Author: Ira Paine

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

I mull the story of Christ’s birth, with its simplistic beauty and wonder if I saw the star, would I heed the call of duty?”
                    –Jack Burdette

       “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
                    –Matthew 2:2 (NIV)
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Often I have thought of that trek so many years ago.  The wise men would have traveled from somewhere near Babylon to Bethlehem, a trip of around 900 miles.  That would mean it would take them around 50-60 days if not longer.  Were there three or twelve?  It really doesn’t matter, but the more there were the longer it would have taken.  Think, it would be a caravan similar to the wagon trains going West in our country or of a large caravan of freight wagons moving along the Santa Fe Trail.
     Something caught their attention.  They were looking skyward; they saw something, something unusual that made them want to find this newborn king.  I will say that there was also something in their heart that was longing, aching for it to be stilled.  The “Star,” the ache, but it wouldn’t have happened if they had not been looking upward.

          Star of the East, oh Bethlehem’s star,
          Guiding us on to heaven afar
          Sorrow and grief are lulled by thy light
          Thou hope of each mortal in death’s lonely night.
                    –George Cooper (“Star of the East”)

     The hope that they saw in the “Star” brought peace, and yet, at the same time anxiousness to find the newborn.  There was something in what they saw.  The answer, perhaps to death.  Was this the man spoken about in the Jewish Prophets?  The Redeemer of mankind.  They had to seek Him.  Think of the trouble it took.  Even if only three, they had to pack their goods, food for the camels, take along extra camels in case of accident, then hire men to work the camels, and remember, these were men of means so they most likely did not travel lightly.

          Fearless and tranquil we look up to thee,
          Knowing thou beamst through eternity.
          Help us to follow where thou still dost guide,
          Pilgrims of earth so wide.

     “Look up,” that was the answer.  No it wasn’t astrology; it was far more than that.  Think for a minute, that “Star” had to have been prepared to appear at just this moment in history.  It was prepared when the foundations of the earth and universe were spoken into existence.  All that the Incarnation holds, the complete story is too wonderful for me to understand, comprehend, and when I think of it I must take it in small amounts.  The wise men traveling, the “Star” that guided their way.  Was it a single star created by the great Creator or was it movement in the heavens that caught the attention of the wise men?  Either way, it was a marvelous undertaking that they began because of something happening in the cosmos.

          Oh star that leads to God above
          Whose rays are peace and joy and love
          Watch o’er us still ’til life hath ceased
          Beam on, bright star, sweet Bethlehem’s star.

     They spent many a night on the trail following the star.  Did they ever tire, or did the hope that was stirred deep in their heart keep them going?  No matter, the “Star” was ever before them.  The “Star” that would lead them to the Light of the world was always shining.  When they gazed briefly at the campfire with the smoke rising, they would hear the faint echoes of “Look upward” and it would bring hope and help steady their thoughts on the journey.  There was something they heard, they saw, they sensed that kept them going; their heart longed to worship the new King.

          Star of the East, thou hope of the soul,
          While ’round us here the dark billows roll
          Lead us from sin to glory afar
          Thou star of the East, thou sweet Bethlehem’s star.

     We know they reached the place where the Child was.  They brought and gave Him their gifts, but we must not forget how they reached their destination.  It was the constant echo of the campfire–“Look up!”  They began their trek by looking up and seeing something.  They continued following the light of that “Star.”  They didn’t waver from their journey; they continued to gaze upward and continued onward until they found the Child–the Savior of the world.  We can only imagine what went through their hearts and minds.  They knew they were in the presence of someone grand and unique; they understood that something majestic, mysterious was happening and they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod.  Yes, something wonderful was taking place.  
     What happened to them, we do not know.  I am sure that their hearts continued to burn.  They had been a part of something glorious.  They didn’t falter along the way, but were steadfast in their desire to find this new king.  Onward and upward they continued.  Listen, perhaps you can hear the “echoes” of “Look up…for your redemption draweth nigh”.

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

Worthiness is not a requirement for a gift.”

                    –Donald L. Robertson  (Soul of a Mountain Man)

