Echoes from the Campfire

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on
A good cowboy don’t quit in the middle of the work and leave the boss shorthanded.”
                    –Elmer Kelton  (The Smiling Country)

       “For they were trying to make us afraid, saying, ‘Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.’  Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.”
                    –Nehemiah 6:9 (NKJV)
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If your mind was an art gallery in which your thoughts could become visible like pictures hanging on a wall, would you be willing for them to be on exhibit?  Hmmm?  I think I mentioned that I had been reading Samuel and the Kings.  The people of Israel were a mess.  For example, in the Book of Judges, right at the start, “They forsook the LORD and served Baal and the Ashtoreths” (Judges 2:13, NKJV).  It was different in Samuel’s time and onward.  Idol worship in one form or another became a disgrace in Israel.  
       Some people worshiped the false gods openly.  How?  Why?  Some people merged the worship of Yahweh with the worship of Baal or other gods.  This was a despicable practice, some involving child sacrifice.  How could Israel, the children of God, the chosen ones, do such an abomination in the sight of the Lord after all He had done for them?
This was not only done by the common man, but the leaders, including the priests, took part in the pagan practices.  Read Ezekiel chapter 8 and he speaks of the abominations of the leadership.  In one verse he mentions people doing that  in the dark, thinking others would not see.

                “Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the room of his idols?’  For they say, ‘The LORD does not see us, the LORD has forsaken the land.'”  
                              –Ezekiel 8:12(NKJV)

       Note that this was during the exile–a time when people should be seeking God for redemption and renewal.  Instead they were serving and worshiping idols.  They adorned the walls of a room in their houses with ugly idols.  This they did in the dark, not permitting others to enter and see what they had in that room.  Then they complained that God had left them and did not answer their prayers.  What hypocrisy and mockery.
       Idols!  It is hard for me to imagine serving Moloch, Dagaon, or Baal after seeing the Lord continually provide for Israel.  Joshua foretold it.  The Judges had to deal with it, and throughout the history of Israel they were constantly being warned by the prophets to put away idols and to turn to Yahweh.  
       However, do we have some idols in the art gallery of our mind?  These would be things that we covet.  Things that take the place of God–not going to His house but rather becoming in some form of recreational activity… Idol.  What have we replaced God with in our minds and hearts?  Oh, some will say they still worship God, but along with their special idols.  What is on the wall of the mind that separates you from God?

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

Evil always smiles when it thinks it’s won.”

                    –D.C. Adkisson  (Redemption)

       “That no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.”
                   –1 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV)
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It is interesting how God works in our lives.  We don’t know how He is exactly going to do something; our job is to place ourselves in His hands.  There are so many ways He works for our benefit and one of those we hate–affliction.  Now, I am not saying that all affliction is sent by God, in fact, most of it is not.  Most comes from our stupid mistakes or the devil, but God does use affliction to get us back on track.  The Psalmist brings this out:

               “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.  You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes.”
                              –Psalm 119:67-68 (NKJV)

       Our purpose is to submit to the Lord, but there are times that we stray.  Some versions translate the term “stray” to “wander.”  Sometimes we wander and when we do there are times we wander into the wrong places, we let the wrong thoughts flit through our minds and stop to let them entertain us.  God had to afflict the writer of this Psalm to get his attention.
       In the past two years most families have experienced an affliction.  What did you do when the “virus” came upon you?  How did you react?  The virus most definitely was not of God, however, it should have wakened us to focus more on Him.  Look at the life of Joseph, what the devil meant for evil and to destroy Joseph, God used for good and to deliver Abraham from the famine in Egypt.  Don’t quickly dismiss all affliction as the devil’s handiwork.  Look for what God is doing in the midst of it.
       In my reading this week I came across a piece by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a man well acquainted with affliction:

               “I believe that God can and will bring good out of evil, even out of the greatest evil.  For that purpose he needs men who make the best use of everything.  I believe that God will give us all the strength we need to help us resist in all time of distress.  But he never gives it in advance, lest we should rely on ourselves and not on him alone.  A faith such as this should allay all our fears for the future.  I believe that even our mistakes and shortcomings are turned to good account, and that it is no harder for God to deal with them than with our supposedly good deeds.  I believe that God is no timeless fate, but that he waits for and answers sincere prayers and responsible actions.”

