Payday Someday?

Good Morning Everyone,

All I can say is ‘Well Glory’ this morning.. Another week has managed to fly by hasn’t it? And for those of you who have been slaving all week at your jobs it’s payday.. Yea... Now we are at the end of the month and tomorrow should be pay day for me.. Been broke for two weeks. eeeeeeeeek! But tomorrow is payday and for a few days we’ll be eating high on the hog and have some gas money to go boating and fishing.. (smile) I think I am going to just throw alllll the bills in a hat and pull out enough to leave me some spending money. And if the bill collectors holler about it, I’ll tell them that next month I’ll not put their name in the hat....LOL

You know? I have never figured out how one person can get so messed up.. Every payday for as long as I can remember, I get a check and after we pay the bills their just isn’t hardly anything left.. You don’t have that problem, do you? I hope not.. But it seems as though in our society everything hinges on buy now and pay later, if you want it, get it, and have good credit so we can have all the new stuff we really don’t need in the first place.. And what really eerks me is almost every day I get junk mail wanting me to get another credit card. They promise you 3.99% for three or four months and then whamo, all of a sudden the interest rate jumps to 18.99% or higher... And if you pay just the minimum payment, you’ll be 90 years old before you get that bill paid off..

And these poor young people today want everything their parents have taken years to accumulate and they want it right now.. New houses, 2 new cars in the driveway, a new boat, four wheelers, new furniture, designer clothes and on and on we go... No wonder both the man and wife have to work now a days.. And heaven help us if either one gets hurt on the job or sick because that means someone isn’t going to get paid and they get behind..

But if we can just keep working there is a payday coming isn’t there? And we can pay for all the things we have gotten and hopefully one day get everything paid off...

I don’t even know how I got started on this subject or where in the world we are going to go with it today.. (smile) But I’m sure the Holy Spirit has something in mind.. (smile) I believe that it was the great preacher, Billy Sunday, who preached a sermon entitled ’Payday Someday’ and since we are talking about paydays we’ll just make that our topic of the day...

Proverbs 6: 6, 8 --------Psalm 126: 5, 6 -------John 4: 34, 36

[6] Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
[7] Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
[8] Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.


Psalm 126: 5, 6

[5] They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
[6] He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.


John 4: 34, 36

[34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
[35] Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
[36] And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

I don’t know how you feel about it but I believe that we are in the last days before Christ’s returning. But are you and I ready for this event? Are we like the ant? Working and preparing for the harvest. Have we been sowing in tears so when Jesus returns and we stand before Him we will hear, well done thou good and faithful servant? Or are we living just for our own selves without a worry or concern about tomorrow?

Are we working and winning lost souls for the kingdom of heaven? When is the last time you shed tears in prayer for a lost loved one or for a neighbor or friend? There is a payday coming and it will be here before you know it. Lift up you eyes and look around you. It truly is harvest time here on this earth.. Everything is falling into place so rapidly. Everywhere you turn we can see this.. The fruit of our labor is ready to be gathered unto life eternal. Are you ready for the eternal Payday? Let each of us sow in tears so we may receive our wages, our payday, reaping and rejoicing together at harvest time..

Well Glory!

Procrastination or Instantly ready

http://www.geocities.com/ambc202000/The_Roman_Road.html

Good Morning Everyone,
Above is the new Roman Road Page on my site which will help you lead someone to Christ.. It also ties in with part of todays thought in knowing how to lead someone to Jesus Christ and not procrastinating....

By sending you this address link is the only way I can send out my thought to all of you on my address book until I figgure out how to unlock the Outlook Express program again.. By linking from this site page has bypassed my regular mail program but still gave me the address book.. So nothing fancy for awhile. (smile) I just happy to be able to email my thought this way to you all.. Crazy computer drives me nuts but maybe this will work temporarily.. That is is Yaahoo doesn't shut my pages down.... So without a further ado, Please read; 'My Thought for Today' ; Procrastination

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Reaching the world with Jesus!

Good Morning Everyone,

Don’t know if it has been raining where you live but we sure have been getting our fair share here at the Bar-K-Ranch.. I don’t know if I will be able to email this today or even get it on the church site, thanks to Yahoo and Geocities, but I am going to have it ready and do it in faith..
My Outlook Express is locked up tighter than a drum again and that is why you haven’t gotten any mailings but I am going to try something different today.. I came across this bright idea after making 2 more pages for the church site yesterday.. I Thought about just putting it off until I can get the mail program going once more but that would be procrastinating wouldn’t it? And that most assuredly would not be beneficial to you or to me. hmmmm Just had a revelation. (smile)

I have a word I would like to throw at you today. It is a dandy little word and one that I have just about worn out. And I am going to say that the page in my dictionary which contains that word would be worn clean thru if I had to look it up each time I used it. Are you ready for this little word? PROCRASTINATION!

