Campfire Parables
'NEW STORIES, SAME MEANINGS'
WE INVITE YOU TO SIT AROUND THE CAMPFIRE WITH US, AND LISTEN AGAIN, TO STORIES, ONCE TOLD, RETOLD.
This page is dedicated to the retelling of scriptural stories told by our saviour Messiah Yeshua, Jesus Christ.
The meaning of the parables He relayed to His audience at the time, spoke in picture stories, about the principles of the Kingdom of God. He talked to the people in a way they could understand. The messages within the parables of Christ, help us to understand the purpose, life and death of Himself and His ministry, God's Kingdom, divine principles within the transformed life, the return of Israel and the restoration of the whole house of Jacob.
In our generation, many believers have forgotten the revealed meaning of the parables, choosing to attribute them to the person or to the Christian Church. The failure to understand their true meaning, relating to the salvation of Israel, veils the beauty and purpose of YHVH's plan for all His people and for the restoration of His glorious Kingdom.
A new time has come for the retelling of the parables to a contemporary audience. The inspiration for these stories comes at a time when generations of people have had no knowledge or education regarding the scriptures. They have never been to a church or fellowship and don't own a Bible, and worst of all they have never been presented with the message of salvation, and thus many people are lost and remain ignorant of their blessed hope.
These modern parables, reflect true events and realistic scenarios. Through them, we see that the message of Christ remains relevant even in the 21st century.
Our ancestors experienced the same things pertaining to all human life, then as we do now. They wondered what was the meaning of the life and the things of the this world and the divine realm.
The prophet's and the disciples after them, spoke of and continued to preach Christ's teaching long before and after His death and resurrection. What would happen in the world to come; when will the Messiah saviour return, and when will all the oppression, trial and tribulation end? The deep questions like: Is there a future, a hope, a beautiful new world as a reward for all who seek the plans and purposes of God? Jesus answered them all, and His hope too, was that the people would understand and return back to God and partake in His glorious promises.
The Holy Spirit is gifting the body of Messiah with a new time for the release of new stories with the same meanings.
I pray these parables will bless you in every way, and encourage you to seek the heart of the Father and push deeper into a relationship with our blessed Lord Yehsua/Jesus, who came to save that which was lost. The message of Christ is eternal and for all who will believe.
It is not the desire of God that any man should be lost. Jesus, said ' let those who have ears, hear, and let those who have eyes, see.
The meaning of the parables are verbal illustrations. The picture they paint are a glorious experience for all who look for the first time upon them and for those who will visit them again.
We invite to sit around the campfire with us and listen once again to the stories, once told, retold.
'New Stories, Same Meanings'
'NEW STORIES, SAME MEANINGS'
WE INVITE YOU TO SIT AROUND THE CAMPFIRE WITH US, AND LISTEN AGAIN, TO STORIES, ONCE TOLD, RETOLD.
BY A. SHELLNUTT
'Happy New Year'.
“Are you free for lunch today Dave?” “Yes, how about we try that new deli down the block?” “That sounds good, I’m hungry.”
“I received my invitation to our annual “Happy New Year Luncheon” today.” “Me too.” I don’t think I’m going to RSVP this year.” “Why not? I’ll be going, and remember, the management gives this luncheon as a gift for the staff. They spare no expense and we always have a good time. I’d think twice about not going.”
Who do you think you are?
Townsend Breyers was on his way up in the corporate world. He came from an extremely wealthy and prominent family, and that alone carried a lot of weight, especially in his own mind. He used his highly placed connections to open doors and close deals, always with a profitable advantage to his well-placed connections.
New Wine , Old Skins
“We don’t hold with new ideas around here. No use in talking about it, our way is best.”
This is what we heard all through our trip in the countryside. It was as if we were speaking a foreign language. We are a non-profit group that visits impoverished areas and offers help to improve their standard of living. We have a tractor trailer full of free, useful equipment to improve the quality of lives, but because of pride or tradition, few will accept the gifts that could possibly save their lives.
Living Waters
Vivian saw the future clearly and she was about to change it. No matter the cost.
