Echoes from the Campfire

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

You have to plan ahead a bit and stay the course, even if there are setbacks.”
                    –Ken Pratt  (Wolves of Windsor Ridge)

        “He [Moses] regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
                    –Hebrews 11:26 (NIV)
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Wow!  By the time we get back to the Echoes it will be another month past and we’ll be entering September.  Time does surely fly.  I remember in Basic Training it seemed as if the hours dragged and at the end of the day I’d wonder where it all went.  If you’re walking on the straight and narrow, shouting glory, you’ve probably hit some ruts, some potholes, and maybe much more.  Stay on that road no matter how rough it may get, or how many times you have to repair holes in the way, for it leads to a place that is much better than this old earth.  
     I happened to hear over the weekend, not an old song, but not contemporary one either.  It has great harmony for quartets, but the message rings out even louder.  It was written by Jean Canter.  Let’s take a look at it.  If you want to listen, go to YouTube and find the Oak Ridge Boys, the title is, “I Know What Lies Ahead.”

          This road I’m on is strait and narrow
          But it leads to a better home.
          It was laid by Christ one day at Calvary
          While He suffered all alone.
          This road may lead over many high mountains,
          And valleys dark and low,
          But I’ll walk each day with sweet assurance
          And I’ll safely reach my home.

     For a fact, stay on the road, despite the difficulties, no matter the terrain, for it will be worth it all when we finally reach our heavenly home.  One more mountain in your path, that’s one more challenge to factor, one more obstacle to help you grow in Christ.  One more way to help you “work out your salvation.”  The valley may be dark, it may even be the valley of the shadow of death, but I like those words–we walk each day with “sweet assurance.”

          While on this road I get so weary,
          And often my feet would stray;
          But a gentle hand still leads me onward
          And helps me find the way.
          As I climb each hill and cross each valley
          By His hand I’m daily led,
          But I won’t look back gonna keep on walking
         For I know what lies ahead.

     Don’t give up.  Yes, the way sometimes does get weary.  Sometimes we want to rest and some want to just plain quit.  How many do you know that have strayed off the path?  How many do you know that have given up?  Don’t be like them.  With the Holy Spirit as your guide He will show you the way and give you peace in the midst of your troubles and weariness.  Don’t look back, but put your gaze on the horizon, on that city like Abraham of old did; that city with foundations built by God.  Don’t settle for this old earth to be your home.

          Ahead there’s joy and gladness
          And rest for the weary soul.
          Ahead there’s peace and contentment
          Everybody will be happy and whole.
          I’ll be at home with Jesus
          Where tears will never be shed;
          Though often this road gets rough and rocky
          Still I know what lies ahead.

     Ahead–that heavenly home awaits.  Don’t let the cares and the temptations of this world turn you aside.  Keep plodding on for in front of you is peace and contentment.  It will be worth it all when we reach those pearly gates.  We will be in awe as we enter walking on those streets of gold.  We will gaze around and see mansions, and yes, there’s one with your name posted on it.  Go ahead, enter, you’re already clean and I’ll join you at the Marriage Supper.

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

It is never a pleasant feeling to be on constant guard against dangers either real or imagined but this was what the situation required.”
                    –Nathan Wright  (For Lack of a Title)

       “Therefore, dear friends, since you know this in advance, be on your guard, so that you are not led away by the error of lawless people and fall from your own stability.”

                    –2 Peter 3:17 (HCSB)
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               “Dearest friends, when I was there with you, you were always so careful to follow my instructions. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to do the good things that result from being saved, obeying God with deep reverence, shrinking back from all that might displease him.”
                              –Philippians 2:12(TLB)