In thinking about what Bonhoeffer wrote my mind recalled the Holocaust.  It was for sure a great evil.  But…what good came from it?  There was a need for the Jews to migrate together to form their own nation, hence in 1948, the nation of Israel was formed.  Good from a great evil.
       Do not say that affliction is from God, but look at it closely and how you are responding.  Look to see what it is that you can gain from whatever it is that is happening to you.  That does not alleviate the pain or the discomfort or the suffering or sorrow that might occur, but God might be doing a wondrous work.  Don’t discount it.

 

Echoes From the Campfire

by Ira Paine, Posted on

I never did figure a man hired to do a job should just do it the easiest way. I figure a man should do the best he knows how.”

                         –Louis L’Amour  (The Lonely Men)

       “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
                         –Ecclesiastes 9:10(NKJV)
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Mediocrity!  That is a term that leaves a vile distaste in my mouth, yet that is the predominant view and effort in today’s society.  People are satisfied to just get by, go through the motions, and live a hum-drum existence.  Perhaps that’s why I’m in awe of some top-notch craftsman.  I enjoy watching the best at what they do, whether they are professional or it is just a part of their daily life.  I remember Ty Murray saying that he didn’t understand when athletes say they will have to take it up a notch.  He said that he always did his best on every ride.
       I have been reading the history of Israel–the books of Samuel and Kings.  My, my, they were a messed up people.  They lived in a world that believed in many gods, and the shame is that the Israelites took to their gods along with Yahweh.  At times it seems that they were fighting the gods of these pagan people, at other times they compromised and took part in their ugly, wicked worship.
       Remember, Psalm 71 is an “old-age” Psalm.  At the end of life what will be your thoughts and actions?  Today we finish with Psalm 71 and as you contemplate the words of the Psalm reflect on the world of Israel when it was written, then compare it to the world in which we live.

               19 — Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You?
               20 — You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
               21 — You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
               22 — Also with the lute I will praise You–and Your faithfulness, O my God!  To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.
               23 — My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, and my soul, which You have redeemed.
               24 — My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; for they are confounded, for they are brought to shame who seek my hurt. (NKJV)

We don’t praise mediocrity, but we will stand and clap for a performance that is above the ordinary.  And even at, say a performance, people will give a standing ovation for a mediocre performance.  Why?  Perhaps it is because there is so little real professionalism around.
       Then, why do we worship and praise gods and performances that are so under par?  Who can compare with God?  Certainly not an entertainer no matter how good they are.  They cannot meet the needs of the soul.  Wealth can’t get you out of the grave, yet people pursue it like a god that can meet all their needs.  Idols, other gods–silliness.
Nothing, no one, can compare with the Lord God Almighty who is our refuge.

               “Great God of wonders!
               All thy ways are matchless, Godlike and divine;
              But the fair glories of thy grace,
              More Godlike and unrivaled shine.”
                         –Samuel Davies

Coffee Percs

by Ira Paine, Posted on
He wanted another cup of coffee, but lacked the energy to get up and get it. For several minutes he sat looking at the pot and measuring his weariness against the desire for the coffee.”
                    –Louis L’Amour  (Kid Rodelo)

Pard, the coffee is perking a lot faster than I am, but each day I’m gettin’ stronger.  I had a good week, and was able to write some.  I’m anxious to get to work on my new book, but just haven’t had the gumption to get on it.  Where is the vim and vinegar?  But don’t be frettin’ too much, Pard.  It’s gettin’ better each day and I’m still able to perk up a pot of coffee for us to enjoy.
       Ahhh, enjoy that flavor.  Reminds me that once in a while we should sit back and enjoy the view and the coffee.  Why the other mornin’ I was sittin’, doin’ some ponderin’, and readin’ my mornin’ devotions.  I picked up my cup of coffee, took a sip, then looked out the window.  A group of half dozen deer were browsin’ and movin’ through the woods next to the house.  Brought a smile to my face.
       Enjoy that coffee, and not only that, but taste and see that the Lord is good.  There is too much whinin’, complainin’, and bellyachin’ today, even amongst Christians.  Take time and “taste” the blessin’s of the Lord.  He is faithful and good.
       My strength is returnin’, Pard.  For a couple of weeks the missus had to make the coffee and bring a cup to me.  It was a workout just to make it to the livin’ room; no way I could have stopped along the way to get the coffee boilin’.  Now that coffee, is made from my own two hands, along with a smile.  I’m glad yur enjoyin’ it.
       Desire what God has for you each and every day.  Don’t be foolish or careless.  Make sure yur prepared should the Lord sweep down today.  Read yur Bible, keep yur gun cleaned and by yur side, and check that cinch before yuh mount.
       Vaya con Dios.