As a young widow, she had pampered her son Larry, trying to help him recover from the death of his father, Russ. It was a blessing that Russ had provided well for them, allowing her to stay home while they adjusted to their new lives. Read More
The Lost Coin
Going to Aunt Ludie’s chalet is always a treat. Uncle Burl built it as a wedding present for Ludie forty years ago. It always feels cozy and warm, just the right size for them, and always room for friends. Ludie and Burl had no children, but they consider everyone in the village to be family. Ludie and Earl invite us to come stay with them every summer and winter, and I always enjoy being with them and learning something new.
Treasure in the Field
Peter and Sue were looking forward to an outing with their friends, Phil and Marjorie. Marjorie invited them to go with them to see a house for sale in the country. They planned to make a day of it, to relax in the sunny weather, admire the scenery on the drive and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Perhaps stop at a country shop or two along the way. It was a much needed outing.
Treasures Old and New
“Sold for $9,000.00 dollars to the gentleman in the front row. This extravagant wine donation from Barnabas Winery concludes this year’s charity auction.”
It was a very good year for Barnabas. The Lord had yet again blessed his land with grapes that seemed to surpass every previous year in flavor and beauty.
Coming Home to the Shepherd
Clive Ashmore ran to his office to call his wife Charlotte. He had just been honored as Outstanding Executive of the Year. He ran along the hallway muttering, “I knew those seventy-hour work weeks would pay off eventually. “Charlotte, the honor came with a trophy and, an all expense paid Safari for two at a very exclusive Safari Club in Kenya.”
The Talent and the Three Servants
The email read: Mr. Raibert Thorburn requests your presence at headquarters, two days from now, on Wednesday, at Noon sharp. Professional attire only.
Mr. Thorburn’s company recently purchased their leading competitor, and three smaller companies were thrown in with the deal. I am Walt Conifer, CEO of one of those three companies, a chain link manufacturer. The other two companies are a fresh vegetable chopping and packing outfit that supply grocery stores, deli’s, schools, retirement homes, and hospitals. The third is a tack shop that was originally set up for the owner’s daughter, a horse lover.
The Banquet
Uncle Zeph, short for Zephirin, is a friend to many in the small community of Liberty Bayou. He is the patriarch of our family, employer to many in Liberty, and plays a mean fiddle at zydeco socials. Zeph is a friendly man known for his legendary Louisiana outdoor cooking and his ready hand to help folks.
The Rich Fool
Richard arrived on the movie set and was greeted with a hug and a slap on the back from the director, Joseph. “Good to see you again Richard. What treasures have you brought me today?” Richard waved several tractor trailer trucks over and instructed the men to gently unload them. Out rolled a sporty 1954 Nash-Healey Le Mans Coupe that was used in the film, Sabrina. “Richard, Richard, when are you going to sell me this beauty? You know I have wanted it for years.” “It’s my bread and butter, you know I can’t let it go.”
Grafted In
Business was booming for Nathaniel and Son Nursery.
The highly prized International Sprig Awards were only six months away. Castles, Estates and public gardens all vied for this prestigious award, in which the winner would hold the title for three years.
Nathaniel and Sons is world renowned for their white ornamental dogwood trees. For generations, their dogwood trees have been hand grown from seeds, maintaining a non-hybrid legacy. The original seeds were passed down from Nathaniel’s grandfather, Caleb.
Gas Stations
Papa wheeled our old station wagon into the Pure gas station at the end of gasoline alley. We are there because they have a mechanic. We’re going to be here for about an hour, so we bought two cokes and some crackers and climbed up on the big rock out front. As a nine year old boy, I felt like an explorer standing on that big rock with my dad, the same feeling I have when I sit close to him in the front seat of the car.
The Prodigal Returns
Jenny was never content working on her family’s large blueberry farm. The farm had been in the family for three generations, and was one of the largest in California. Jenny and her older sister Caroline, worked in the office handling payroll, invoices and the scheduling of shipments. Their Dad oversaw all the field and packaging operations.
Battle in the Spirit
Oliver and Nancy’s church had been on the frontline of a battle to close a bar in their community. The late-night bar was a magnet for folks in the neighboring college town, which was a dry town, meaning no liquor was sold there. Bikers and college students flocked to the bar in droves.
