Author: Ira Paine

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on
While it’s true we don’t often get to choose our battles, we can certainly decide how we’re going to fight them.”
                    –Andrew Weston  (Trouble on the Smoky Hill Trail)

       “For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.”
                    –Psalm 18:39 (ESV)
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          “There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”
                    –Numbers 13:33(NKJV)
          “…We felt like grasshoppers next to them, and that’s what we looked like to them!” (NLT)

Ponder that verse for a little while.  Perspective!  Ten spies saw that they were little, incompetent, and small.  There was no chance for victory.  They wailed that the people there were so strong, and that their cities are walled.  Then came the report from Caleb and Joshua:  “Let us go up at once and possess the land!”  The difference was all in their point of view.  The difference was in their view of God.  Alistair Begg reminds us, “One aspect of our happiness relates directly to how we think and how we see.  Our thinking about reality shapes our lives, for better or for worse.”
    Faith must be tested.  Bill Wilson writes, “Tested faith produces power.  Tested faith brings boldness.  Tested faith creates character.”  No matter the age in which we live there are enemies and temptations, and fears, yes, even giants.  Wilson goes on to say, “Faith is an enigmatic thing.  It is a mystery.  Faith is rooted in your understanding of God and your trust in Him.  Faith is the willingness to do what others will not do.  Faith inspires you to look at things differently than those around you.  Faith enables you to defeat your enemies, conquer your fears, and survive your failures.”
     Here was a major test for the people of Israel, and guess what?  They failed it.  Failed it because of a different possession of the situation in front of them; failed it because of a weak view of an almighty God.  We are living in a time of passiveness, a time when the pundits cry for tolerance, yet at the same time promote lawlessness and anarchy.  Don’t they see the foolishness of their thoughts and actions?  We, as believers, are to be God’s army for fighting against the powers of the world that are settled here, vying for your souls.  War comes, if only to test those who had not been in battle, or prepared for battle.  I think of Judges 3:2, “He did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience.” (NIV)
     “The school of faith is the school of life” (Wilson).  As you go out into the world today you may face the imps from the Pit, or perhaps it will be a “Goliath” that looms up his evil head in front of you.  Are you ready to take on the battle?  Jack Graham says, “Don’t let your perspective deter you from obedience.”  Go forward, faith is the victory, but you must be willing to face the enemy, draw your sword, take the risk.  The battle is there in front of you–everyday.  Yes, you train, yes, you prepare, but there is a time to face and go into the fray.

               “Into valleys, into waters,
               Into jungles, into hell,
               Let us ride, let us ride home again
               With a story to tell.
               Into darkness, into danger,
               Into storms that rip the night.
               Don’t give in, don’t give up
               But give thanks for the glorious fight…”
                     –Frank Wildhorn

     A hopeless situation will bring out your character.  The fire of battle will determine the kind of person you are.  Yet, we shun it, we don’t want to face the inevitable–the fight will be there.  Run and hide, then face days and years of wandering in the wilderness or dare to face what is in front of you in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Reject the taunts and laughter from the world, put on the armor of God and go into the fire.  And I like what Bill Wilson says, “You do not get strength for a battle; you get strength from the battle.”  Norman S. Marshall of the Salvation Army has this little prayer as we face the giants and enter the battle, “O Lord, you can turn night into day, fear into faith, defeat into victory.  Help us to get our eyes off the evidence of despair and look to You for help.  You have never lost a battle.  Amen!”

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

Concern yourself not with the consequences, just remember that if you fail to stand for what is right, there will be worse consequences suffered by not only yourself, but many others. A man cannot go to his grave with anything so significant on his conscience. You will one day stand before God.”

                    –B.N. Rundell  (The Covenant)

          “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.  For if you do these things, you will never fall.”
                    –2 Peter 1:10 (NIV)
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                    “…so you must work out your own salvation with fear and trembling–(that is, keep on carrying out to the ultimate point of completion your salvation with reverence and awe, by finishing the race you’ve begun so that you will not dishonor God or disgrace the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord).”
                              –Philippians 2:12(Harbuck)

     Work out, don’t stop halfway!  “No Christian should be satisfied with anything less than the total benefits of the gospel.” (Barclay)  We know that God is at work in each of us and therefore it is up to us to cooperate with Him.  William Barclay writes, “The Christian must give continual evidence in his daily life that he is indeed working out his own salvation; day by day it must be more fully accomplished.”  Today we should not be the same as yesterday.  But remember, as in life growth sometimes comes in spurts and at other times it seems so very slow.  In either case, “This Christian life must be a continual progress, for it is a journey towards God.” (Barclay)
     Last week we saw that one way to work out our salvation was to pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus.  We saw that sometimes that cross is heavy, sometimes it is hard to pick up, but pick it up we must.  This morning I want to draw our attention to another way that we work out our salvation.

