If he managed to escape with life, it would make a good tale for the bunk house some night; if they were killed it was in doing their duty—it was all in a day’s work.”
–Clarence Mulford (Bar-20 Days)
“Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.”
–2 Timothy 2:8 (NLT)
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We live in a time of postmodern deconstruction. Part of the purpose of that, and of socialism (aka, communism; Marxism) is to undermine the history of a nation. Change the history, tear it down, do away with it, they clamor, ah, but history cannot be done away with, it can only be hidden.
There are purposes behind statues and monuments. They are to remind us, not only of great men and great deeds, but also of the time in which they were done. They are to remind us of a day and for us to contemplate why and what happened–to learn from it.
There are instances in the Bible where we see that God told individuals to set up memorials. They were to be recalled by the people as a remembrance of what God did in the lives of Israel. Memories are vital to a healthy today and tomorrow. History links the past with the present so that we can learn from it and become better for it. So we can see the sacrifices that were made.
I want also to say that there is power in memories. Look at the following by Robert W. Burns:
“Memory is dynamic. Sometimes we think of memory as passive; but far from being inert, memory is one of the greatest powers we have, making possible the retention of part of the past and the rejection of the rest. Memory is part of the area of our mind which influences below the threshold of awareness.
Memories have mighty power to strengthen our relationship with God. Wherever we may go, God is there, the same God who revealed himself to us at home.
Memories have mighty power to sweeten our relationships with each other. Husbands and wives, when separated can remain faithful by the remembrance of their mutual loyalty. Memories can mend a broken heart or encourage a discouraged person.
Memories have mighty power to sustain us individually. A man’s real wealth is his memory. Memories have the power to make us bitter and unhappy, or gentle and happy. Through memory we can enter the life of any person in his time of need by recalling a similar experience ourselves.”
True, there is a warning we should heed in regard to memories. It is two-fold: first, we do not live in our memories, they are there to bring a smile, to be used when others are in need. Second, memories if not looked at with proper perspective can bring regrets. “If only…,” “I should have…” and on we could go. That’s one reason memories are important, so that today we can look at the past, make wise decisions so that when we get become more of a refined and aged person that we do not look back with regrets.
Look at the admonishment of Paul in the above Scripture. “Always remember Jesus Christ…”. Remember His sacrifice and His reason for coming to earth. Remember how He has helped you in the past. If He helped you there, won’t He be ready to help you again? Why do we look to men and women of the past? To understand that if God was there to help them in the time of need, in the time of turmoil, in the time of ideological confusion, that same God–Jesus, will be with you to help you.
Author: Ira Paine
Echoes From the Campfire
I didn’t have any idea what a wealthy person does, or even if it was something I could do, without messing up my life.”
–Lou Bradshaw (Along the Way)
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”
–Romans 11:33 (NKJV)
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I came across some reading the other night and it stopped me, causing me to take some time to ponder. Have you noticed how often we read through a Scripture, but don’t take time to eat at the station. It’s as if the stage doesn’t stop, but keeps right on going. We need to stop once in a while and not just think but contemplate what is being said.
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”‘”
–Revelation 2:8-10 (NKJV)
“The First,” think of that. Have you ever thought of what it was like before God created? I mean before He created anything: the angels, the cherubim, the seraphim, heaven, the throne. What was it like when there were no men, no angels, no words spoken? What was it like when there was only God? Joseph Parker said that we have only the “dimmest apprehension of the mystery of being the First.”
“The Last,” is another mystery. I am not sure if it is referring to the ages of eternity to come or if it could be referring to the words of Jesus when He cried, “It is finished.” The last act of salvation was finished.
The Lord then turns His attention to the church at Smyrna. It was a suffering church. The people may have cried in their misery “woe is me,” but Jesus reminds them that they are rich. He knows where to find them, He knows where they are no matter how dark the grief and suffering may be.
