Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on December 11, 2025

Worthiness is not a requirement for a gift.”

–Donald L. Robertson (Soul of a Mountain Man)

“You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
–James 5:8 (NKJV)
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The Incarnation–a mystery of mysteries; it is indeed a most wonderful mystery. Christman! The season in which we celebrate the momentous and marvelous mystery sent to us by God. Many think it is a time of “getting;” a time of splurging using Christmas as an excuse to get something they want or want to give. Chad Bird said, “He who dies with the most toys has generally toyed with life and lost.” A true, and shameful statement. Christmas, in reality, should be a time of giving. By giving I do not mean the giving of the biggest or most expensive gift to build up your ego–that is prideful giving, boasting.
Many object to Christmas as being too materialistic. That again is often an excuse. Yes, there is the material aspect, there is the commercialization of Christmas, we do not have to get caught up in that, but do not leave out the concept of giving. We see the Magi bringing gifts to the Child. (Let me interject here, do not get hung up in the criticism that the Magi were not at the birth of Jesus, instead enjoy the fact that they were part of the story.) Some may say, “I have nothing to give, nothing to offer.” I would rebuke them with a hardy–“Bah Humbug!”
Oh, my friend you do–we all do as believers have something to give! I well remember as a kid growing up that on the morning at church when we had the Christmas sermon that at the end of the service there would be a bag of goodies given to all present. That bag would usually be filled with an apple and orange, all sorts of uncracked nuts, an assortment of Christmas candy, and a red or green popcorn ball. I have to smile as I write this at the wonderful gift of memory that I have of watching my Grandma making dozens of those popcorn balls for the occasion. I also have the story of my Mom saying that during the Depression the only gift they received was a popcorn ball.
But, hold on, think–ponder–for a moment. No, you may not have an apple or orange to give to someone, or even a popcorn ball, but you have something better, deeper and more wonderful. Again think–ponder–those wonderful fruits that are within you. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV) These can be given out, and should be given out, not only at Christmas time but throughout the year. This is a way that we can keep Christmas the whole year long, but giving those gifts to others around us, but using the gifts that God has given us. When was the last time you gave someone “longsuffering” (patience)? When was the last time you did something “good” for someone? Or showed them the joy of the Lord? W.C. Jones wrote, “The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.” But it should not only be at Christmas, but every day of the year.
Think–ponder–for a moment the great Gift. Yes, that gift of God’s Son. You know the verse well, “For God so loved the world [that’s you and me] that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, NKJV, additions are mine) Now, having received and enjoyed the gift of His Son, what do we do with it? Let me help with one item this Christmas season. Hear, and do, what the Apostle Paul wrote, “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5, NKJV) My, my, when was the last time you gave the gift of gentleness to someone? Now, don’t get them confused with being namby-pamby. Gentleness is acting with least possible offense in a situation, but taking proper control of the situation. Hmmm, ponder that.
In short, do not say, “I have nothing to offer.” Offer the gift of gentleness. Why? The Lord is at hand. Therefore, offer those around you the knowledge that Jesus is returning. The First Advent we celebrate this season, however in the midst of this wonderful celebration we look anxiously to the soon coming Second Advent.

“Somehow, not only for Christmas
But all the long year through,
The joy that you give to others
Is the joy that comes back to you.
And the more you spend in blessing
The poor and lonely and sad,
The more of your heart’s possessing
Returns to you glad.”
–John Greenleaf Whittier

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on December 10, 2025

Without the law and without the Gospel, evil seemed to reign.”

–D.C. Adkisson (The True and Unbiased Life of Elias Butler)

“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.'”
–Job 28:28 (NKJV)
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Bob Beasley refers to Proverbs, chapter 9, as a sandwich, the bread of the feast of wisdom on one side, and the bread of folly’s feast on the other. “Everyone in the world will attend one feast or the other, and all are on paths in opposite directions.” (Beasley) The test is one’s response to the Word of God.