Now isn’t that a dandy? The meaning?
v.intr. To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness.

v.tr. To postpone or delay needlessly

Ouch, did I hit a nerve? Well, putting off not taking out the garbage could lead to a smelly and unsightly situation but not significant. However, putting off telling someone about how to be saved and born again could prove to be devastating. For what is life but a vapour.

James 4; 14
[14] Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

We are but one breath away from eternal life in Heaven or Hell. Let’s consider this for a moment and ruminate on the ramifications of procrastinating, shall we? Sometimes we put off telling someone about Jesus and how to be saved out of ignorance. We just don’t know what to say or where to start and this is essential for success. We need to be armed with knowledge and in order to obtain this knowledge we must study the word..

II Timothy 2: 15 -----4: 2--7, 8
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
[8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

This guideline for the young preacher Timothy is a prime example of how we as Christians should witness for Christ, in that we should be INSTANT. not only in season, (ex. church) but out of season, ( ex. at work, at play, wherever we are).
Being readily available and doing a work for Jesus, by leading a lost soul to Him will allow us to be able to say, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
When you and I, as Christians, stand before God and the books are opened, what will the findings be? Did we take every oportunity available to lead a lost soul to Him and do His bidding or will we stand with our heads hung in shame? Let's not procrastinate but rather, be ready in an instant to fight the good fight of faith. Well Glory!

Jim

He is There; Praise His Name!

Good Morning Everyone,
I wasn’t sure if you would be getting anything today or not.. My server’s e-mail has much to be desired and locks up this pc’s Outlook Express mail program. And that has all of your addresses in it.. eeeeeek! I ran the clean up program several time in a row last night and that didn’t help so I just reset the screen saver for 60 minutes and let the Outlook Express sit their with the little hour glass showing.. and just before going to bed Connie came in here and unplugged it.. This morning when I plugged it back up the thing started working again... Praise the Lord.. If you remember the last time that this happened I couldn’t send anything out for a week or so.. Yuck..
As for geocities and my web sites? I have been getting letters from them about using to much data transfer because of all the visitors. Said they would be shutting down the sites for several hours. Didn’t know they would shut them down for several days.. I had around 100 of you responding to yesterdays letter and only 2 said they could see them.. Maybe geocities turned them on for an hour or so.. hmmmm I am just sharing my burdens with you today, aren’t I?
First, let me thank each of you for checking out my sites and for your kind words. It means so much to me, having such sweet friends helping me in this ministry.. But being off line sure isn’t going to help in the ratings or voting so others can find Jesus .. One thing for sure. It doesn’t do any good for you all to go to the trouble of voting only to have people in need of encouragement, to find the address to visit on the rating sites and click to go there, to find only an error page..
Looks as though Satan is trying to do a number on this ministry doesn’t it... I feel like just deleting both sites and forget the whole thing. The work, the worry, the wondering if anyone is going to find Jesus because of something on the pages.. Those of you with web sites know what I mean don’t you? BUT deleting them would let ole slew foot have a victory, wouldn’t it? So you just keep voting from the e-mails I send because God is there. God is in those pages and I know the Holy Spirit stirs the hearts of all who visit and I refuse to let Satan to destroy this ministry for the Lord.. There is just to much at stake here, and besides, God is there... Well Glory!
I believe A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah might be in order this morning, as we praise God for all of His loving kindness, because He is there...
Psalms 63; 1, 8
[1] O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;[2] To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.[3] Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.[4] Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.[5] My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:[6] When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.[7] Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.[8] My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
We should praise God because; He is there. When we are happy or when we are sad; He is there, Give Him Praise. If we are rich or if we are poor; He is there, Give Him Praise. Friends and family may let you down but; He is there, Give Him Praise. When we are healthy; He is there, Give Him Praise. When we find ourselves sick or in the hospital flat of our back, He is there. Give Him Praise. When we struggle and nothing seem to go right, He is there. Give Him Praise. When ole slew foot trips you and you fall flat on your face, He is there. Give Him Praise. It doesn’t matter what situation we find ourselves, whether Good or Bad; GOD IS THERE.
I praise the Name of Jesus Christ, son of the One and True Living God! Well Glory!!

