SEPTEMBER 2003
 Mt. Whitney Summit, August
1998 |
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 September Newsletter! I sincerely 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. Part of knowing God is in appreciating all that He has given you. If you are unable to get out for a hike, just visit our websites' feature trail for this month; the Lake Trail. The exhilaration found among waters' wonders can come alive, within your spirit, wherever and whenever you allow it to...
WEBSITE NEWS:
HTTOTs' newest creation, the Desert Trail CD, is now available for you to enjoy. Just drop me a note in the mail to request the CD, and I will most gladly mail it to you. There is no charge... Send your request to: HTTOT, Mark S Taylor, PO box 492, Windsor, CA 95492-0492... A description of this Native American CD is available in the August Newsletter, which you can find in Newsletter Archives. It is quite an inspiring array of music. Hope to hear from you!...
The photograph on the cover of this months' Newsletter was taken at the summit of the highest mountain in the contiguous United States, Mt. Whitney, in California. The story behind that climb could serve to change your life. You can read that enlightening story on the High Sierra Trail, day hike # 7 (Your Monuments), at this website. I sincerely hope that you will make that hike...
Bicycling is a good way to get out, get some exercise, and take in the wonders of creation. You might ride to a secluded spot where you can spend some valuable time with the Lord.— The Lord has allowed me to purchase a new bicycle this month! I have been without one for quite some time. I am so excited... can't wait to take a long ride on my next days off from work. God speaks to us so clearly through simple pleasures like this. I am truly honored by His kindness. I'm ready to pack a lunch, jump on the bike, and ride in the wind...
Next months' Letter from the Editor, Knowing God Part 4
THIS MONTH: Knowing God, Part 3...
How did your meditation go last month? Did you spend a lot of time acknowledging God as the creator of all things? If so, you have set foot on the trail to knowing Him... But, can we really know God? The Old Testament writers taught us that no one can know His mind, no one can become His counselor (Isaiah 40:13, Job 36:22). Paul, a New Testament writer, teaches us that His judgments are unsearchable, His ways past finding out (Romans 11:33-35). Yet, Paul also said that Christians could understand about God, because they have the mind of Christ. What exactly did he mean?
How can we have the mind of Christ? Is it the mind of God? Yes, it is... for Jesus prayed, The glory which You gave Me, I have given them, that they may be one, just as We are one (John 17:22). — Paul writes, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him (1st Corinthians 2:9).— The natural man does not comprehend the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. He cannot know them because they are spiritually discerned (2:14). To know God is to know Him spiritually. Through the Spirit of the Lord, one can then have the mind of the Lord...
Contrary to popular opinion, the Christians' knowledge of divine things is much more than a knowledge of Biblical words and theological ideas. It is an understanding of the reality and relevance of the works of God, testified to by Scripture. Knowing God, discerning the reality of God, His ways with His people, His present will, and ones' own relationship to Him, will not reach us from the text of the Bible until the veil is removed from our hearts, and we are able to share each writers' own passions for God. This is spiritual discernment.— To this day, when Scripture is read, a veil lies on the hearts of all those who read it... Only when one turns to the Lord is this veil taken away and our "spiritual eyes" allowed to be opened (2nd Corinthians 3:15,16).
Knowing God can only come by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9-11). The work of the Spirit in imparting this understanding is called; illumination or enlightenment. It is not the giving of a new revelation, as some have claimed, but a work within us that enables us to grasp and to affirm the revelation of the Bible, as it is read, preached, or taught, and meditated upon. In our natural state, sin clouds our minds and wills so that we miss and resist the force of Scripture. The whole energy of our nature is set against the Spirit, and the Spirit itself is contrary to our human nature (Galatians 5:17). However, if we are obedient to Christ, the Spirit works to open or unveil our minds and attune our hearts, so that we can understand what God has revealed. Illumination or enlightenment is the application of Gods' revealed truth to our hearts, by the Spirit, so that we can grasp, as reality for ourselves, what the sacred text says regarding the attributes of God, our Creator.
