This is the old war, the war of civilization against the barbarian; of peacefulness, order, and hard work against the heedless, the cruel, the destructive.”
–Louis L’Amour (The Empty Land)
“The merciful man does good for his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.”
–Proverbs 11:17 (NKJV)
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There’s a lot I don’t understand in this world. There is even more with all of the confusion caused by the woke crowd, and the cancel culture group. Confusion…comes from its creator–Satan. Now, first of all, I am not confused, not even the confusion has confused me–“for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” (2 Timothy 1:12, NKJV) But I don’t follow the logic of the world. In fact, their logic is illogical. Let me show you from the writings of Joseph Parker.
Strive to enter in at the strait gate. “I will not!”
Look unto Me and be ye saved. “I will not!”
Come unto Me, and I will give you rest. “I will not!”
Seek ye first the kingdom of God. “I will not!”
Repent. “I will not!”
Turn ye, turn ye, why will ye die? “I will not!”
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. “I will not!”
Give Me thine heart. “I will not!”
Go work in My vineyard. “I will not!”
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. “I will not!”
Lay up for yourself treasures in heaven. “I will not!”
Why would a person not choose eternal life? That is not logical to me. That person is confused about life, time, and eternity. Why would a person not want to rest? Leisure time is clamored for and for what reason so that they can go out and get tired over the weekend. Some people go to work on Monday, to rest from their partying over the weekend.
People are confused about life simply because they want things their way. “God made man for His glory, but man joined the devil and became a rebel.” (D.L. Moody) Man wants things his own way so in a sense he wants the confusion that life gives. Oh, he may think he has things under control until… Until he loses his job, his family, his account, his health, his marriage. Let me do things my way is one of the most rebellious statements that can be made. Man makes a mess of things when he does things his way–anarchy of the soul so to speak.
In short, man does not want to obey. He does not want to turn his will over to the Lord and obey what the Lord wills for his life. That is up to you. No one can obey for you, that is something that you must do on your own. Think of the logic again. Obey or disobey. What happens with obedience versus what happens with disobedience–in this life and in eternity?
D. L. Moody demonstrates with a little anecdote that a Sunday school teacher once asked in class.
“How is the will of God done in heaven?” he asked.
One child answered with a broad smile, “Cheerfully.”
Another answered, “By everybody.”
A third child answered, “All the time.”
But the best answer was, “It is done without asking any questions.”
Hmmm, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10, NKJV). Do the will of the Lord and I guarantee you that confusion will stop in your life. Oh, there will still be a confused world in anguish, heartache, and fear, but the matter for you will be settled.
Author: Ira Paine
Echoes From the Campfire
His destinies were guided by his loyalties.”
–Louis L’Amour (Crossfire Trail)
“Let your heart therefore be loyal to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, as at this day.”
–1 Kings 8:61 (NKJV)
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How to Live in a Pagan, Apostate, and Foolish World
Key Verse: “We know [for a fact] that we are of God, and the whole world [around us] lies in the power of the evil one [opposing God and His precepts].” –1 John 5:19 (Amplified)
In 1 John 2:18-28, we see that John is giving advice to us regarding the truth and the lie. Last week I wrote of some of the dangers of those who tend to believe a “lie.” I also discussed that the first part of John’s advice to us is that we should not be alarmed or surprised at what is happening in the world. If we know and live by the pure doctrine of God’s Word we would recognize what is happening in the world and that it should not affect our faith. “As in the days of Noah,” men rebelled against God’s Word in all its forms.
John instructs us to remain pure. We are not to be tainted nor sullied by the world. Our light should be brighter than ever. Our robes should be white, glistening. However, there is little mentioned from pulpits today about the doctrine of purity or if it is the complaint becomes one of legalism. Jesus will accept His Bride–the Church–that is pure, without spot or wrinkle. That is one reason that I believe He will soon return. He will not stand to see His Bride dirtied by the world.
There is a key phrase that we often recite or is read by the Pastor during Communion. That little phrase is, “examine yourself.” It is vital that we continue to examine ourselves against the light of God’s Word. Let the Holy Spirit shine upon you that you can rid yourself of the impurities in your lives. The fact that people claim to be Christians, and that they belong to a church, does not prove that they are Christian. How does the life match up with the Bible?
