Echoes From the Campfire

All problems, personal, national, or combat, become smaller if you don’t dodge them. Touch a thistle timidly and it pricks you; grasp it boldly and its spines crumble. Carry the battle to the enemy.”
                    –Admiral William “Bull” Halsey

       “As for me, I feel that the last drops of my life are being poured out for God. The glorious fight that God gave me I have fought. The course that I was set I have finished, and I have kept the faith.”

                   –2 Timothy 4:6-7 (Phillips)
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Eighty years ago, most of whom we call the “Greatest Generation” have now passed on.  Those who faced the hordes of Hitler and the menace of the Empire of Japan are mostly gone from the scene, their lives now over.  Yet we must remember–we must never forget their sacrifice to save, not only this nation, but the world from the evils of fascism.  Newly elected President and once Supreme Allied Commander in Europe said in his inaugural address, “In the final choice, a soldier’s pack is not so heavy a burden as a prisoner’s chains.”
       Yamamoto, the admiral who devised the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor said, “I look forward to accepting the surrender of the United States on the steps of the White House.”  Can you imagine if that had taken place?  Imagine the devastation, the savagery that would have been thrust upon the people.  The Rape of Nanking would seem to be a picnic in comparison to what would have happened here.  Yet!  What a word.  Yet we had those who beckoned to the call, not of war, but of service.  Service to protect our heritage, service to protect the future for families.
       That Sunday morning the sound came out:  AIR RAID, PEARL HARBOR.  THIS IS NOT A DRILL!   The bombs fell, the torpedoes sped toward their targets.  The naval fleet in the Pacific was devastated, the airfields were destroyed, but something else happened besides the tremendous loss of life–there was a quickening of American resolve.  There would be a price to pay–blood would drench the beaches on many islands in the Pacific, as in Italy and Normany, but the determination to defeat an evil foe began eighty years ago on December 7, 1941–a day that will live in infamy.
       In thinking of this, I am reminded that each of us should have a resolve to see this nation kept free from the growing evil of socialism, the cancel culture, and woke crowd.  They are evil, perhaps more so than the fascist nations that felt our wrath in World War II.  They are sinister, and in our country seeking to undermine our great heritage.  They strive, not only for control, but to destroy the very fabric of our society along with the souls of man.
       One other aspect that should not be forgotten as we remember this day.  Look at your life.  Now, if you haven’t already done so–RESOLVE to stand as a Christian.  Face the evil that is running rampant throughout this country.  Resolve to not compromise with the evils before you.  Look at President Eisenhower’s words and place them in a spiritual sense.  Fight, fight, never stop, for all that is waiting you are the chains rattling from the depths of the pit.  Choose the armor of God, join His army and face the foe for the world is under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19)
       Pearl Harbor was the place where the United States began to pay the price to stop the Japanese conquest and Hitler’s march to destroy civilization.  On another battlefield years before; one in which the demons were cackling along with their leader, Satan who was dancing with glee for the Lord Jesus was hanging on a cross, His blood dripping into the rocky soil of Golgotha.  The price was being paid for our salvation.  As Yamamoto and other Japanese leaders celebrated Pearl Harbor so the devil and his horde celebrated the death of Jesus.  However, that was the beginning and end of the war.  Salvation was secured, eternal life was now for those who would follow the Savior.  Oh, battles still will be fought but the war is over.
       So today, Remember Pearl Harbor.  

Echoes From the Campfire

Every battle was a lesson; in each there was something to be learned.”

                    –Louis L’Amour  (Hondo)

       “Who is this King of glory?  The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.”
                    –Psalm 24:8 (NKJV)
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This portion of Psalm 68 continues to speak of victory and can be seen as a pretty harsh Psalm.  We should never forget that we are children of God and He is there to protect us and to defend us.  Since tomorrow is Pearl Harbor Day, this Psalm fits right in with that day and the bloody war that followed.  Read verses 20-23 with that terrible conflict in mind.  Yes, it was the blood of many who brought about the victory, but remember God was working behind the scenes just as He has always done with Israel and with all who are His chosen.