Elijah Must Come First
ack is excited. His two sons, Will and Ethan, are going to be arriving tomorrow morning. What a surprise it was when a new fishing rod arrived at his door with a note attached that read; “Old man, get your gear together, we’re coming home for a week of camping, fishing and hiking. See you tomorrow morning. Love, Will and Ethan.” “Old man indeed, I may have turned fifty this week, but I can still hike with the best of them.”
The camping and fishing gear was loaded into the Land Rover and the food was ready to be packed into the cooler. All that was needed was to pick up some ice and bait in the morning.
Get out of the Way
I was praying while walking on the pedestrian walk of the bridge that spans the deep waters of Tampa Bay. Traffic whizzed by on my left and thankfully, the pedestrian lane was not crowded at this hour. Suddenly, a voice rang out; “Get out of the way!” I whirled around to see if a vehicle was headed toward me, but traffic was normal. There was no one near me on the walkway, so I peered over the railing to see if there was a boat below. No boat. Maybe it came from a passing car, just a joke from some kids.
I returned to my prayer, asking the Lord to bless the money I was taking to my brother and his wife. It was not the first time I had made this trip, taking money to them. Lord, please let the money be used wisely this time, and make it last, I asked. “Get out of the way!” Frightened, I looked around.
Hot in Mississippi
It was hot in Mississippi. Heading toward a bench under a
shade tree, I saw an old gentleman with a cane. He had
gotten down on his knees to retrieve a ball out from under
a car for a small child. He struggled to get up and then he
ambled back to the bench. I sat down and asked; “Isn’t that
asphalt too hot to be down on your hands and knees?” He
reached into a small cooler and handed me a bottle of
water. Said his name was Earl and that the Lord told him to
get that ball. Being a Christian, I was skeptical, and
wondered just how the Lord had spoken to him. Maybe it
was just the heat talking. “You got a few minutes for me to
tell you how it happened?”Read More
Serving Two Masters
Todd hung a picture of himself and four other fishermen holding their catch, on his office wall. Todd’s catch was the largest of the group. The other fishermen were wealthy friends of Todd’s host, Mike Holder, a boat manufacturer. Every time Todd was at Mike’s manufacturing plant he was mesmerized by the styles and sizes of boats available.
Mike invited Todd to come up to his lake house with a few other guys for a weekend of fishing. Todd is an accountant with a prestigious accounting firm and Mike is one of his clients. Todd is good at his job and quickly rose to a high level position with a salary to match. Pretty good for a guy just five years out of college.
Coming Back to Jesus
Clive Ashmore ran to his office to call his wife Charlotte. He had just been honored as the company-wide Outstanding Executive. He ran along the hallway muttering, I knew those 70 -hour work weeks would pay off eventually.
Charlotte, the honor came with a trophy and, an all expense paid Safari for two at a very exclusive Safari Club in Kenya. I was on cloud nine.
Straight Furrows
“Grandma, when I was coming out of the barn I noticed a sign above the door that said Lot’s Wife. Is that the same Lot’s Wife from the Bible?” “It sure is Jim. Let’s sit on the front porch and I’ll tell you about it while we snap some beans. You better stop in the kitchen and bring us some of those fresh baked cookies. Every story needs a good cookie or two.
Agreeing with your Adversary
“Grandma, when I was coming out of the barn I noticed a sign above the door that said Lot’s Wife. Is that the same Lot’s Wife from the Bible?” “It sure is Jim. Let’s sit on the front porch and I’ll tell you about it while we snap some beans. You better stop in the kitchen and bring us some of those fresh baked cookies. Every story needs a good cookie or two.”
The Vineyard Workers
The Vineyard Workers
The billboard read: Workers wanted. Wages paid every day. Report to Chalmers on Fifth Street. Bring Gloves.
The sound of the men running to Chalmers sounded like a wild stampede of horses. It was a stampede - a stampede for jobs. Ever since the mill closed three weeks ago, work of any sort has been hard to find. Chalmers is a tool and die shop that just landed a big contract and they need to double production immediately.
Signs directed men to an open field where hiring was being done. My name is Ralph, and I am at the very end of a line of about eighty men. I asked the Lord to give me a job to keep my family fed and a roof over our heads.