Don’t be a sluggard!  Don’t be a coward!  Don’t shirk your duty and responsibility as a Christian!  Each of us, in our own way, in our own place are to reflect Christ’s character.  Shakespeare wrote in “As You Like It”:
          “Master, go on, and I will follow thee
          To the last gasp, with truth and loyalty.”
Now this is not from the Bible, but it does contain Biblical truth.  What are you doing with the salvation that God has given you?  What are you doing with the gifts He has bestowed?  Two weeks ago, we looked at one way to “work out” our salvation and that is to pick up our cross daily and follow Him.  Last week, we saw that we are to be diligent in our walk with the Lord, not wavering.  This morning I would like to point out another way that we continue to grow in grace–working out our salvation.
     First of all, I must remind you that we are not speaking of becoming saved.  That is completely the work of Christ when we are born again.  We simply accept His grace and who He is.  But then Paul tells us in Philippians to “work out.”  I draw your attention to 2 Timothy 1:14, “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” (NASB)  I like the way the NIV puts it, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you–guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”  Guard (“phulasso”) which means to preserve, to watch, to beware, to guard.  The term “guard” is emphasized in the NIV, and that it to be our way of life.  Daily we guard our souls, we guard doctrine, we guard our families.  Barclay translates it thusly, “Guard the fine trust…”  Guard your hope and confidence.
     We must constantly be on guard.  The enemy of our soul does not sleep, nor does he faint.  He waits and when he sees an opportunity he attacks, therefore, we must constantly be on our guard.  Guard against the easily seen evil in the world, but beware of the subtleness of the enemy and guard against false teaching, lack of ethics.  Guard against what John MacArthur defines, “any doctrine which does not promote godliness is manifestly bogus.”  Listen if we “lose the message, we have lost everything.” (Rossier)  Paul wrote to Timothy, “O Timothy! [Place your name there]  Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge–by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.” (1 Timothy 6:20-21, NKJV)
     How do we guard?  Of course, by using the armor of God found in Ephesians.  Pray whenever the foe advances, pray whatever the circumstances, pray to stand, pray for the strength to guard and protect what has been given to you.  Ralph Earle says, “the only way to keep doctrine is to both live and proclaim it with faith and love.”  Rise up, be diligent.  The way may be tiring, the obstacles many, but your obligation, your duty to yourself, your family, and most importantly to God is to guard the truth that you have been given.  Don’t falter, know that the Holy Spirit is there to give you strength.  The Special Forces have within their ranks men called “Gatekeepers.”  Their job is to make sure that the standard of the men in the Special Forces unit meet that standard and do not fall short.  Be a “Gatekeeper” of your salvation, of your family, of the God you serve.

          “Rise up, O men of God
          Have done with lesser things,
          Give heart and mind and soul and strength
          To serve the King of kings.”
                    –William Merrill

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on
His thinking was somehow akin to that of a weasel.”
                    –Lou Bradshaw  (Texas War Lord)
 
       “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
                    –Genesis 6:5 (NKJV) 
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     The collapse of laws regarding sexual morality is commonplace in America today.  Those who commit them, and I will add that despite the laxity in society regarding these laws God still upholds them, do so because of their lust and depravity.  Laws against adultery have diminished, yet God says, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14)  God states that incest is a sin (Leviticus 18:6) and homosexuality is a sin (Leviticus 18:22), yet society is tolerant of these and other perversions (i.e., transgenderism, and sexual identification).  We see the warning here in Proverbs 6.
 
          30 — People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving.
          31 — Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house.
          32 — Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul.
          33 — Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away.
          34 — For jealousy is a husband’s fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
          35 — He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.  (NKJV)

     A thief may steal to stay alive, and if caught he must make restitution for his crime, but this cannot be done with adultery and other forms of sexual perversion.  Note, this is not to condone theft.  The NKJV Study Bible states, “This passage does not condone theft.  It merely contrasts theft, which can be an understandable course of action, with adultery, which never makes sense.  Throwing away one’s commitment to one’s life-long companion is pure folly.”
     However, those who commit sexual sin throw away their common sense.  They lose their peace.  They lose their reputation.  Add to that, they are in danger of destroying their soul.  How does one pay for dishonor?  Yet society is pushing, yes mocking the very truths of God’s laws, saying that those who deny their perversions are intolerant, bigots;  then to say anything against their “way of life” would make them guilty of hate speech.  Man in his attempt to be free has become depraved and mocks God.  He desires to be autonomous, but is in fact in danger of losing his soul.
     The adulterer “steals what is most precious to a man, what is irretrievable, is treated by the law with more levity than a thief, who robs him of what is comparatively of little value and may be easily replaced.” (Wordsworth)  J.L. Flores says, “Where there is true love there is a jealousy for the honour and reputation of the object loved.”  Ponder that for a moment.  Remember God is “a jealous God” (Exodus 20:5).  Now put this in context with the Bride of Christ.  Jesus will not allow His Bride to be dirtied, sullied, or dishonored.  Those who attempt to bring the Bride down face the wrath of a holy God.  He will not be tolerant of those who dishonor and attempt to discredit her.
     So, stand firm in the commandments of the Lord.  Guard the truth!  Be alert and hunger and thirst after righteousness.  Jesus proclaims that the “pure in heart shall see God.”