John tells us that we must have proper relation to God’s purpose. We know God’s purpose by reading the Bible, and then obeying its instructions. We must develop true worship. Not just a jumping, hand-waving type of worship, but one that comes from the heart and then is involved in every area of our lives. To have proper relation to God’s purpose means to follow God’s will by keeping His commandments. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15, NKJV) Simple, not hard, not legalistic. Then we must be of the faith. Faith is the life of a Christian. We walk daily by faith; faith is part of our worship. I’m not speaking of “hyper-faith” nor of the gift of faith in 1 Corinthians, but each step we take should be one of faith. In fact, one of the things the Lord will greet us with is, “Well done, good and FAITHFUL.” (emphasis is mine).
I am reminded of the song written by W. Elmo Mercer. It describes the life of faith. Just look for a moment at the chorus for it is full of faith.
“Each step I take I know that He will guide me;
To higher ground He ever leads me on.
Until some day the last step will be taken,
Each step I take just leads me closer home.”
And if you are living by faith knowing that each step is guided by the Lord, you are truly worshiping in the reality of your life.
The Saga of Miles Forrest
So you’ve got yourself a big mess on your hands,” stated Doc before sipping his coffee.
I replied with a grim smile. “Not yet, and it don’t have to be.” I looked at Marta then over to Charlie who had returned yesterday from Silverton.
Doc grunted, then took another sip. “You know Ben Lowell ain’t going to let a horse thief get away.”
“Well, I don’t blame him none for that. I just don’t want to find they went out and hung a kid,” I remarked.
The whole group was there this morning. Business was slow in the diner so Molly and Marta were sitting with Doc Jones, Charlie and me. Lucas was there with us and he was part of my idea.
Molly interrupted that last thought by asking Charlie if he had talked to Luciana. “I went by there yesterday, as soon as I saw Marta to let her know that Mateo would be in Silverton at least two more weeks. He’s doing a good job up there, and Mike Dewey up and left for parts unknown. Big Bob Phillips is the new marshal.”
That name perked up my ears. “Bob Phillips! I didn’t know he had any experience as a law officer.”
A large grin appeared on Charlie’s face. “Well, Marshal Forrest, we all have to learn sometime.” That brought a laugh from all those sitting here. I had hired Charlie and he had done quite well. He had the knack for the job. That’s part of it knowing what to do at the right time. A person can’t go arresting everyone, but he can make his presence known.
Bob had come to the region to make his fortune in gold or silver like so many of the other residents. He didn’t like standing in the freezing water or digging through the frozen ground so he hired on as a freighter from Durango to Silverton, but the railroad had put most of that to a halt. He did continue to haul freight to Telluride, but again the cold got to him. I often wondered, since he wasn’t married why he just didn’t head off to Arizona Territory or California; It wasn’t cold there.
“That’s one reason Mateo stayed. Shy Williams is his deputy. I don’t know much about him, but he seems to be working hard. They really need a third man, but I don’t know if the town will pay for one. The good Lord knows they have the money to do so,” said Charlie. “Anyway, Luciana wasn’t real happy over the situation.”
“She likes the money,” piped up Marta. “But, he’s gone so much, she misses him as do the boys. They are growing up so fast,” her eyes directed at Charlie.
Doc grunted again, “Say Charlie, why don’t you put your name in for marshal here in Durango. You know the town, and the people.”
“One main reason–John Newsome. He’s still on the city council. Remember, he’s one of the two that wanted me out of the position before,” Charlie reminded him.
Marta didn’t say anything, but got up taking her empty cup with her. Molly must have sensed something so she got up as well. “Doc, Charlie, would you like some pie? How about you Lucas?” she said before following Marta.
The two men declined but Lucas’ eyes lit up, “Chocolate, please Senora.”
“Chocolate it is. You two sure you don’t want a piece?” she inquired again.
I looked at her, “Say what about me?”
Waving her hand at me she gave some kind of disgusted sound which I couldn’t quite make out. “I know you want one! No need to ask.”
All I could do in response was to give a big smile.
My attention went to Lucas. “Do you know how old Fernando is?”