Yet, even though it is contrary to our nature to honor God, men and women are without excuse for not knowing that He exists, for His attributes can be clearly seen through the things He has made (Romans 1:19,20). A simple flower of the field can tell us much. But it is the word of God that deepens our understanding to the point where we can not only know of God, but can see Him more clearly, know Him more intimately, prompting both repentance for the sins that we commit and the assurance of His grace. We receive this illumination through the ministry of the written word, through prayer, meditation on God, His creation, His revelation, and the struggle to live our lives in a manner consistent with that revelation. At all times, it is our endeavor to obey God, our endeavor to conform to His will, that subsequently reveals Him to us and allows us to truly know Him (Hebrews 5:9).
In our final part 4 of Knowing God, we will look at some astounding facts concerning His creation and His revelation that can greatly encourage you as you hike the trail to knowing Him... Until next month's Letter from the Editor, may God bless you, and I thank you for and am honored by 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 upon your own life...
Where are you Hal? The mans' name is Hal Deckhert. He worked with me in the Angeles National Forest in 1998-99. We worked as campground managers for American Land and Leisure, at Crystal Lake, near the 7000 foot level on the west side of the San Gabriel mountain range. At the time, I was still with the Forest Service, while Hal worked full time at the campground. Both of us lived in the FS barracks, just below Windy Gap trailhead. It was probably one of the greatest times of my life. I was living in the forest, high on a granite mountain, amid the scent of tall pines and sage, hiking most of the time among exquisite boulder formations while serving in a recreational capacity; helping visiting folks to enjoy the serenity of the mountains and all the inspiriting wonders that go along with them. It was indeed an exceptionally wonderful place to teach about the Lord. What a blessing from heaven that particular life-style was!
Hangin' around the barracks at night, usually beside a campfire, Hal Deckhert and I had many enlightening conversations. We were surely of kindred spirit. Many of Gods' creatures visited us there... bear, deer, eagles and hawks, and then there were the coyotes... Hundreds of coyotes occupied the ridge adjacent to the barracks property. When we howled at them, they would immediately respond. A few would yip back to get things started, then their cries spread abroad until the whole mountain-side was in response. It was indeed a soul-stirring encounter. Hal and I danced around like wild Indians, cherishing our unique times spent singing and dancing among the coyotes. To this day the thoughts of those seasons still take my breath away, carrying my spirit into a world of uplifting honor, nourished by the kindness of the God who allowed me to to experience those incomparable times. I can still see and feel the joy and laughter that Hal and I shared in those days of high adventure. How encouraging when two can think as one in sharing Gods' wonders! (Philippians 3:16)
I have been trying to get hold of Hal, whom I believe now resides in Needles, California. How very favorable it would be to reminisce those months we spent in the high country, to fellowship once again with one of Gods' unique servants... A bold and daring servant, surrounded by the winds of opposition, yet fighting courageously in the spiritual battle with todays' world, my good friend of kindred spirit, Mr. Hal Deckhert. I hope to return to Needles one of these days... to locate one of the few men after Gods' own heart... If anyone out there can help me find him, I would surely appreciate it...
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 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, or e-mail mstaylor@sonic.net.
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Trail Tales |  |
A WINTER'S TALE
Episode 10
*Previous episodes of Trail Tales can be located in Newsletter Archives
With heavy cloud cover veiling the moonlight, the mouth of the high cave was barely visible through the downpour of rain. Hunkered in their saddles, the riders pushed on. The trail was somewhat immersed in water runoff, causing the horses to be a little apprehensive of the climb.— A sudden flash of lightning revealed the natural shelter in the rocks above. Slowly the four riders ascended through the runoff, making their way toward it...
Windwalker moved to waken Jeremiah when he heard them coming. He judged the riders were still a good five-hundred yards or so away. He spoke quietly in the darkness; "Riders... Wahseechu... four, maybe five... might not be friendly... better get ready, Johnson."
Jeremiah was up in a second. "Let's get everyone into the back of the cave. They won't be able to see us in the darkness... Be quick about it, John!"
The two of them rousted out the others and the movement of everyone was indeed quick. "What about the horses?" Hannah whispered... "What if they make noise?"
"They're trained good", Jeremiah assured her. "Trust me... You and Sean sit next to the younger children. Hunker down there and nobody makes a peep... got it?"