7 — He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.
8 — Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
9 — Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10 — The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 — For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.
12 — If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone. (NKJV)

How does one respond to a mocker? The best way is not at all. The wise will become more wise; he will increase his learning. But the mocker – you’ve seen them, the person who rolls his eyes at the truth of God’s Word, his response will be insult, abuse, and hatred. The wise will be rewarded while the mocker (scoffer) will suffer the fate of eternal death. This is the person who rejects what we are celebrating at Christmas–the great Gift of the Father to redeem mankind. This is the person at whom I can just shake my head. As J. Verson McGee says, if anything is to be learned from the Proverbs it is this, “A man is a fool to live without God in this world.”
Dan Dick states, “Growth comes from finding our weaknesses and working to build them into strengths.” This is done by listening and adhering to God’s Word. All Scripture is given for doctrine, rebuke, correction, and instruction (2 Timothy 3:16). The wise man will listen to the words of Paul, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy, 4:16, NIV) We must be open to His leadership and guidance. He knows the way, the means, and the obstacles we must overcome. I recall Basic Training, we had a reverent fear and respect for our instructors. We dared not roll our eyes at their instruction, yet the greatest Instructor of all–the Holy Spirit–is often ignored, scoffed at, mocked, and if not careful blasphemed. Dick relates that “The fear of the Lord is nothing more than knowing who He is and respecting Him.”
We live in a world of postmodernism, deconstructionism, and confusion. The broad-minded liberals who want their beliefs taught are really the narrow-minded bigots. They have a hatred for the things of God. They wouldn’t dare live in this world without proper insurance: life, auto, house, and the like. Yet they neglect the insurance of eternal salvation. As we read, we see who indeed is the real fool. “There are people who are so shallow, empty, and ignorant that they will not receive the Word of God at all.” (McGee)
If people reject you, it is because you have stirred the inner evil that resides in them. Hatred is not just an emotion, it is one who scorns and ridicules the truth of God’s Word. The choice is there, choose wisely and you will grow wiser. Choose to mock God and the path is clear–perdition awaits. As J.L. Flores writes, “A foraking of the wrong path must go before entrance into the right one.” How does one get to the right one if they continue in their hatred and bitterness? One last thought, think of David. He came to the point where he could have rejected the message of the Prophet Nathan, instead he was wise, accepted the rebuke of the prophet, repented, and continued on the path to victory.

The Saga of Miles Forrest

by Ira Paine, Posted on December 9, 2025

Whatever exists was given its name long ago, and it is known what man is. But he is not able to contend with the One stronger than he.” –Ecclesiastes 6:10(HCSB)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

He stood before me, a solid dark figure with a heavy coat, scarf around his neck, and hat pulled down low. However, his face was plainly visible, the deep-set eyes that were almost a gray color rather than blue, square jaw, heavy brown moustache, and a hint of a smile at his lips. “McBride! What in the world are you doing here?”

Snow had started to fall, but I wasn’t noticing it as much as the man in front of me. “Come in, get out of the cold,” I said opening the door wide to let him enter. It was then that I took notice of the snow.

Shrugging his shoulders, he removed his scarf, then looked toward the table where we had been enjoying pie, coffee, and conversation. “Sorry, didn’t mean to bust up your party,” he said as he was unbuttoning his coat. Then he saw Molly, Betty, Marta, and Luciana. “Sorry ladies, my manners are on the poor side,” he apologized, removing his hat.

I offered to take his coat, but he shook his head, then placed it on top of a table. I saw the eyes of Charlie and Mateo go to McBride’s gun. The sign of a good lawman. He saw it too and the semi-smile appeared again.

“Here, let me introduce you to my friends. Listen up, folks, this here is, uh, Hollister McBride with the Colorado Rangers.”

He gave a little bow of the head to the ladies, then straightened up as I introduced all of the men present. I sort of lingered when I came to Finegan. “This is, Cop, uh, Boyd Finegan.”

Finegan reached out his hand, but McBride simply nodded his head. Rev. Chapman spoke up, Mr. Finegan is recovering from a severe blow and, I might add, a severe pounding by the Lord on his body and soul.” That brought a chuckle from most of those around the table.

The light revelry was broken up by Mateo. “Sorry, to leave this cozy circle, but someone has to be walking the streets protecting fine citizens like you.” Mateo put on his coat, then stopped next to McBride. “Nice to meet you. I would like to la chara with you, but duty calls.” He turned, walking to the door.

After he left the diner, McBride turned to me, “He has a slight limp…. Results from the job?”

“Shot in the line of duty. It was serious, but Mateo wouldn’t give up. Weather like this,” I pointed to the windows. “Causes him some pain, but like he told us, he has to make his rounds.”

“Sit down, Mr. McBride. Miles get him some coffee,” ordered Molly as she scooted back her chair from the table. “I’ll find you a piece of pie,” she chuckled, then continued, “I always save Miles an extra piece in the kitchen. He won’t mind sharing it with you.” The information brought a groan, and an outright yelp from Doc.

