Author: Ira Paine

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

Every day is a beautiful day when you have rested, eaten, and enjoyed those you are with.”
                    –B.N. Rundell  (High Country)

       “Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ.”
                    –1 Thessalonians 5:18 (Phillips)
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There has been so much written and said regarding prayer.  I wonder, I just wonder if we read more about prayer and write more about prayer, yet do less praying?  Then we ask, is there a particular way to pray, or a particular form I should pray, and we get caught up in thinking about praying and don’t do it.  However, prayer is perhaps one of the most important things a person can do in the course of a day.

          “In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.” –Psalm 5:3, NASB

     Does that mean we must pray in the morning?  Yes and no.  I would say you do not have to get up and pray at a certain time every morning.  On the other hand it is a good way to start one’s day–in prayer.  God has given us a new day so why not start the day with Him?  It is a privilege to begin the day with the Lord.  Someone has said that, “the morning is the tuning fork of the day”.  If that is so, then prayer helps us tune up for the day.
     The ESV puts a different slant to the above psalm, “O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”  I have never thought of a morning sacrificial prayer.  What is the sacrifice?  Maybe it is nothing more than getting up a few minutes early to spend time with the Lord.  It might be to pray that during this day you will present your body as a living sacrifice unto the Lord (Romans 12:1)
     Prayer should be a habit that we develop, a duty if you will, but more than that, prayer should be a part of our life.  It should be an attitude of our heart and mind, that is praying without ceasing.  We should be able to talk with the Lord anytime throughout the day.  Too busy to pray?  Then you are too busy.  Prayer doesn’t mean you have to bow your head and close your eyes, in fact, when I pray I do what the Lord said, “watch and pray” and I seldom close my eyes.  I like what Ray Stedman has said, we pray when we think it is necessary, we pray when we feel like it.  We should pray in every context that we find ourselves involved in.  We should always be thinking, or praying, “Speak through me in this.”  In this email, in this business transaction, in this interview, in my daily duties and chores, in my interaction with people and family.  Speak through me in my studies, in my work, in my recreation (oh, that’s a good one), in this walk I’m going to take, in the road upon which I am driving.  Do you get it–pray without ceasing, pray always in every circumstance and situation.
     Remember, prayer is not just asking God for things.  There is the earnest prayer that comes from need.  And don’t be surprised if God doesn’t answer some of your wants as long as they are not detrimental to our walk with Him.  Prayer is fellowship, communion, and conversation with our heavenly Father.  I have seen it put this way:  Prayer has five elements:  ACTS — adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication, submission.  Don’t get hung up on those.  If you leave one out, don’t fret over it.  If you get them out of that order, don’t sweat it.  
     Yes, we should be like the disciples, “teach me how to pray,” but we don’t let that stop us from praying.  As we pray, we learn.  As we go through life, we learn to pray.  And with that I would encourage you to take a few minutes each morning, if that be your “sacrifice” so be it, and pray.  Remember, prayer is actually conversation with the Lord.  Use it to develop a deeper and better relationship with Him.

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

Some people spend most of their lives out in the darkness of the world and need help moving to the daylight.”

                    –Cliff Hudgins  (Viejo and the Hunted Ranger)

       “You should give that word your closest attention, for it shines like a lamp amidst all the dirt and darkness of the world, until the day dawns, and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
                    –2 Peter 1:19 (Phillips)
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     There are some who have what they call “a life verse.”  I don’t have a problem with that.  It can be a verse that is the rock to which one clings in rough times.  I have found, however, in my life that there are many verses that reach out to me, or rather I should say, I cling to.  In the last decade Proverbs 4:18 has been one of those main verses.  I have used it in all of my novels.  I really like the way the NLT translates it.

          “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” (NKJV)
          “The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.” (NLT)

     One of my favorite things is to sit by the window in the early morning, before dawn, drinking my coffee and doing my morning studies and devotions.  I like to see gray light begin to appear which will turn into an array of colors.  They may be red, orange, pink, purple, but that is the breaking of dawn, the sun is not up yet.  However, soon light begins to appear through the tops of the trees indicating that day is now upon us.  Soon, the sun will be shining in its brightness stating that day is now here.
     Christ is dawn’s early light when we accept Him, and He continues to shine in brightness as we follow Him.  J.L. Flores refers to this as “the highway of holiness.”  It is referred to as the narrow gate (Matthew 7:14).  Interestingly, upon reading several translations I only find the NIV and KJV referring to it as a “narrow way.”  Other translations use the terms, “difficult,” “hard,” “difficult,” which could definitely imply “narrow” or “constricting.”  But the entrance is small, hard to see, maybe like the dawning there is little light.  But as we enter, despite the hardness or the difficulties of the way it begins to open up.  As the sun shines more and more brightly we find more knowledge, more holiness, and more joy.  We are walking in “a holy security,” (Matthew Henry) following the way of Christ.  People speak of progressiveness, then this is the true and right meaning of progressive.  This is the path to take as it shines more and more.
     Note, however, the next verse.  There is a vast contrast.