A writing by Joseph Parker brought the following to my attention concerning the fact that Christ knows where we are when we are suffering for him. First, he says, “It should embolden us to seek His help.” “He is within whisper-reach of all His saints.” It may be only a sigh or a groan, but He is there, He knows. Second, “It should inspire us with invincible courage… the shadow of Christ falls upon us, and that shadow is stronger than a thousand shields.” If courage fails we need to turn to Him to embolden us. “He knows your frame; He remembereth that you are but dust; He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. You fail, but He never!” And thirdly, “It should clothe us with profoundest humility.” Who are we that the King of heaven and the universe would care for us, would come to our aid? Yet, He does!
There is one more phrase to contemplate, “you are rich.” Now, I would ask you, what does it mean for you to be rich? Does rich not differ because of circumstance? My Aunt always considered herself rich when she received a job from Safeway. Our family budget almost doubled–we were rich. Give the widow of “two mites” several talents and she would think herself rich. Are you rich in comparison to Joe Blow, or to Donald Trump, or to the wealth of Solomon? Are you rich because your Father sits enthroned with unsearchable riches?
Eddy Arnold put out a song a few years back, titled “The Richest Man in the World.” Look at part of the lyrics and it will give you a good idea of what riches are.
“Now the rich folks talk about the grub they eat
Now I’ve got all those rich folks beat
‘Cause I’ve got a field of yellow yams
And a smokehouse filled with country hams.
Talk to me about caviar
They ain’t nothing but fish eggs placed in a jar,
I’ve got a whole pond of big brown trout
Fish eggs what are they talking about?
Hey I got no fancy swimming pool
But the creek in the woods is deep and cool…
I’m wealthy, I’m wealthy…”
What then is truly being rich? Is your faith strong? Then you are rich. Are your children serving the Lord? Then you are indeed rich. Have you spent much time serving and laboring for Christ? If so, then you are rich. No matter the turmoil, the viruses that come your way, the commotion and confusion that strikes at you–Jesus knows where you are and that you are rich.
Echoes From the Campfire
Sometimes it is necessary to protect the innocent against the plans of the criminal.”
–Louis L’Amour (Westward the Tide)
“Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”
–Numbers 14:9 (NKJV)
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Does the future seem bleak to you? Maybe it is because of your outlook on life, your perspective on what is happening and your part in it. True, I know that some of you wish you could pack up your pistol, take your old shotgun and run the dastardly devils out of town. Hmmm, but really, would you?
There is so much clamor going on I wonder what is really down inside someone’s soul. It’s easy to be brazen on Facebook and other social media, but even then some are afraid of the so-called “media police.” I know that many are thinking through this, and wonder how far they go before action must be taken, but, oh, let someone else do it. But there may come a time when you have to get involved. Vigilante??!! Hmmm, seems to be a hateful word, but when you truly look at it, it is actually democracy. The people are taking action to enforce the law. Yes, there are many problems with vigilantes; if not guided properly they become a mob and similar to the ones they are trying to rid.
I like what Mario Murillo wrote”
“Millions of these ‘woke’ Christians are nervous and anxious about tomorrow. They see the storm we are sailing into. They even pray for protection for themselves and the ones they love—but they won’t take a stand, and they don’t agree with God’s means of saving us. Hypocrites! You want God to save you from the very evil you refuse to stand against!”
That’s hitting the nail on the head. Standing against evil, or do we let evil have its way and if not stopped it will and it will only get worse, more bizarre and perverted.
In this day of worry, doubt, and fear, I want to remind you that it should not be in the make-up of the Christian. Are there sorrows? Yes. Are there dark clouds of unknown? Yes. But, where is your hope? In Whom do you place your trust and faith? As I was writing this the words from an old song came to me. Let me finish this Echo with them and let them “echo” through your heart in this trying period.
“I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day,
I don’t borrow from its sunshine, For its skies may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future, For I know what Jesus said,
And today I’ll walk beside Him, For He knows what is ahead.
Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand.”