“Thank you, Ma’am, but call me Holly.” He turned his attention to the men, smiling as if waiting for some remark.

Doc pulled on his ear, then muttered, “Miles, as long as you’re up, why not fill our cups as well.” It wasn’t a question, but a direction I was to take. He then spoke to McBride, “What brings you to Durango, if I might inquire?”

He smiled again, not at Doc’s question, but at the last piece of mincemeat pie that Molly set before him. “Let me taste this, then I’ll answer you’re question, Doctor Jones.”

It didn’t seem to bother him that all eyes were on him cutting the pie, scooping a bite up with the fork, bringing it to his mouth, which he hesitated, looking up over his fork at us, then stuffed it in his mouth and began to chew, then roll it around in his mouth then chew some more. He turned to Molly, “Ma’am, this must be what manna tastes like an’ I sure hope the good Lord is takin’ note of this an’ is plannin’ on makin’ you one of the heavenly cooks.”

That brought a good round of laughter, both because of the statement and the blushing of Molly. “You didn’t tell me about Mr. Mc, I mean Holly, Miles.”

He picked up his cup, took a sip, then asked, “And just what did Miles tell you about me?”

“Uh, that’s a story for another time,” I sputtered.

Charlie interrupted, “Mr. McBride, I really never heard of the Colorado Rangers until Miles told me. Why is that?”

“That’s a very good question, Sheriff. The Rangers have been around since the War of the Rebellion,” he paused looking at each of us, I assume to get a reaction. When none came he continued, “In the early years it was quite successful in its mission to protect gold and silver for the Union cause. Since that time, it has been a hit or miss organization, sometimes used only on the whim of the Governor.

He forked another piece of pie into his mouth, chewed it down, then took a deep swallow of coffee to wash it down. “I, along with good men like Miles, plan to make it into a viable law enforcement organization….”

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on December 8, 2025

But there was risk connected with everything, and we were hard men bred to a hard life in a hard land, and the lives that we lived were lonely, yet rich with the voice of our singing, and with tales told of an evening by the campfire.”
–Louis L’Amoure (Killoe)

“Lift up your spear and javelin and block the ways of my enemies. Let me hear you say, ‘I am your salvation!'”
–Psalm 35:3 (NLT)
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I have often tried to think of the days of Mary and Joseph. What extraordinary people they were. No, that’s not right, they were ordinary people who had faith, used it, and obeyed. That is something we all can do. But there is more to it. I once told a friend of mine who has a large church in Brooklyn, I said, “Bill, I could not do what you do.” He looked straight at me, I can still see it though it happened back in the late 1970s, and said, “You could if God called you to do it.”
The calling! I won’t say much regarding it now, but it is vital. Today, we look at Mary. A young girl, possibly as young as fourteen, was visited by an angel and told that she would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and would bear the Son of God. Wow! When you think of it, it sort of boggles the mind. There it is again, that mystery of the Incarnation. Mary hears, listens, and gives herself over to the will of God and then sings a song. I like what R.V.G. Tasker said, “Mary sings of a God who is not bound by what men do. He turns human attitudes and orders of society upside down.” This song is found in Luke 1.

46 — And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 — And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 — For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
49 — For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
50 — And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
51 — He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 — He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly.
53 — He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 — He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy,
55 — As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.” (NKJV)

Mary must have known the Scriptures, and it is clear that she had a relationship with her heavenly Father. She knew of His great power and wondrous mercy. However, there is more–the song burst forth for several reasons, the promise, the visitation, the recognition of God, but even more–she was to be the vessel in which the covenant, the promise of God would be fulfilled. God would bring the Messiah to Israel (and to all men) through her. Thrilled, excited, and maybe a little fearful, but she bursts out into praise.
Here is a good question and thought raised by William Petersen. “When God asks you to do something, how do you respond? Are you scared stiff, or do you follow Mary’s example, praising God that He has chosen to use you to accomplish His will? He has chosen some unlikely people in the past to do His bidding, so don’t be too surprised if He chooses you.” Hmm, are you ready for the call?

“Hear the glad sound, the Savior comes, the Savior promised long!
Let every heart prepare a throne, and every voice a song.
He comes the broken heart to bind, the bleeding soul to cure,
And with the treasures of His grace to raise the humble poor.”
–Philip Doddridge