In the Hands of God

Good Afternoon Everyone,
I am running a little bit late today and for that I am sorry. Well, we got the hay in yesterday but my son,(Jimmy) had some bad chest pains and had to go into the hospital emergency room.. Yea, Jimmy is like his daddy. Keeps on going when he shouldn’t and if I had known Jimmy was in that kind of shape, the hay would have stayed where it was.. But Connie, Dianne, Jarod, and Jimmy had just finished getting the hay in. I didn’t know it but he was having pains when he came to get the tractor and had been fighting it all day. They had unloaded 16 roll of hay here and then went to get 8 more roll of hay for Jimmy.
By the time they finished getting the hay for Jimmy he couldn’t hardly breath and the pain was unbearable so Kim took him to the hospital.. They ran a bunch of test and said it wasn’t his heart so that was a relief.. He is on medication now and doing a little better.. I ask you to remember him in your prayers.. I’ll let you know more when I find out something.. We kept the grandbabies and also had Aaron and Jarod last night so it has been a busy place around here...
I did manage to take the tractor and flip over a few rolls of hay that were on their side from rolling them off of the trailer and I put a couple of rolls of hay in the fields for the horses. At least I won’t have to worry about them for a few days.. Boy, Oh Boy, did we get a thunder storm last night. Lightening and thunder, rain and wind. We lost power for a little while and had to light the candles and coal oil lamps. We sat in the living room with the children in the floor and told stories while it was raining. (Glad we weren’t at sea because it was a boisterous storm for sure.) hmmmmm
Matthew 14: 22, 33
[22] And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.[23] And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.[24] But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.[25] And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.[26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.[27] But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.[28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.[29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.[30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.[31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?[32] And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.[33] Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God
Jesus Christ is who He said He is: God in human form. And that is a crucial truth which supports the reality of our salvation. Only Jesus, the Lamb, the Son of God is worthy of our worship and our service. May we praise God in whatever situation we may find ourselves. Help us dear Lord, when the wind is boisterous, to do as Peter did and reach out for your hand.. for it is in the hands of God that we can find the calm, regardless of our situation .. Well Glory!

The Time is Now

Good Morning Everyone,
Looks as though I over extended myself yesterday.. Yep, did it again.. (smile) Passed out in the garage and snapped my neck.. When I came too, I tried to get to the house and made it to the patio swing, had a glass of juice and rested for awhile and then started for the house.
Only made it to the door though.. Fell in the door way across one of Connie’s flower stands and got a little bruise on my ribs.. Connie girl, Tracy, and Dianne helped me to my ole chair and I spent the evening there.. But this morning I am doing pretty good. Head is hurting and kind of dizzy but doing OK.. The good news is the bus is done.. Just a little pin strip tape to touch it off and it’ll be completely finished.. I may get Eric to do that for me..(smile)
Danny called and said the he rolled some hay for us so this morning Connie got Jimmy to come for awhile and take the tractor to get the horse hay.. They are in 1200 to 1500lb rolls. So Jimmy is going to load them on the trailer with the tractor and Connie girl, Jarod, and Dianne are driving the ole Dodge truck and will bring them home and push them off. I plan to place them in the barn latter today with the tractor. Maybe this afternoon if all goes well.. The one thing about hay is that you have to do it when the time is right. It is supposed to rain this evening and if the hay gets wet I won’t be able to put the it in the barn.. A little thing called spontaneous combustion will come into play and we sure don’t need the barn to burn down. So timing is crucial.. Speaking of time;
There is something that you can’t get back and that is, last month, last week , yesterday, or even 1 minute ago. And you can’t be sure of being here next month, next week, tomorrow, or in the next minute. Just what does that leave us? Yea, right now, this very minute, a split second in time. What are you doing with this minute? What have you been doing that has lead up to this moment in time?
This is something that most of us never think about. We just go on like there is no tomorrow. We enjoy everything we have and say, ‘next week I’m going to do this or that.’ I have asked people if they have accepted Jesus as their Saviour and I sometime get this reply. I’ve been thinking about that but I have been so busy that I just haven’t had the opportunity with my time schedule.
Most of you who read this are saved. And so my question to you is this. When is the last time you witnessed to a lost soul, (friend, fellow worker, relative, etc.) told them about Jesus and lead them to the foot of the cross? As born again Christians you are ambassadors for the kingdom of God, which leads me to; My Thought for Today;
II Corinthians 5: 20, 21 and Ch. 6: 1, 2
[20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.[21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Ch 6: 1, 2
[1] We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.[2] (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Jesus didn’t save you to be lazy and frolic your life away. The time you have now is precious and should not be wasted. Each of us as children of God are ambassadors and as such should spread the good news of Christ. Why not share the gift of eternal life with a friend. Tell them about Jesus and what He has done for you. Someone took the time to tell you about Jesus one day. Can you do no less for someone else??? Leading someone to Jesus is like getting in the Hay. It has to be done before the rain comes and we never know when a persons time is going to be over. May we realize the importance of being an Ambassador for God in an Accepted Time. Well Glory!