–Ira Stanphill
Hmmm, perhaps that is the problem, we don’t know what Jesus said and we really wonder if He is walking beside us. I can assure you that He most definitely is!
The Saga of Miles Forrest
Thursday, Molly and Marta were planning a going-away party for the Rev. Robinson and his wife Lucy and also to introduce the new preacher. Sunday would be his first official service. Things had settled down since the little confrontation in the diner. Of course, most of the time Keim would be working out at Thompson’s ranch, and Shaw was keeping a low profile.
On my way to the telegraph office, I saw the two reverends and Clyde Hoffner walking the streets. Reverend Robinson was still taking his successor around to meet the people of the town. I happened to talk some with Mateo and he mentioned that he was well-received in the Mexican section of town. I’m sure that will not make the priest happy.
There was a telegram waiting for me from Marshal Blasco. He said that Keim is not wanted for anything in the State of Kansas. He said a deputy would be making a call on the Langfords since they were the ones that issued the poster. I had to chuckle a little as he ended the telegram, “I’m still alive and doing well.” I reckon that was a jab a me for not checking on him. I had left him recuperating after our episode in Raton.
Solly Vendor was standing outside his cigar store when I came out of the telegraph office. I liked Solly but I couldn’t abide the smell from his ol’ stogies. He was a jolly sort, always ready to help out if there was a problem in the town, and behind the scenes I knew that he helped those who fell in need.
“Miles, got a new batch of plug tobacco in just yesterday. Want me to cut you off a chew? On the house,” he said soberly, then gave me a slap on the shoulder. “I heard about the commotion down at the diner. What’s with this ranch foreman?”
“Let me tell you, Sol. The wanted poster is bogus. I just received a wire from Marshal Blasco informin’ me of its invalidity.”
“How so?”
“I don’t know the story yet, but it seems a bitter family in Kansas put it out on their own. The marshal’s office in Kansas is checkin’ it out,” I informed Solly.
From up the street came Charlie Gold, marching in my direction. “Looks like he’s on a mission,” remarked Vendor.
He was, and it included me. “Solly,” he said in greeting. “Miles, get your gear together. You’re going with me to Silverton. There is a large shipment of bullion coming out and I need you to help me guard it.”
“What about the mine guards?” I asked. I think I was becoming domesticated for I didn’t enjoy the getting out and going like I used to.
“It’s a large shipment from several of the mines. Their guards will take it to the Wells Fargo office; that’s when they, along with us will take over.”
Stan Offut rushed out of the telegraph office bumping into me. “Oh, good, Marshal, this just now came in for you,” he said handing me a telegram.
It was from Marshal Blasco, “Shipment from Silverton–STOP–You are to guard as far as Kansas City–STOP J. Blasco.”
Charlie looked at me and I gave a big sigh. “When do we leave, Sheriff?”
He reached for the telegram, read it, then gave me a slap on the shoulder. “Next train goes out in two hours. I’ll get the tickets while you’re getting ready. I’ll meet you back at the diner in an hour.”
“If you see Mateo, tell him to come to the diner,” I hollered as he walked back up the street.
Stan and Solly were standing there looking at me. “How’s this Mateo working out?” asked Solly.
There was no animosity in his question but I turned to look at him. “Sol, why don’t you tell me?”
That brought a smile to his face. “If you can keep him alive, I think he’ll be a good one.”
Offut was quiet, so I turned to him. “Uh, I have no problems,” he muttered stepping back to go back to his office.
Two hours later Charlie and I were on the train heading up to Silverton. We had said our goodbyes to Molly and Marta who had fixed us some nice ham sandwiches to take with us. “We should be back tomorrow afternoon,” I informed Molly.
She looked at me, “When will you have to leave for Kansas City? I want you here for the party on Thursday.”
All I could do was shrug and say, “I don’t have a schedule yet. I should get it from Wells Fargo when I get to Silverton. They should have all of the transfer and travel times.”
I had seen Upton Shaw sitting at a table, but I didn’t know how intently he was listening in on our conversation…