Along the Restless Trail)
“People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.”
–Proverbs 19:3 (NLT)
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The marks of a fool or simple, that is what brings the end to chapter 1 of Proverbs.
.32 — For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. (NKJV)
For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them. (ESV)
They are disobedient to the light God has given them. They are self-willed (Bob Beasley). Dare to follow this path and death will occur in one manner or another and for certain the second death. The second type is the one who lives a live of complacency. He lives satisfied, self-contented, in no need of a Savior. They have the idea that they are the good person who God will welcome into heaven. (Beasley)
What is forgotten is “how can a perfect, just, and holy God have fellowship with anyone who bears the stain of sin?” (Beasley) God cannot be tainted with sin. This is like the man who built a marvelous house on the sand, or man’s wisdom. Man’s wisdom, like sand, is shifting and cannot bear the wrath and fury of the storm that will surely come. His house, his life, will come crashing down.
.33 — But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil. (NKJV)
But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster. (ESV)
There is a vast difference between the fool/simple and the one who obeys. The one who listens will be safe; there will be no fear of harm. How do we then measure ourselves? Are we complacent? Do we build on man’s faltering wisdom? Are we, as J. Vernon McGee questions, “enjoying the prosperity of fools? Are we living in a fool’s paradise?”
“Prosperity is ever dangerous because every foolish person is either ignorant or regardless of the proper ends and rules for which God designs.” (Robert South) Trust in God or in material goods and man’s wisdom, you cannot serve both. Their foolishness, however, “turns God’s mercies to their own destruction; and because they prosper, they are confirmed in their folly.” (Richard Baxter)
Those with a firm foundation, those who trust and obey the Lord will find they are not shaken. The storms may howl, but they are safe within the haven that God provides. To be safe in this world of evil we must listen to the call of God’s word; heed the instruction of the Holy Spirit and lean not on our own or the world’s understanding. Perhaps you may remember the rich man who begged Abraham for just a drop of water to be placed on his tongue. This rich man, complacent, self-satisfied–a fool– on earth with his goods was now in torment because he rejected the opportunity that was presented while he was alive. Matthew Henry states, “The rich man in hell begged, but was denied.” It was too late.
I like what Michael Jermin says, “There is no dwelling but in heaven; hell is a prison, earth is a pilgrimage. In Heaven there be many mansions, wherein every room is the lodging of quietness, the walls whereof are safety, the gates security, and all fear of evil shut out for ever.” Those who listen and heed to the voice of God, even though they may walk “through the valley of the shadow of death, will fear no evil; for God is with him, His rod and His staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV with my changes) As the NKJV Study Bibles comments in closing this chapter, “Rejection of wisdom will slay them. This dismal warning ends with a promise of life to the few who will listen; they will find safety and ease.”
Will the fool change his way and listen? Will the simple recognize his plight and obey?
Author: Ira Paine
Echoes From the Campfire
I say praise God when the sun shines, and bear up as best you can when it rains.”
–John Deacon (The Provider 2)
“But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
“But if we walk in the Light as He Himself 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 (NASB)
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Resolutions! Absolutely, they should be made, not flippantly, but seriously. They are not to be made with the attitude, “resolutions are made to be broken.” No, my friend, God looks at them very seriously. However, I’m not going to start off the year writing about resolutions, that is between you and the Lord.
I want you to focus, this first day of 2025, on the light that God sends into our lives and its purpose. The light that shines on our path as we journey through life and enter into this new year. That light is always there.
“Walking in sunlight, all of my journey;
Over the mountains, thro’ the deep vale;
Jesus has said, ‘I’ll never for sake thee,’
Promise divine that never can fail.”
What great words! This joyful hymn was written in 1899 by Henry J. Zelley. All of our journey, no matter the terrain, whether mountains or valley, His promises will never fail–they are sure. His presence never fades away for He is always with us, never straying away or leaving us.
“Shadows around me, shadows above me,
Never conceal my Savior and Guide;
He is the light, in Him is no darkness;
Ever I’m walking close to His side.”
When we walk through the shadows, we may see strange, vicious things. Some are real, but many are the figment of our imaginations. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, His light is ever shining on the trail–lighting the way, giving security, hope, and assurance. The Lord may not be seen because of the shadows, but rest assured we know that He is there. His Word declares that in Him there is no darkness and since He is in us we have light to see us on our way.