       “You also be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
                     –James 5:8 (NKJV)
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The Incarnation–a mystery of mysteries; it is indeed a most wonderful mystery.  Christman!  The season in which we celebrate the momentous and marvelous mystery sent to us by God.  Many think it is a time of “getting;” a time of splurging using Christmas as an excuse to get something they want or want to give.  Chad Bird said, “He who dies with the most toys has generally toyed with life and lost.”  A true, and shameful statement.  Christmas, in reality, should be a time of giving.  By giving I do not mean the giving of the biggest or most expensive gift to build up your ego–that is prideful giving, boasting.
     Many object to Christmas as being too materialistic.  That again is often an excuse.  Yes, there is the material aspect, there is the commercialization of Christmas, we do not have to get caught up in that, but do not leave out the concept of giving.  We see the Magi bringing gifts to the Child.  (Let me interject here, do not get hung up in the criticism that the Magi were not at the birth of Jesus, instead enjoy the fact that they were part of the story.)  Some may say, “I have nothing to give, nothing to offer.”  I would rebuke them with a hardy–“Bah Humbug!”
     Oh, my friend you do–we all do as believers have something to give!  I well remember as a kid growing up that on the morning at church when we had the Christmas sermon that at the end of the service there would be a bag of goodies given to all present.  That bag would usually be filled with an apple and orange, all sorts of uncracked nuts, an assortment of Christmas candy, and a red or green popcorn ball.  I have to smile as I write this at the wonderful gift of memory that I have of watching my Grandma making dozens of those popcorn balls for the occasion.  I also have the story of my Mom saying that during the Depression the only gift they received was a popcorn ball.
     But, hold on, think–ponder–for a moment.  No, you may not have an apple or orange to give to someone, or even a popcorn ball, but you have something better, deeper and more wonderful.  Again think–ponder–those wonderful fruits that are within you.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV)  These can be given out, and should be given out, not only at Christmas time but throughout the year.  This is a way that we can keep Christmas the whole year long, but giving those gifts to others around us, but using the gifts that God has given us.  When was the last time you gave someone “longsuffering” (patience)?  When was the last time you did something “good” for someone?  Or showed them the joy of the Lord?  W.C. Jones wrote, “The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.”  But it should not only be at Christmas, but every day of the year.
     Think–ponder–for a moment the great Gift.  Yes, that gift of God’s Son.  You know the verse well, “For God so loved the world [that’s you and me] that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, NKJV, additions are mine)  Now, having received and enjoyed the gift of His Son, what do we do with it?  Let me help with one item this Christmas season.  Hear, and do, what the Apostle Paul wrote, “Let your gentleness be known to all men.  The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5, NKJV)  My, my, when was the last time you gave the gift of gentleness to someone?  Now, don’t get them confused with being namby-pamby.  Gentleness is acting with least possible offense in a situation, but taking proper control of the situation.  Hmmm, ponder that.
     In short, do not say, “I have nothing to offer.”  Offer the gift of gentleness.  Why?  The Lord is at hand.  Therefore, offer those around you the knowledge that Jesus is returning.  The First Advent we celebrate this season, however in the midst of this wonderful celebration we look anxiously to the soon coming Second Advent.

          “Somehow, not only for Christmas
          But all the long year through,
          The joy that you give to others
          Is the joy that comes back to you.
          And the more you spend in blessing
          The poor and lonely and sad,
          The more of your heart’s possessing
          Returns to you glad.”
                    –John Greenleaf Whittier

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

Without the law and without the Gospel, evil seemed to reign.”

                    –D.C. Adkisson  (The True and Unbiased Life of Elias Butler)

       “And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.'”
                    –Job 28:28 (NKJV)
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Bob Beasley refers to Proverbs, chapter 9, as a sandwich, the bread of the feast of wisdom on one side, and the bread of folly’s feast on the other.  “Everyone in the world will attend one feast or the other, and all are on paths in opposite directions.” (Beasley)  The test is one’s response to the Word of God.

          7 — He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.
          8 — Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
          9 — Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
        10 — The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
        11 — For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.
        12 — If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone.  (NKJV)

     How does one respond to a mocker?  The best way is not at all.  The wise will become more wise; he will increase his learning.  But the mocker – you’ve seen them, the person who rolls his eyes at the truth of God’s Word, his response will be insult, abuse, and hatred.  The wise will be rewarded while the mocker (scoffer) will suffer the fate of eternal death.  This is the person who rejects what we are celebrating at Christmas–the great Gift of the Father to redeem mankind.  This is the person at whom I can just shake my head.  As J. Verson McGee says, if anything is to be learned from the Proverbs it is this, “A man is a fool to live without God in this world.”
     Dan Dick states, “Growth comes from finding our weaknesses and working to build them into strengths.”  This is done by listening and adhering to God’s Word.  All Scripture is given for doctrine, rebuke, correction, and instruction (2 Timothy 3:16).  The wise man will listen to the words of Paul, “Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy, 4:16, NIV)  We must be open to His leadership and guidance.  He knows the way, the means, and the obstacles we must overcome.  I recall Basic Training, we had a reverent fear and respect for our instructors.  We dared not roll our eyes at their instruction, yet the greatest Instructor of all–the Holy Spirit–is often ignored, scoffed at, mocked, and if not careful blasphemed.  Dick relates that “The fear of the Lord is nothing more than knowing who He is and respecting Him.”
     We live in a world of postmodernism, deconstructionism, and confusion.  The broad-minded liberals who want their beliefs taught are really the narrow-minded bigots.  They have a hatred for the things of God.  They wouldn’t dare live in this world without proper insurance:  life, auto, house, and the like.  Yet they neglect the insurance of eternal salvation.  As we read, we see who indeed is the real fool.  “There are people who are so shallow, empty, and ignorant that they will not receive the Word of God at all.” (McGee)
     If people reject you, it is because you have stirred the inner evil that resides in them.  Hatred is not just an emotion, it is one who scorns and ridicules the truth of God’s Word.  The choice is there, choose wisely and you will grow wiser.  Choose to mock God and the path is clear–perdition awaits.  As J.L. Flores writes, “A foraking of the wrong path must go before entrance into the right one.”  How does one get to the right one if they continue in their hatred and bitterness?  One last thought, think of David.  He came to the point where he could have rejected the message of the Prophet Nathan, instead he was wise, accepted the rebuke of the prophet, repented, and continued on the path to victory.

