July 2003
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In This Issue
From The Editor________________Page 2
Friends Along The Trail__________Page 3
Trail Tales_____________________Page 4
Encouraging Gods Children______Page 5
Newsletters__________________Archives
Home Page_________________Trailheads
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....From The Editor |  |
Hello and Welcome to the July Newsletter! I hope this day you have allowed the Spirit of God to be active within your heart, and that you are able to perhaps get out for a hike and consider many of the wonders He has made. If you are unable to get out for a hike, just visit this website's Desert Trail, Lake Trail or High Sierra Trail. You can choose a hike in your favorite terrain! The wilderness of your choice will come alive within your own living room!...
WEBSITE NEWS: Construction on the Trail of Time was completed during the month of June. If you haven't already done so, you might want to hike the latest additions...Trail Crest and The Summit Trail. These trails will open your eyes to the history of Christ's Church and give you a future look at the main events you can expect at the end of this world.
Website Sculpting and Painting is a continual process on the Hiking the Trail of Truth website. In June a special effort was made to enhance the readability of the following trails: Desert, Lake, High Sierra, Trail of Time, Bible Map, New Birth Trail, and the False Trail. I hope that you will hike these latest editions. This month construction begins again on the Mountain and Valley Trail. The daily devotionals here will eventually total 365, one for each day of the year. It is hoped that these devotionals will increase your knowledge and give you the nourishment you need, as well as serve as a meaningful focus for the thoughts of your day.
NEXT MONTH'S Letter from the Editor: Knowing God, Part 2.
THIS MONTH: Knowing God, Part 1
The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the children of the world is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings and the existence of the great God of the universe, whom Christians can call their Father. There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the wonder of God. It is in this most worthwhile search that those who consider themselves wise, soon realize they are but fools. No subject of contemplation will tend more to humble the mind than thoughts of God, creator of all things...
And so, in the next few Newsletters, we will hike into this subject of Knowing God. Recognizing that the study of God is indeed worthwhile, we prepare to start... But, where shall we start from? Clearly, we can only start from where we are. That, however, means setting out in a storm, for the teaching of God is an unimaginable storm in the world of today. Yet, if we postpone our journey until the storm dies down, we may never get started at all. I ask you for the moment to stop your ears to those who tell you there is no trail to knowledge about God, and come a little way with me and see. Storm or no storm we are going to start. It's just a matter of having to use a selected wisdom in plotting our course...
There are some very clear foundations we can use in determining our course... God has spoken to man, and the Bible is His only written word, given to us to make us wise about His creation and His salvation. God is Lord and King over the universe. He rules all things for His glory, displaying perfections in all that He has made, in order that men and women may develop the supreme desire to come to know Him. The world is obviously in a fallen condition and we search for some answers as well as understanding here, and thus long for some form of salvation. Within the Godhead there are three persons; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The work of true salvation is one in which all three act together; the Father purposing redemption, the Son securing it and the Spirit applying it. Knowing God has to do with responding to His revelation of this matter in trust and obedience, through faith, prayer, praise, submission and service. It is in light of these basic truths then that we can come to know the nature, character and value of the God who is ultimately the author of all things. — We are indeed hikers here who, after surveying a great mountain from afar, observing how it dominates the landscape and determines the features of the surrounding countryside, now approach it directly... with the intention of climbing it...
If you are now determined to climb the mountain of Knowing God, you must ask yourself: What is my purpose in this endeavor? What do I intend to do with my knowledge about God once I have it? If you pursue the knowledge of God for your own sake, it's bound to go bad on you. It can make you proud and conceited. The very greatness of the subject matter will intoxicate you and you could begin to think of yourself as a cut above other people. But, if your ultimate concern is to learn more so that you might serve the God whose truth you seek to understand, then there is hope for you. We must seek, in studying God, to be led by God. It was for this purpose that His revelation was given, and it is to this use that we must put it. How are we to do this?... Next month we'll hike that portion of the trail to Knowing God.
Until next month's Letter from the Editor, may God bless you, and I thank you for your time. Sincerely, Mark S Taylor, Hiking the Trail of Truth
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| Friends Along The Trail |  |
We began this new series in June of 2002 and, thanks to positive subscriber responses, we've been able to continue it, thank the Lord, in subsequent issues. Within this particular series I have been reflecting on how certain friends, relatives and strangers have influenced me over the years of my own life and times. As Christians we are instructed to encourage one another daily. Lord knows that I have been encouraged many times over the years through the words, actions, and associations of others. It is indeed then time to honor them. I have honored some of them before, yet, honoring others is something we really can't overdo for those truly deserving of it. I sincerely hope that my reflections on these "special characters" of my lifetime will cause you yourself to consider the God given blessings that special characters have had on your own life.
When I was a police officer in southern California, about twice a week I would take a stroll through a large county park that was in the middle of town. I'd usually wait until about dusk as that was when the majority of thefts from persons or muggings would occur. This park was a gathering place for transients and the homeless. They usually slept under the trees or camped in the bushes throughout the park. Though visitors would complain and want them run out of the place, there really wasn't any law against the transients or homeless being there. Even so, it seems that people were "offended" by them. I took a different view; considering it could be me living as they lived... I have had some experiences in life. I knew how it felt to live the way these folks lived.