               “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
                              –2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)

I like the way the Living Bible expresses this verse, “Work hard so God can say to you, ‘Well done’…”  As an educator of nearly forty years I know the value of testing.  There is quite a bit of controversy today regarding that issue, but no matter what a student must be tested in one manner or another.  Grades are given and approval is given after the testing.  Then, and only then, if we qualified we received the grade, the prize.  A teacher is expected to do their utmost to help the student (i.e., the Holy Spirit) however, the student must take the test.  The student then is expected to qualify by taking and coming through the test.  All do not do the same–Peter was not John, Mark was not Paul–and unfortunately some fail (Judas, Demas).  
     A student is expected “to put out every effort as one who has stood the test.” (Barclay)  To falter and fall is not an option, however, some do turn back; they turn in their test only partially completed.  Paul tells us in Ephesians that after we have done all to stand, and after done all to continue to stand.  Stand the test, give it all diligence, be tested and approved and as you stand firm in the tests of life you will then be fit for service, you will be working out your own salvation.  Barclay says this, “Be tested that you might be a fit weapon for the work of Christ, and therefore a workman who had no need to be ashamed.”  I had never really thought of the idea that we, in our everyday lives, are a weapon against the forces of evil.  As the Marines train a “few good men” so the Holy Spirit trains the disciples of Christ to face the enemy and show forth the light and truth of God.
     One more thought, the KJV renders the word the NKJV uses for “diligent” as “study.”  This has often caused some confusion.  Taken literally that means we need to actually study to be approved.  That is an old term, and diligent fits much better, however, I will say we do need to “study.”  Study God’s Word, study life, study the situation we find ourselves in, then…work through them.  The term in the Greek is “spoudasou” which means “to give diligence,” “to try hard,” “to endeavor,” “to be eager.”  Vine says it means “to hasten to do; to exert oneself.”  Think of that.  How much do we exert ourselves in the development of who we are in Christ?  I am not speaking of salvation, but after we are saved we should be working and striving and zealous in our being to be more and more like Christ, so that we can pass the test–any test–that may come our way.  Bernard Rossier puts it this way, “we should be doing one’s best, taking the responsibility seriously.”  A Christian life is picking up the cross, not tip-toeing through the tulips, and now we see that it is serious business to prepare ourselves for this life and for eternity.

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

There had been no time for thought…his reaction had been instantaneous, the result of years of practice and awareness of danger.”
                    –Louis L’Amour  (Taggart)

       “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
                    –Matthew 5:8 (NIV)
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Again we see the warning from the father.  Interestingly it is to the son from the father, but looking back at verse 20 we see that he is not to forsake the law of his mother.  Remember that the father was responsible for the training, education, and upbringing of the child while the mother was responsible for their nurturing.  It might be better in today’s culture that the warning would go to both children.  As we look at Proverbs 6:25-29, we need to review:  “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (4:23, NKJV).

          25 — Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids.
          26 — For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life.
          27 — Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
          28 — Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?
          29 — So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.  (NKJV)

Oh, the fluttering and flirting of a woman’s eyelashes.  We’ve seen the movies, and the cartoons that make use and fun of this idea, but here Solomon is giving valid advice.  The ESV translates verse 25, “Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes.”  Outward sin always begins in the mind; therefore, it is imperative to guard the heart with diligence.  The words of Jesus come to mind, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28, NIV)
     Warren Wiersbe writes, “The Word of God in the mind and heart is like a guide who leads us on the safe path and protects us from attacks.  It’s also like a friend who talks to us and counsels us along the way.”  To wander off the path is dangerous and think of it–the “strange woman”, the immoral life, can reduce a person to a crust of bread.  This means to be degraded to the lowest level of poverty.  A person is taking chances with health and life.  McGee states, “The presence of a desire isn’t the same as the privilege to satisfy that desire.”
     Notice the analogy with fire.  Fire, under control and used properly is a good thing.  However, fire can be dangerous.  How many times have we heard, “you play with fire and you’re going to get burned”?   “Fire is a good thing if it’s confined and controlled.  It can keep us warm, cook our food, drive our turbines, and manufacture our electricity.  Sex is a good gift from God, but like fire, if it gets out of control, it becomes destructive.  What begins as a ‘warm’ experience soon becomes a burning experience, like holding a torch in your lap or walking on burning coals.” (Wiersbe)  Verses 27 and 28 ask some pointed questions, and J.L. Flores reminds us that, “The scar of the burn will remain even after the wound is healed.”
     Blisters, scars, wounds that bring pain and often it remains for a long time.  The warning is here–there is a danger of flirting with disaster.  Dan Dick says, “There is nothing to be gained by seeing how close we can come to sin without feeling its heat.”  We should pray this little prayer:  “Guard me from the fire which consumes, and cover me with the fire which cleanses.  Make me pure in the fire of your love, removing from my life the ash and soot of the fires of sin.” (Dick)