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

No more did he listen to the rush and roar of the thunderstorm. For with the touch of clinging hands and the throbbing bosom he grew conscious of an inward storm—the tingling of new chords of thought, strange music of unheard, joyous bells, sad dreams dawning to wakeful delight, dissolving doubt, resurging hope, force, fire, and freedom, unutterable sweetness of desire. A storm in his breast—a storm of real love.”
                    –Zane Grey  (Riders of the Purple Sage)

       “‘…Hallelujah!  Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments…’  Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:  ‘Hallelujah!  For our Lord God Almighty reigns.'”
                    –Revelation 19:1, 6 (NIV)  
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In preparing for this morning‘s devotion I came across this by F.W. Boreham, “God said, ‘Let there be light!’  And there was light.  He had no need to say, ‘Let there be song!’ because He was; and since He was, the morning stars sang together.  Whenever and whoever created things have stood face-to-face with their Creator, they have burst into song.”  We read from the Book of Job, “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (38:7, NKJV)  Think of what it will be like in heaven when we sing the songs of praise and songs of victory, “…”Alleluia!  For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!  Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory…” (Revelation 19:6-7, NKJV)  For now, we must be content in singing and in the music we have today; turn your attention to Psalm 150.

          1 — Praise the LORD!  Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty firmament!
          2 — Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
          3 — Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lute and harp!
          4 — Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
          5 — Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals!
          6 — Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.  Praise the LORD!  (NKJV)

     As we have been going through the psalms we have assuredly found ourselves reflected in them, perhaps many times.  There has been despair and triumph,  depression and victory.  As in our own lives we see in the psalms great personal problems and issues, deeply staining sins, tragic misfortune, illness, advancing age, enemies and adversaries, valleys and mountaintops. (Wood)  Now we come to the end and we are to sum up our reading of the Psalms as well as our lives–it is to be in praise!  We are to praise God in each and every situation of life, in each and every emotional and mental issue that we may have.  George Wood relates that “Saints are those colorful and transparent people who, in the many-hued circumstances of life, keep letting the Son shine through them.”
     We need to learn how to worship, realizing that it is not only singing, but it is our whole life.  True worship is awesome, so should our lives be.  Steven Lawson defines worship as, “the proper response of the entire person–mind, heart, and will–to all that God is–Creator, Ruler, and Redeemer.”  When I was coaching I would use this psalm as an analogy of a football player.  The halfback runs, dancing through the opposition; the lineback, the loud cymbal crashes into the receiver as the linemen with clashing cymbals thrust through their opponents.  The trumpet, the loud leader of the team–the quarterback.  Oh, it is a grand psalm, come up with your own analogies, but the thing is that we should be praising the Lord in all circumstances and all seasons of life.  F.B. Meyer states, “Each of our emotions and faculties may be a musical instrument in the best sense.  Praise Him with the sound of your love!  Praise Him with hope and faith!  Praise Him with meekness and patience!  Praise Him with courage and strength!  Praise Him in work!  Praise Him when tied by pain and weariness in a sickbed.”
     I really enjoy good music, however, I’m not the best singer (except in my own mind) and I’ve tried to play instruments but to little avail.  I can read music, but I cannot hear it to play it on an instrument.  In fact, I found an instrument that boasted, “For the musically hopeless.”  It was a harmonica, and you’re right I couldn’t play it either.  However, I did learn to worship in my work, in my attitude, in my joy, in my dedication to my career, to my calling from the Lord.  “All ends well in God.  Life has a successful resolution.  God kept His word and worked for your good in your life.  There were days when you did not see where He was taking you or what good He was doing for you–but now eternity makes it all so plain.  Nothing but joy awaits.” (Wood)  Harmonica get ready for I’m going to send a melodious blast through it in heaven.
     Oh there is so much more that I could write regarding this psalm, but I’ll shut down this devotion with the last verse:  “Let everything that lives sing praises to the LORD!” (NLT)
All should praise the Lord, all the time for the Lord is good, and He is good all the time.  We need to use our instruments–our gifts, our talents, and all aspects of our being–to praise the Lord.  I know of people who use their smile to praise Him, others have a way with words to encourage, and we all can praise Him by living an obedient life.  PRAISE THE LORD!

          “Blessing and honor and glory and power
          Be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne
          And unto the Lamb
          Forever and ever.  Hallelujah!  Amen”
                –George F. Handel