I got to know by name a few of the local homeless and transients. I saw them come and I saw them go. I even saw a few die, or heard that they were dead. I gave them food, cigarettes or money a time or two, and I talked with them about life on the move and life among the bushes. We talked about God sometimes. I never met one of these folks that didn't believe in Him, in some form or another.— They felt comfortable around me...something unusual for transients and cops. I always tried to be kind to them, both in word and in action. But, I was still pretty much a worldly man then... I didn't make an extra effort to find them a home or to find them work. I didn't "focus" on them like I should have. I told them where the nearby shelters were... that's about it. With the many years that have passed since those days, I can hardly even remember any of their names... That's sad.
I think about them now, and others like them. I think God is more concerned about them than He is anyone else in the entire world. My dream is, if I were rich, I would help them, wherever and whenever I could find them. But it doesn't always take money, though most of them have literally none. Kindness and time out of our day is also what they need. I considered them my "friends" in those days...but was I a truly good friend to them? I regret not being more of one. I can only honor them now by helping others like them. Care to join me? — I walked by a church the other day and there were a lot of nice cars in the parking lot. I wondered if any of those nice folks that drive those nice cars, which God allowed them to purchase, passed up a transient or a homeless person while on their way to that meeting? — Sometimes we honor God with our lips but our hearts are far from Him. (Mark 7:6)
Thank you, Lord, for these renowned friends. Please protect them and continue to bless them in this life. Next month we'll ride once again with some of those Friends Along the Trail. Any subscribers or viewers who wish to honor their friends, you're welcome to write in to: Hiking the Trail of Truth, PO Box 492, Windsor, CA. 95492-0492. (E-mail mstaylor@sonic.net)
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Trail Tales |  |
Continuing stories of life on the trail
A WINTER'S TALE
Episode 8
*Previous episodes of Trail Tales can be located in Newsletter Archives
"About ten feet!" Hannah barked and leaped immediately from her seat on that rock, just about that far! Taylor was not joking...it was a snake all right, and they were for sure in rattlesnake country. Fortunately it was only a gopher snake.
"I wasn't foolin", Taylor said. "It's a gopher...I'll stomp on him."
"You'll do no such thing," Hannah warned. "He's just curious about us and isn't causing any trouble. He can hang around or do what he wants. What if you were him, Taylor? Would you want some big ol' human to stomp on you?"
Taylor developed a kind of sheepish look about himself. "No, I don't 'spect I would."
"Then why don't you escort our visitor back into the brush", Hannah suggested. "Perhaps his family would appreciate it."
Taylor hesitated. "Well, maybe he's just out a huntin' some food and don't want to go home just now."
"Snakes don't see well", Hannah replied. "The heat from our bodies may have him somewhat confused. I just think he may get his bearings back if you put him over there in the brush."
Sean nodded in agreement. "Go ahead, Taylor. I'm sure he'll get reoriented once he's back in the brush."
Taylor moved slowly toward the snake and reached down, a bit hesitant to pick him up. At that moment Bryce gave a yell and hit Taylor on the buttocks with a stone. "Lookout— there's another one behind you!"
Taylor just about jumped out of his skin. It turned out there was no second snake, only laughter from Bryce, Cael and Riley. Hannah and Sean soon joined in. With that, Taylor scooped up the gopher snake and quickly carried it to some nearby brush. A moment later the group could hear Ed Ostashay calling them to chow. It didn't take long for them to gather around the campfire and dig in.
"You folks enjoyin' yourself?" Jeremiah inquired of the children. "I heard a bit of laughter from over there."
"We were being educated", Sean replied. "Hannah here seems to know a lot about the stars and such. The younger folks got a lesson in how to find the North star... We had a gopher snake drop in on us as well. Taylor got a joke played on him and that was what most of the laughter was about."
"Snakes are plentiful up here. Ratlers mostly. You got to be real careful", Jeremiah warned. "I knew a fella once got his ear cut off by an Indian. After things settled down a bit, one of the folks in our party sewed his ear back on. Trouble was, he sewed it on backwards...That fella heard a rattlesnake one evenin', turned around to run away and stepped smack into it."
"You're kidding, ain't ya?" Railroad Ron inquired, a bit of skepticism in his tone.
Jeremiah started to laugh and everyone joined in. "I didn't think any of you would fall for that", Jeremiah added. "Anybody want some more food? Got another rabbit on the spit. If not, we'll whip up some rabbit gravy for biscuits in the mornin'."