“In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing His praises gladly I’m walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.
Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,
Flooding my soul with glory divine;
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.”
Dare to sing His praise in joyful times, but also in times of sadness and sorrow. When the world comes at us with its terror and fury we can rejoice in the sunlight of His love. When there are no obstacles along the way, the path is clear, the storm clouds are gone, we can and must rejoice.
Is His light flooding your “soul with glory divine”? Enter and continue through this year with your heart full of the light of Jesus. Know that He is guiding, then rejoice–“hallelujah, I am rejoicing, singing His praises. Jesus is mine.” What a way to start the New Year!
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Resolutions! Absolutely, they should be made, not flippantly, but seriously. They are not to be made with the attitude, “resolutions are made to be broken.” No, my friend, God looks at them very seriously. However, I’m not going to start off the year writing about resolutions, that is between you and the Lord.
I want you to focus, this first day of 2025, on the light that God sends into our lives and its purpose. The light that shines on our path as we journey through life and enter into this new year. That light is always there.
“Walking in sunlight, all of my journey;
Over the mountains, thro’ the deep vale;
Jesus has said, ‘I’ll never for sake thee,’
Promise divine that never can fail.”
What great words! This joyful hymn was written in 1899 by Henry J. Zelley. All of our journey, no matter the terrain, whether mountains or valley, His promises will never fail–they are sure. His presence never fades away for He is always with us, never straying away or leaving us.
“Shadows around me, shadows above me,
Never conceal my Savior and Guide;
He is the light, in Him is no darkness;
Ever I’m walking close to His side.”
When we walk through the shadows, we may see strange, vicious things. Some are real, but many are the figment of our imaginations. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, His light is ever shining on the trail–lighting the way, giving security, hope, and assurance. The Lord may not be seen because of the shadows, but rest assured we know that He is there. His Word declares that in Him there is no darkness and since He is in us we have light to see us on our way.
“In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing His praises gladly I’m walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.
Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,
Flooding my soul with glory divine;
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.”
Dare to sing His praise in joyful times, but also in times of sadness and sorrow. When the world comes at us with its terror and fury we can rejoice in the sunlight of His love. When there are no obstacles along the way, the path is clear, the storm clouds are gone, we can and must rejoice.
Is His light flooding your “soul with glory divine”? Enter and continue through this year with your heart full of the light of Jesus. Know that He is guiding, then rejoice–“hallelujah, I am rejoicing, singing His praises. Jesus is mine.” What a way to start the New Year!
Echoes From the Campfire
How many campfires have you built? Enough that you can have a good fire going in just a couple of minutes.”
–Robert Peecher (Through a Lan Accurst)
“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.”
–Matthew 5:6 (Amplified)
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This will be the last “Echo” of 2024. Another year has gone by and as you look back was it a year of milestones, of reaching onward and upward, or one filled with regrets? A year presents all types of problems and scenarios, and how we react to them often determines how they affect us in the future. Grasp on to the nuggets that were found in 2024, let go of the woes, especially if they do not contain a lesson.
How much of the year do you actually remember? Was it all routine? I dare say that to most of us, the daily events are like the wisp-o’-smoke that rises from the campfire. It may come in your direction, burn your eyes and even cause you to cough, but that is soon over as it dissipates and floats away. Much of life is that way; we don’t really take time to inventory what happens, to draw upon the day and reflect on the blessings of the Lord.
Most likely this little note will be like that wisp-o’-smoke, a vapor that floats away. Even as James writes that our life is like a wisp-o’-smoke (mist) “that appears for a little while and then vanishes,” (4:14, NIV) we should strive to make it meaningful. As the smoke rises and is soon gone; we are to make sure our life is not just a puff of smoke, but a flame–a campfire–that warms the hearts of others, that shines and brings light in the darkness, that will echo throughout the year and years to come.
As the year draws to an end stir up the coals, throw another log on the fire, rekindle the gifts and fruit of the Spirit, and continue to grow in grace. Seek to know your Redeemer; that is a choice. “Those who apply Jesus’ words to their lives are given more spiritual truth, making their lives richer. Those who do nothing with His words, lose what little spiritual understanding they already possess.” (David Jeremiah)
Regrets in 2024? I’m sure there are some. If so, learn from them, then press forward. From my notes I took last January 1, are the words of Ray Stedman, “If you are content with what you are today, then you will never be any better than you are now; you may become worse.” And from that same day I wrote, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, NASB). We have 365 days, the Lord willing, and we should be using them for His glory and for the Kingdom of God.