"We can handle that", Sean answered. "You heard him", he said to the others. "Nobody makes a peep."
Jeremiah returned to the front of the cave where Windwalker crouched, peering out into the rain. Ed Ostashay and Railroad Ron were crouched beside him. "Where are they, John?" he whispered.
"Not far... two hundred yards out, maybe. They're movin' real slow... like molasses in winter time. A bit muddy under those horses' hooves. They're a might skiddish about the climb. The riders ain't cuttin' 'em no slack either... I figure they should be dismountin' and leading the animals up here. Ain't no way to treat animals. I don't like the character of those men. There are four riders for sure... could be those bank robbers outta' Big Pine." Slowly, silently, Windwalker cocked the saddle rifle in his hands. "Got any ideas, Johnson?"
Jeremiah squinted to see through the rain, then looked at Windwalker and the others. "They know the cave is here, and I 'spect they're planning on waiting out the storm. There's only four of them. We can take them after they settle in. Let's all go to the back of the cave and lay low. We'll spread out so we won't be side by side if they start shootin'. Maybe they'll go to sleep before too long. If they do, we've got 'em sure... We'll just have to play it by ear... Let's go.— John, keep an eye here until you have to move."
John Windwalker nodded. "Go ahead, I'll be back directly."
The three men moved into the back of the cave and fanned out, taking prone positions on the rock floor. They checked their firearms and made ready, then holstered them again. Jeremiah glanced back to see the younger folks, huddled he hoped, at the rear of the cave, but it was too dark to see anyone. The horses were real quiet too. 'I guess we're as ready as we'll ever be', Jeremiah thought to himself...
Outside, the riders were now about a hundred yards off. White Eyes Chapman was in the lead, followed by Valencia, Henry, and Doc Mucci brought up the rear.
"Ain't too far now", Chapman yelled back at the others. "Gonna be a lot dryer real quick!"
Windwalker watched as the riders neared the entrance to the cave. He recognized White Eyes Chapman from the old days. His experiences with him had never been pleasant. Yet, his thoughts were merciful toward him; He knew Chapman was a product of the white mans' greed. Raised in a prejudiced environment, his family killed by hooded white men, Chapman had embarked on a life ruled by the dark side. Having ridden against him in the Indian wars, Windwalker could have killed him on two occasions, but figured the spirits wouldn't deal too kindly with him had he done so. There was a good side to Chapman, a spark that Windwalkers' association with him over the years had failed to ignite. Perhaps this present meeting might bring things to a head... perhaps some matters could be ironed out, some old feelings made new... Windwalker moved quietly to the rear of the cave as the riders entered.
They ducked in under the entrance one at a time and dismounted, glad to be out of the rain. "I'll build a fire", Valencia said. "Maybe we can dry out a bit... It sure is dark in here..."
TO BE CONTINUED
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Encouraging Gods' 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 make the task of teaching the truth an extremely difficult one. Pray that the pure light of Jesus, carried by His faithful servants, will dispel the darkness of spiritual ignorance. Pray also that folks will realize the depth of their need for it.
Let us this month encourage and pray for...
Storm Kastella, Whitefish, Montana... Storm and her husband are conducting Bible studies with their friends. Let us pray that they can help these friends to find the truth, a very difficult task in todays' world of, "everyone does what is right in their own eyes and believes what they want" (Judges 21:25)...
... Please remember the homeless and the poor of the world again this month. Try to locate a homeless person and help them in any way that you can... Continue to pray for all of those in need of daily bread, and please pray earnestly for all the people of the world in which we live, in every country, that men and women will desire to find wisdom, that they will turn and seek God's face in this world full of spiritual blindness, rebellion and increasing depravity. The Lord's coming will not be delayed much longer. Endeavor to encourage others to seek Him, in truth, while there is still time.
Father, 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 both the use of our tongues and our talents. Though we are quite unworthy, we ask you to bless our efforts... In the name of your glorious Son, Jesus, we pray.
Thank you so much for hiking with us through the September issue of the Hiking the Trail of Truth Newsletter. Until the beauty of October 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