He didn’t seem to hear me as his focus was on the large piece of pie in Molly’s hand. She did bring me a piece, not quite so large. Lucas and I looked at each other, both of us smiling. He had chocolate, and I had a piece of apricot. It was then I noticed my cup was empty so I pushed the chair back to get the pot.
I filled my cup and then Charlie’s and Doc’s, then after putting the pot back on the stove. “Lucas, you didn’t answer my question.”
He kept eating, then looked up saying, “I would guess at least eighteen.”
Forking a piece of pie in my mouth I began to chew. When I swallowed, I asked Lucas, “Well, how old are you now, fifteen?”
Turning his head suddenly in my direction, he blurted, “Sixteen almost seventeen!”
“My, my, and you’ve had the experiences. I’d like for you to go with me on a little trip. I need some help in trackin’ down Fernando.”
Charlie almost spluttered out his coffee. “Miles, I don’t think Marta…”
He didn’t finish for a big, solid man walked in the front of the diner. He was wearing a worn brown vest, with brown pants that had little thin lines of white in them. I noticed his gun, the holster was worn but well kept. His face showed little emotion but it did have a determined look on it. The big moustache on his face would rival mine.
Coming here meant trouble, it was U.S. Marshal Jeb Blasco.
Echoes From the Campfire
Every wrinkle or line on his face he could match with another, for the years had marked his cheeks with experience, with laughter, with tears, with anger and with sadness, until there was left only a vast patience.”
–Louis L’Amour (The Shadow Riders)
“For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling.”
–Psalm 116:8 (NKJV)
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Truth, it has been said, is often stranger than fiction. Now, that is more truth today than ever before as there are few who speak the truth. Maybe there is a synonym for lies–“media,” or “liberal left.” I remember watching a show where Anton LeVey was interviewed (head of the church of satan). In the interview he said that he always spoke the truth which was a lie, because as he explained, everything he said was a lie since he served the father of lies.
In Psalm 56, David is hiding from Saul. Strangely enough he goes to Gath. You remember who was from Gath? Goliath! Here is the slayer of Goliath hiding in the city of Goliath. And on top of that David pretends that he is mad, and the people of Gath must have believed him. Stranger than fiction for sure.
8 – You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?
9 – When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.
10 – In God (I will praise His word), In the Lord (I will praise His word),
11 – In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
12 – Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God; I will render praises to You,
13 – For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, That I may walk before God
In the light of the living? (NKJV)
Some have said that David is showing a lack of faith by pretending to be insane, by acting the fool. But think of where he was–in Gath. Were there relatives of Goliath in the city? Surely they remembered David. David was fleeing Saul, but didn’t he jump from the frying pan into the fire? One thing to remember, “We win or lose the battle in our spirit.” (George O. Wood) No matter what type of battle it involves the spirit, and that is where the deep, truer fight takes place. Losing your body is one thing; losing your spirit to the enemy is another.
David realizes that God is with him and that is emphasized in these verses. He knows that God even has a shelf of bottles and collects his tears placing them in his bottles. Also, they are also written in God’s book. God is mindful of our lives–every detail. David knows that it is God that keeps him from falling. It is God who delivers him from his enemies whether it be Saul, or the Philistine inhabitants of Gath. Sometimes our wanderings bring us to tears or because of them we cry. Pain can bring tears, suffering can bring tears, mistakes can bring tears. God has bottled them up.
One more thing I want to point out. “Vows made to You are binding upon me…” (vs 12) Have you ever made a vow to God. Perhaps gone to an altar, and promised that you would never do such-and-such again. The next day you find yourself “in Gath” and act mad and break the vow.
“When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you.”
–Deuteronomy 23:21(NKJV)
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed—
Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.”
–Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (NKJV)
Oh, my, what happens if you do not pay your vows? Woe, and a double-Woe! Just because you do not keep your vow on one day does not negate it the next. God I promise not to do such-and-such, you vow, but then do it. That does not do away with the vow; it is still valid. Get back up, dust yourself off, and determine to keep the vow. Through all the ordeal, trust in God for He is there for you watching, helping, and reaching down.
“My wand’rings, all what they have been
Thou know’st their number took;
Into thy bottle put my tears;
Are they not in thy book?”
–Old Scottish Psalter