So as we close 2024, let us seek to draw closer to the Lord, to know Him better, and to obey His Word. Be ready–here comes 2025!
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This will be the last “Echo” of 2024. Another year has gone by and as you look back was it a year of milestones, of reaching onward and upward, or one filled with regrets? A year presents all types of problems and scenarios, and how we react to them often determines how they affect us in the future. Grasp on to the nuggets that were found in 2024, let go of the woes, especially if they do not contain a lesson.
How much of the year do you actually remember? Was it all routine? I dare say that to most of us, the daily events are like the wisp-o’-smoke that rises from the campfire. It may come in your direction, burn your eyes and even cause you to cough, but that is soon over as it dissipates and floats away. Much of life is that way; we don’t really take time to inventory what happens, to draw upon the day and reflect on the blessings of the Lord.
Most likely this little note will be like that wisp-o’-smoke, a vapor that floats away. Even as James writes that our life is like a wisp-o’-smoke (mist) “that appears for a little while and then vanishes,” (4:14, NIV) we should strive to make it meaningful. As the smoke rises and is soon gone; we are to make sure our life is not just a puff of smoke, but a flame–a campfire–that warms the hearts of others, that shines and brings light in the darkness, that will echo throughout the year and years to come.
As the year draws to an end stir up the coals, throw another log on the fire, rekindle the gifts and fruit of the Spirit, and continue to grow in grace. Seek to know your Redeemer; that is a choice. “Those who apply Jesus’ words to their lives are given more spiritual truth, making their lives richer. Those who do nothing with His words, lose what little spiritual understanding they already possess.” (David Jeremiah)
Regrets in 2024? I’m sure there are some. If so, learn from them, then press forward. From my notes I took last January 1, are the words of Ray Stedman, “If you are content with what you are today, then you will never be any better than you are now; you may become worse.” And from that same day I wrote, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, NASB). We have 365 days, the Lord willing, and we should be using them for His glory and for the Kingdom of God.
So as we close 2024, let us seek to draw closer to the Lord, to know Him better, and to obey His Word. Be ready–here comes 2025!
Coffee Percs
He had been greeting the day with a cup of coffee for a lot of years.”
–Brad Dennison (Wandering Man)
Here it is, Pard. We knew that this day would one day arrive and thar ain’t nothin’ we can do ’bout it. We just have to take it as it comes; it’s the last Saturday of December, that means the last Saturday of 2024. Ponder that, Pard. It means that this is the last Saturday we’ll be sharin’ coffee and palaverin’ ’til next year. So yuh had better enjoy that cup. Drink it with kind affection.
Pard, we all should be takin’ time in the next few days to reflect back on the past year. It’s gone, but what we need to do is remember the lessons that hopefully were learned, and store the grand memories it provided. Yuh can’t be goin’ back to relive any of it, an’ that’s a good thing. Last year was and is just that–last year. Tomorrow is where we look now, but not too closely or too far ahead. The ol’ ‘postle James warns us not to count your chickens before they hatch. Actually he put it a little more clearly–“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'” (4:14-15, NIV)
Pard, go ‘head, finish that cup an’ I’ll pour yuh another. See, the Lord doesn’t promise us another cup next Saturday in 2025. Now, get this, He is not against plannin’ ahead or workin’ out a schedule; in fact, we should do that. But He is tellin’ us that thar ain’t no guarantee that it will come to pass. Things happen along the trail… One thing that is a guarantee an’ that the Lord will be travelin’ with us through 2025 an’ will be keepin’ us just like He has in all the past years. Some folk didn’t make it to see the comin’ of the new year, an’ there will be those who will not see 2026, but the good part is that the Lord is with us in life and in death, and all the junk in between.
Plan then on bein’ here next Saturday. The Lord willin’ an’ the creeks don’t rise I’ll have the coffee on. In fact, even if’n the creeks rise an’ don’t wash us away I’ll have the coffee on. Thing is Pard, will yuh be here to join with me? Plan to be here, an’ that means checkin’ yur cinch, but leave it in the Lord’s hands.
Vaya con Dios.