It wasn't long after dinner that the entire group bedded down for the night. It had been a hard day's ride and everyone was plum wore out. Most everybody slept sound. Around midnight a wind begin to pick up from down below. Jeremiah was awakened by the sound of the lower elevation pines, creaking and swaying with an increasing velocity in the gale. Mountain winds can blow strong at times—and there's no end to the howling of the trees. Usually the wind stays in the treetops and doesn't effect much on the ground, but should the wind move up to their present elevation, there wasn't much protection in the meadow. Mountain winds got their own way— Jeremiah pondered whether or not he should rouse the others and move into the shelter of the rocky crags just above them. Risky business, movin' at night, he thought, climbin' the mountain, especially with them younger folks in tow. The horses could spook real easy... Risky business at best... No tellin' what the wind might do though... a mountain's got its own way...
TO BE CONTINUED
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Encouraging God's Children |  |
Here is this month's list of those who need your encouragement through your prayers and letters. I hope you will take the time to encourage them... Some of their problems are personal and we will respect their privacy, leaving it up to those individuals to share at their discretion. Please pray for them and write to them (I can provide addresses for you. Please call, E-mail or write to me for that information). Encouragement is a noble thing and a profound way to honor God through lifting up His children... Please inform me if you would like to add anyone to our prayer list.
First and foremost... Let us offer continuing prayers for men and women of the world who are attempting to reach others with the truth of God's word. There are so many false teachers and false beliefs throughout the world, which makes the task of teaching the truth an extremely difficult one. Pray that the light of Jesus carried by His faithful servants will dispel the darkness of ignorance.
Please continue to pray for and to write to...
Bruce Vandersall, Chicago; Bruce needs your prayers that, if the Lord wills, he can physically continue difficult treatment for cancer.
The family of Pat McKinney Wallick, Akron Ohio; Pat recently passed away. We would appreciate your ongoing prayers for the family of this fine lady.
Ken George of San Juan Capistrano, CA; Ken recently lost his aged mother who resided in Ohio. Please pray for their remaining family in this matter.
Debbie: Who recently wrote in for counselling so that she might understand more about God and move closer toward Him. Pray that she will be able, through Him, to work out some delicate problems.
Kurt Johnston: Kurt is undergoing treatment for a critical brain problem. He is in a Pennsylvania hospital. I have not received an update as of yet.
Jesse of Arcadia CA: Who's very young daughter is undergoing a serious brain operation procedure.
Carrie Rowland, West Salem Ohio: As she goes through some difficult medical tests for a threatening physical problem. UPDATE; Carrie is doing better and the threat seems to have been thwarted. Your prayers have been answered...Thank you!
Brother Regis Madzire: That his dear family will seek the Lord and the hope that is found only in Him.
Ol' Ken Petty, Arcadia CA: Ken had recent knee surgery and must undergo surgery on the opposite knee. Please pray that this normally active and good man will get back on his feet.
Michael Taylor and family, Arlington MA: As they are about to be the proud parents of their first man-child, Michael S Taylor Jr! UPDATE; Yes indeed, your prayers have been answered. A new son and grandson has entered this life successfully, on May 30th!
Ron Friend and family, Marietta, Ohio; Ron's daughter, Lori, recently lost her unborn child due to physical complications. This would have been the very first grandchild for that dear family. Please pray that the entire family will find comfort and understanding from God during this great trial in their lives.
Eric Barker, Beaver, W. Virginia; Eric is a young man who has experienced some personal difficulties in his life. Please pray that Eric will be strong and courageous and that he will seek the wisdom and knowledge of God.
John and Vicki Brandt, Tucson, Arizona; Their son, Nick, is in the region of Kuwait with the US military and has been there since February. Let us pray for this family as well as for the many military families experiencing hardships due to the world's tense situation. UPDATE; Your prayers have been answered, Nick has been able to recently return home— and safely! Thank You!
Karen Keifer, Akron, Ohio; Karen is recovering from a home accident and needs your prayers for strength and renewed courage. Life has been difficult for her in other areas as well. She is a fine Christian lady and needs to hear from you. UPDATE; Karen is doing well in her recovery and is now back to work. Your prayers have been answered. Thank you!
Jack and Marge Myers, Crestline, California; These are active subscribers who need your prayers or letters of encouragement that good health may remain theirs to enjoy during the remainder of their stay on earth. *Marge is going in for gall bladder removal the first week of June. Please pray for this dear lady. UPDATE; Marge is at home and doing well now... Your prayers have again been answered. Thank You!
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Please remember the homeless again this month. Locate a homeless person and help them in any way that you can. Pray for all of those in need, and please pray for the leaders of our country and the world at large, that men and women will desire to find wisdom, that they will turn and seek God's face in this world full of fear and doubt..
Please remember Hiking the Trail of Truth in your prayers, that we can reach out together to help and encourage others along life's difficult trail...
Lord, grant us the humility to seek your face for the well being of others. Help us to reach out to them in word and in deed. We are each one of us in need of your guidance in the use of our tongues and our talents. Though we are unworthy we ask you to bless our efforts... In the name of your glorious Son, Jesus, we pray.
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Thank you so much for hiking with us through the July 2003 issue of the Hiking the Trail of Truth Newsletter. Until August then, may the grace of our Lord Jesus be upon you... Sincerely, Mark S Taylor
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HIKING THE TRAIL OF TRUTH
Mark S. Taylor
(707) 477-2460