           “The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” (NKJV)

     The ESV and other versions say that it is “deep darkness.”  Oh, the entrance is easy to see.  There is a carnival atmosphere around it.  Lights are glowing, false lights not like that of the sun, enhancing the entrance.  But as one enters it proceeds to get darker, the path is more narrow.  Charles Bridges writes, “The way of the wicked is darkness, without direction, comfort, safety, or peace.”  There is confusion when a person is in darkness, they begin to grope about, they stumble and don’t even know what they tripped over.  The darker it gets the more they stumble.  For “Wickedness puts out the eyes of the soul.” (J.L. Flores)
    Isaiah writes, “…we look for light, but there is darkness!  For brightness, but we walk in blackness!  We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes; we stumble at noonday as at twilight; we are as dead men in desolate places.” (59:9-10, NKJV)  “The darkness is a darkness that may be felt.  It constitutes our eternal chains.”  (Samuel Miller)  Gone are the lights and the atmosphere of the grand carnival, and now there is fear, stumbling, groping, and the road continues to restrict and lead downward.  How dark will be the day of perdition until finally they find themselves as Jesus said “in darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 22:13; 25:30)
     There are two paths:  one has a narrow entrance but the way gets brighter.  The other promises a carnival, a circus, but upon entering the way become lawless, and darker.  Man has been given light to find the right path, but it is up to him to choose.  The light from the godly also indicates the entrance to the way of Christ.  The wicked, however, shut their eyes to the light and they choose to take the way of stumbling and will eventually fall into the depths.  Thank the Lord, we have been called out of darkness into the Light of the grace of God.

 

The Saga of Miles Forrest

by Ira Paine, Posted on
And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other.  But how can one be warm alone?”  –Ecclesiastes 4:11 (NLT)
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     “Miles, we can’t leave Silverton without a marshal,” he paused, looking towards the front office.  “Lucius is an all right jailer, but he can’t handle the likes of Silverton,” he paused again, then added, “so far no one has been able to.”
      I looked out to the office, Tanner was gone to fetch breakfast for the prisoners.  He had calmed down quite a bit unless he had to come feed McGinnis or our guest, Mr. Smith.  “Worst comes to worst, I can stay here if you think you’re able to get McGinnis down to Durango.”
     Charlie had only been sitting up for a couple of days, and McGinnis began yesterday.  Smith would be the problem.  “I could stay until McGinnis is tried and hung an’ keep Smith here with me.  Then after the hangin’ you could come back and I’ll take Smith to Durango.  That way at least one of us would be in town.”
     “Marshal, I ain’t gonna hang!  You wait and see!” yelled McGinnis from his cell.  “Where’s my food, I’m hungry!”
     Doc Minton had been in and said that the prisoner was capable of traveling by train or wagon, and that Charlie should be able to handle the ride as well.  If McGinnis was chained to a seat, Charlie could rest.  Doc said he was coming along fine considering all the blood he lost.
     “Charlie, what say we take our situation upstairs to the One who has the answer for us?”  He nodded and we said a prayer there for God’s guidance and help in needing a marshal for Silverton.
     “Hey!  What’s that you’re doing?” Praying?  You best be doing plenty of that, you’ll need it!” McGinnis scoffed.  “I’ll be spitting on your corpses before long.”  
     I didn’t pay any attention to McGinnis, but he had the ability to grate on my nerves some.  However, I noticed that Smith took notice of what we were doing, leaning forward, attempting to listen.  “You guys really believe that stuff?” he asked in a sincere tone.
     Standing I went across the aisle to stand by Smith’s cell.  “The Lord’s the only hope we have in this life, and for sure the only hope we have for eternity,” I paused looking over at McGinnis where seemed to be carrying a perpetual sneer.  Turning back, I continued speaking to Smith.  “Life is short, shorter than others for some, and it is a comfort knowin’ that the Lord is on your side.”
     While in the midst of my talk with Smith, I heard pounding on the office door.  It was too early for Tanner to return.  I quickly drew my pistol then headed for the door.  Peeking through the shades on the window I saw that it was Osain Beavin, the miner who was in the way of Kid Malloy’s bullet.  Without holstering my gun I unlocked the door inviting Beavin inside then stepped out looking up and down the street.  Up on the corner I saw a man standing that gave rise to suspicion, but I decided to ignore him.
     After locking the door, I put my gun away and turned to Beavin.  “What can I do for you, Mr. Beavin?” I inquired observing that his arm was in a sling.
     He gave a half-smile, then said, “Goin’ down tah Durango with yuh.”
     A thought rushed through my mind.  “How’s the arm?”
     “Doc said I could take the sling off today or tomorrow.  It’s some sore, and I have to be careful movin’ it too quick, but it’ll be alright,” he hesitated, then smiled continuing.  “Ol’ Heinie at the “Iowa” said if I couldn’t sling a hammer he had no need for me.  I will give him credit, he did say that when the arm was better to come see him, there may be an opening.  Well, Marshal, I’ve got to eat between now and then.”
     For some reason, I blurted, “Have you ever considered bein’ a marshal?”  His eyes widened, and he started to speak but no words came.  “You know the people, you know Silverton, and,” I looked at him, “you’re tough.”
     “Well, now, I…”
     Charlie heard me talking and came walking from the cell area.  He nodded at Beavin.  “So you’re our new marshal…glad to have you aboard…”