          15 — A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan; a mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan.
          16 — Why do you fume with envy, you mountains of many peaks?  This is the mountain which God desires to dwell in; yes, the LORD will dwell in it forever.
          17 — The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of thousands; the LORD is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place.
          18 — You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God might dwell there.
          19 — Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!  Selah.
          20 — Our God is the God of salvation; and to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death.
          21 — But God will wound the head of His enemies, the hairy scalp of the one who still goes goes on in his trespasses.
          22 — The Lord said, “I will bring back from Bashan, I will bring them back from the depths of the sea,
          23 — That your foot may crush them in blood, and the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies.”
          24 — They have seen Your procession, O God, the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.
          25 — The singers went before the players on instruments followed after; among them were the maidens playing timbrels.
          26 — Bless God in the congregations, the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.  (NKJV)

     God doesn’t mess around when He goes to fight–to war.  There are battles raging all the time, and I am not talking about places like Afghanistan, but war in the spiritual realm.  War that we do not see, but nevertheless is real.  We need to trust God in the midst of our storms, troubles, and battles.  Within us sometimes there is a war raging for one reason or another–trust God.  Often we do not understand why we are in this fight and for some it seems to be constant–trust God.  I like what William Peterson says, “We can trust God to act with justice.  His decisions are always right, though we may not always understand them.  He decides if and when judgment will fall upon people, and we are in no place to question God’s actions.  God wants peace, but apparently it was necessary at this time to rescue His people from their enemies by allowing the wicked to suffer the consequences of their ways.”
     In the midst of your trial don’t forget to see the hand of the Lord working–trust Him.  Too often we get so worried about our troubles, too concerned about the problem at hand that we fail to see the power of God at work.  God is always working in our lives whether we realize it or not, but it is encouraging when we stop, to gather in His goodness and see His mighty power at work.

                    “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
                     This day the noise of battle, the next, the victor’s song;
                     To him that overcometh, a crown of life shall be;
                     He with the King of glory shall reign eternally.”
                              –George Duffield

Coffee Percs

The coffeepot was on the stove, so we got cups and saucers and sat down opposite each other in silence and gratitude.”

                    –Louis L’Amour  (The Man From the Broken Hills)
 
       Ain’t man a wonder?  Now, if’n yuh can’t tell from the tone of my writing, that’s been said facetiously, Pard.  He is created a little lower than the angels, but sometimes I wonder if it ain’t the fallen angels He was referring to.   Why that poor, neglected, man who killed six people and ran over another forty says that he is being demonized.  The poor man, with a rap sheet that is a mile long.  Then we have sweet, pitiful Alec, whimpering and sniffling up sympathy sayin’ he didn’t pull the trigger.  Guns that shoot by themselves, why Pard the next thing they’ll be tellin’ us cars can drive by themselves.  What’s that?  They have some, they’re workin’ on it.  Well, they’ll do somethin’ like make coffee that is instant, no need of boilin’ or perkin’.  Huh?  They have that too?  Well, that just shows to go yuh, that they’re always messin’ with something.
       Pard, think back over yur long life and those many times yuh held a gun.  Ever have one go off without pullin’ the trigger?  I’ve heard of folks shootin’ themselves while cleanin’ a gun, but that don’t make no sense neither.  Bottom line, yuh have a gun in yur hand, it makes yuh responsible.  No matter what else, yur holdin’ it.
       Sorry, Pard, this week has had some doin’s that just rankled me.  Just gonna let them simmer on the back burner of my mind.  Speakin’ of back burners, how ’bout another cup of coffee?  Ahh, smell that aroma, sure helps me from shakin’ my head at all the senseless things that are goin’ on.  It’ll get worser and worser as the Lord tarries.  We all need to be prayin’, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus,” and also prayin’ for those around us, ‘specially family and friends.
       Say Pard, ol’ Pancho told me that he saw some folk from one of those barred countries comin’ across the border down ’round Laredo.  Oh, but that’s another story.  Finish that last swaller and I’ll let yuh be on yur way.  I’m gonna watch yuh for a minute t’ see if’n yuh check yur cinch.  Why yuh might just say it just happened, not yur fault, when they pick yuh off the ground.
        Vaya con Dios.