 

The Saga of Miles Forrest

by Ira Paine, Posted on
If you see a poor person being oppressed by the powerful and justice being miscarried throughout the land, don’t be surprised!  For every official is under orders from higher up, and matters of justice only get lost in red tape and bureaucracy.  Even the king milks the land for his own profit.”  –Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 (NLT)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
     Charlie agreed with me that we had nothing substantial to hold John Smith.  He was told that his boss, Jesse Moreland, ought to seek out more reputable men, local ranchers or cattle buyers.  There was indeed a market to be had in bringing beeves up to Silverton.  
     I spent most of the day Saturday in bed, or sitting in a chair watching Star, Two-Bits, Hawk enjoying the sunny weather and pasture.  They definitely need to be ridden more though Hawk was beginning to show some age.  Sunday I made it to church and Parson Chapman and his wife, Betty, insisted that we have dinner with them after the service.  I didn’t want to be such a bother, but they both insisted.  She fixed a ham with pintos along with some potatoes and on the side some cornbread, not fancy, but filling and tasty.  Betty said she dared not make a pie with Molly there so she made a chocolate cake instead.  After dinner we had a fine time chatting.
     “Miles, you look weary,” stated the Parson while we were enjoying cake and coffee.
     “Well, Honey, he was shot,” declared Betty, after wiping some chocolate icing from the corner of her lips.
     “No, no, it isn’t the weariness of the body I’m speaking of.  It’s the weariness of the soul, the heaviness of the spirit,” replied the preacher with concern.  “I’ve seen your body Miles.  You’ve collected plenty of scars and if I’m not mistaken there are more in your soul than appear on your body.”
     I didn’t say anything.  He was the preacher after all, and he was right.  I was weary and tired and worn.  I gave a deep sigh, then looked the preacher in the eye.  “Parson, why do you do what you do?”
     It kind of took him back, for he straightened up, then rubbed his chin.  “Because I’m called.  Because there’s a need.”
     I nodded my head, then looked over at Molly and smiled.  “I could say the same is true of me.  There is a need for rightful justice.  Somebody has to do it, and you’re right, at times it seems like there’s no use, nothing is changing,” I took a deep swallow of coffee.  Betty reached for my cup to refill it.  “Parson, when I get to feelin’ down in the dumps, I think ’bout ol’ Jeremiah down in the mire.  You”re a preacher, why didn’t he quit?  He had to be worn and tired and depressed.”
     The preacher just nodded his head; nothing needed to be said.
     Monday, Wallace McGinnis stood before Judge Klaser’s court.  His lawyer wanted a stay, but the Judge denied him.  One thing for the Judge, he believed in the right to a speedy trial.  He sentenced McGinnis to five years in the state penitentiary.  When Charlie was escorting McGinnis back to the jail, the Judge motioned for me to join him in his office.
     I followed him in, and after he took off his robes, he reached down in a cabinet for a bottle of what I thought the label said was, “scotch.”  He took one swallow from a glass he had poured, then put the bottle back in the cabinet.  He didn’t bother to offer me any knowing that I didn’t partake, but he did glance my direction and offered up an excuse, “After a case such as this, I afford myself one drink.”
     “Miles, are you able to take McGinnis to Canon City?” he asked while looking me over.
     “I can sit on a train, if that’s what you’re askin’?
     He gave a little grunt, then smiled.  “Guess that’s what I’m asking.  I know you’re upset over the verdict, but Miles, there was no evidence to hang him, or to even say that he ordered someone killed.  Perhaps, he’ll learn his lesson in the pen.”
     Looking at him, I remarked, “Judge…” and left it at that to which he shook his head slowly understanding what I meant.  Then I added, “How many people reject the free offer of the heavenly Father’s grace?”