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

In any such fight it is not only what you do, it is where and how you do it.”
                    –Louis L’Amour  (Flint)

       “Fight the worthwhile battle of the faith, keep your grip on that life eternal to which you have been called, and to which you boldly professed your loyalty before many witnesses.”

                    –1 Timothy 6:12 (Phillips)
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Someone has said that the first portion of Psalm 144 is like a scrapbook.  If you have ever put one together you place pictures of individuals that you have taken, and often they are doing something.  Here are some pictures of God, and notice what He’s doing.  He’s taking notice of us and going into action for us.  Charles H. Spurgeon asked, “How is it that the Eternal should make so much of mortal man, who begins to die as soon as he begins to live?”

          1 — Blessed be the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle–
          2 — My lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge, who subdues my people under me.
          3 — LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him?  Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?
          4 — Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
          5 — Bow down Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
          6 — Flash forth lightning and scatter them; shoot out Your arrows and destroy them.
          7 — Stretch out Your hand from above; rescue me and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of foreigners.
          8 — Whose mouth speaks lying words, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.   (NKJV)

     Shape up!  Look who is there with you.  This reads almost like an action-packed war movie from the beginning of training to the climax of the battle.  Pictures of the Lord coming on the scene to help.  Maybe the title would be, “Man–the Passing Shadow.”  Get up, get moving, get ready for the battle and the work of the Lord on your behalf.  Get the pictures of battle and victory in your mind.
     How will God come to your aid today?  How will He rescue from the onslaught of the enemy?  We have to be out in the midst of the battle if we expect the Lord to come and fight with us/for us.  Richard Sibbes wrote, “There can be no victory where there is no combat.”  Don’t worry so much as to the outcome, for the Lord is there to fight for you.  He is there whenever we fight against our enemies, the enemies of God.  Will He part the sea, He did that once.  Will He bring an earthquake to swallow up those who are against you?  Perhaps He will send a delusion upon the enemy so they fight among themselves.  Oh, His ways and weapons are beyond our means, as well as His tragedies and tactics well above our understanding.
     Basic training, what an interesting time.  A time of training, a time of discipline and learning.  David has been through that – now he is ready for combat, for the fight.  “He finds in the Lord not only his protection in battle but also his preparation for battle…  God is unconditionally committed to His servant, forever loyal to His promises.” (Lawson)  Just look at verse 2, He is our shield.  The shield was used to deflect the arrows and projectiles of the enemy.  Who is our shield?  The Lord God Almighty.  He stands deflecting the fiery darts of the enemy.  God will fight for us, He will defend and protect us.
     God is there!  God is for us!  Add to your collection of pictures the victory that He will bring today.  Add another picture of the action He is going to take.  Rest and rejoice in the victory that He will bring.
   
               “Oh, you must fight, be brave against all evil,
               Never run, nor even lag behind;
               If you would win for God and the right,
               Just keep on the firing line.”
                     –Bessie F. Hatcher