Echoes From the Campfire

God loves to restore hope in our lives, heal our emotional wounds and give us peace, even during the toughest times.”
                    –Kenneth S. Pratt (The Wolves of Windsor Ridge)

       “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

                    –John 14:27 (NLT)
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December, the month we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  A wonderful season, a spectacular time of the year.  It is also a busy month and time can get away from us if we are not careful to guard it.  Throughout the month I will be throwing in a Christmas lesson for the Echo.  Today I want to look at a verse that is sometimes seen in the wrong perspective.

             “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
                              –Luke 2:14 (KJV)

At first glance it seems as if God’s peace will be unto all men.  And in one way it is, but there is a requirement–to accept Jesus as Lord of one’s life.  Then, and only then is there peace.  Look at this verse from other versions and I think you will see the difference.

               “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”  (NASB)
               “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (NIV)
               “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” (RSV)
               “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!” (HCSB)

Peace comes upon those with whom God is pleased.  The world is angry, full of evil and there is no peace except a person rest in the person of Jesus Christ.
       The world cries for peace.  They search for it, committees are formed to bring it, there is even an organization that is supposedly dedicated with the purpose of bringing and keeping world peace–the United Notions (Nations).  Man seeks peace and then there is a murder, a massacre, a pestilence, a war and suddenly peace is gone–it seems futile to try, yet men do.
       How does man seek to find peace?  Many are his efforts and his cry is “Give me peace!”
               1)  He tries to forget God.  It is the remembrance of God that troubles a sinner.  Why is there always such a turmoil around Christmas?  Because it reminds people of God and that they are sinners, therefore, man tries to keep God at a distance or even to ignore His existence.  They try to thrust Him out of their thoughts, their heart, their minds, their conscience hoping then that they might have peace.
               2)  Man attempts to follow the world.  The heart must be filled so they attempt to fill it with the things of the world.  Pleasure, gaiety, business, folly, entertainment, wealth, friends, and a host of others.  Many try to find peace, but in vain.
               3)  Man will attempt to gain peace by working hard and denying self.  He works hard to avoid thoughts of peace, and he thinks that by working hard he will find the good that is not in him.  Hard labor is fruitless to find peace.  It does not pacify the conscience or assure him of pardon.
               4)  Some seek peace in religion.  However, he does not know that true religion is the fruit or result of peace found, not the way to get it.  He may be involved in the church; he may fast and pray; he may observe and celebrate with the church, but to no avail–peace is still as far off as ever.
               5)  Some will seek to escape from the world to find peace by using the things of the world.  They will indulge in perversions, drugs, alcohol, and other devastating habits to rid themselves of the lack of peace that they cannot find.  Some will even use the great and final escape of suicide to find peace.
      Man wants peace, but he takes his own way of getting it, not God’s.   To find peace one must go to the cross.  It is the babe of the manger who hung on the cross for our sins that we find peace.  “Come unto me…I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)  In other words, to find peace one must accept Christ.  Someone has asked what is peace?  “It is peace of conscience; peace with God; peace with the law of God; peace with the holiness of God.  It is reconciliation, friendship, fellowship…” (Bonar)
      Christmas shows us the way to having peace.  The Son of God was given to man as a baby to grow to become the sacrifice that gives us divine peace.  He is the Prince of Peace and He gives that to us as we live in this sick, wicked, and evil world.  The world cries for peace–the believer has peace.
[Much of the above comes from the writings of Horatius Bonar]