The Saga of Miles Forrest

by Ira Paine, Posted on

Whatever exists was given its name long ago, and it is known what man is. But he is not able to contend with the One stronger than he.”  –Ecclesiastes 6:10(HCSB)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
     He stood before me, a solid dark figure with a heavy coat, scarf around his neck, and hat pulled down low.  However, his face was plainly visible, the deep-set eyes that were almost a gray color rather than blue, square jaw, heavy brown moustache, and a hint of a smile at his lips.  “McBride!  What in the world are you doing here?”
     Snow had started to fall, but I wasn’t noticing it as much as the man in front of me.  “Come in, get out of the cold,” I said opening the door wide to let him enter.  It was then that I took notice of the snow.
     Shrugging his shoulders, he removed his scarf, then looked toward the table where we had been enjoying pie, coffee, and conversation.  “Sorry, didn’t mean to bust up your party,” he said as he was unbuttoning his coat.  Then he saw Molly, Betty, Marta, and Luciana.  “Sorry ladies, my manners are on the poor side,” he apologized, removing his hat.
     I offered to take his coat, but he shook his head, then placed it on top of a table.  I saw the eyes of Charlie and Mateo go to McBride’s gun.  The sign of a good lawman.  He saw it too and the semi-smile appeared again.  
     “Here, let me introduce you to my friends.  Listen up, folks, this here is, uh, Hollister McBride with the Colorado Rangers.”
     He gave a little bow of the head to the ladies, then straightened up as I introduced all of the men present.  I sort of lingered when I came to Finegan.  “This is, Cop, uh, Boyd Finegan.”
     Finegan reached out his hand, but McBride simply nodded his head.  Rev. Chapman spoke up, Mr. Finegan is recovering from a severe blow and, I might add, a severe pounding by the Lord on his body and soul.”  That brought a chuckle from most of those around the table.
     The light revelry was broken up by Mateo.  “Sorry, to leave this cozy circle, but someone has to be walking the streets protecting fine citizens like you.”  Mateo put on his coat, then stopped next to McBride.  “Nice to meet you.  I would like to la chara with you, but duty calls.”  He turned, walking to the door.  
     After he left the diner, McBride turned to me, “He has a slight limp….  Results from the job?”
     “Shot in the line of duty.  It was serious, but Mateo wouldn’t give up.  Weather like this,” I pointed to the windows.  “Causes him some pain, but like he told us, he has to make his rounds.”
     “Sit down, Mr. McBride.  Miles get him some coffee,” ordered Molly as she scooted back her chair from the table.  “I’ll find you a piece of pie,” she chuckled, then continued, “I always save Miles an extra piece in the kitchen.  He won’t mind sharing it with you.”  The information brought a groan, and an outright yelp from Doc.
     “Thank you, Ma’am, but call me Holly.”  He turned his attention to the men, smiling as if waiting for some remark.
     Doc pulled on his ear, then muttered, “Miles, as long as you’re up, why not fill our cups as well.”  It wasn’t a question, but a direction I was to take.  He then spoke to McBride, “What brings you to Durango, if I might inquire?”
     He smiled again, not at Doc’s question, but at the last piece of mincemeat pie that Molly set before him.  “Let me taste this, then I’ll answer you’re question, Doctor Jones.”
     It didn’t seem to bother him that all eyes were on him cutting the pie, scooping a bite up with the fork, bringing it to his mouth, which he hesitated, looking up over his fork at us, then stuffed it in his mouth and began to chew, then roll it around in his mouth then chew some more.  He turned to Molly, “Ma’am, this must be what manna tastes like an’ I sure hope the good Lord is takin’ note of this an’ is plannin’ on makin’ you one of the heavenly cooks.”
     That brought a good round of laughter, both because of the statement and the blushing of Molly.  “You didn’t tell me about Mr. Mc, I mean Holly, Miles.”
     He picked up his cup, took a sip, then asked, “And just what did Miles tell you about me?”
     “Uh, that’s a story for another time,” I sputtered.
     Charlie interrupted, “Mr. McBride, I really never heard of the Colorado Rangers until Miles told me.  Why is that?”
     “That’s a very good question, Sheriff.  The Rangers have been around since the War of the Rebellion,” he paused looking at each of us, I assume to get a reaction.  When none came he continued, “In the early years it was quite successful in its mission to protect gold and silver for the Union cause.  Since that time, it has been a hit or miss organization, sometimes used only on the whim of the Governor.
     He forked another piece of pie into his mouth, chewed it down, then took a deep swallow of coffee to wash it down.  “I, along with good men like Miles, plan to make it into a viable law enforcement organization….”