The Greatest Love Text

Good Morning Everyone,
I hope that you are having a wonderful Friday today. Had a peaceful day yesterday. Connie girl was baby sitting. Tracy, Joey, and Jarod came and picked up Dianne and they went fishing all day which left yours truly home alone.. (smile) Didn’t even answer the phone.. I did take the truck in but it will be Tuesday before they can do anything.. Everyone showed back up about 5:30 and Earnest and Pauline came by for a little while. Pauline had gotten her eye operated on a couple of day ago and she wanted me to see it.. She is 72 years old and now has 20/20 vision in that eye and was overjoyed with her new found site and rightly so.. Pauline said that she didn’t realize he husband Earnest was so old.. Said she could see the wrinkles in his face now... LOL
Well this week has slipped by very quickly and school is going to be out before you know it? Things will liven up then won’t they? Well. you gotta love the little buggers and I agree with Charles Dickens when he said, “I love little children, and it is not a slight thing when they, who are fresh from God, love us.”
It is a great and tremendous thing to be loved, isn’t it? There is a power generated in love that is beyond all comprehension. There have been stories of unbelievable feats of strength displayed because of love. A few years back a woman ran out to see her husband pinned under a turned over tractor. This woman actually picked that tractor up enough to free her husband. Speaking of love, let’s look at;
The Greatest Love Text of All Time!
JOHN 3; 16
“FOR GOD--------------------------------The Greatest Lover!
SO LOVED------------------------------- The Greatest Degree!
THE WORLD, --------------------------- The Greatest Company!
THAT HE GAVE------------------------ The Greatest Act!
HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, ------- The greatest Gift!
THAT WHOSOEVER----------------- The Greatest opportunity!
BELIEVETH----------------------------- The Greatest Simplicity!
IN HIM------------------------------------- The Greatest Attraction!
SHOULD NOT PARRISH, ------------ The Greatest Promise!
BUT ---------------------------------------- The Greatest Difference!
HAVE-------------------------------------- The Greatest Certainty!
EVERLASTING LIFE.”--------------- The Greatest Possession!
When I think of love, my mind turns to Jesus. He was sent out of love and I guess that the greatest single act and display of love was, when Jesus hung on the old rugged cross, took upon Himself the sins of all mankind becoming the ultimate sacrifice, and gave His precious blood and life for you and me. And how God must love us. For He sent Jesus, His only Son, to be that sacrifice on Calvary. But the most awesome part of this whole story of love is; Jesus didn’t stay in the grave but arose from the dead and is alive in heaven awaiting the time to bring His children to be with Him...............FOREVER IN HEAVEN!
Have you ever allowed Jesus to come into your heart and show you His great love? All you must do is believe in Him, ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and accept Jesus as you personal Saviour. If you do this, then you will become a child of God, saved and born again. You can even accept Him right where you are this very minute. This, the most important decision in your entire life, is up to you.....This is your moment. Won’t you come to Jesus Now?

The Joy of Knowing

Good Morning Everyone,Another beautiful day here at the Bar-K-Ranch with the sun shining and a cool breeze. Going to get into the 80’s today.. Connie is baby sitting again today and Dianne has been digging some worms so she and her niece can go fishing today. I have to take the 1 ton Chevy back in because they didn’t align the front in right the first time and it’s pulling to the right.. I guess that is better than pulling to the left. At least if I let go of the steering wheel it will run into a ditch.. (smile)Have you ever done something knowing full well that you shouldn’t have done it? Well I did that yesterday when I went to paint on the ole bus.. Didn’t feel up to it but got started and just couldn’t quit.. Didn’t pass out but had a time of it.. Any way, the bus is about 80% finished now. Jimmy came by and he and Dianne helped me sand and mask it. Just one more scallop to paint and put the black pin strip on and it will be over.. I promise not to tackle anything so big again. But you know that old saying. Once you get a tiger by the tail you can’t let go.. LOL Speaking of doing something when you know better than to do it;"Windshield Wiper Lesson From A Child"One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautionsnecessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly, my son Matthew spoke up from his relaxed position in the front seat. "Mom, I'm thinking of something." This announcement usually meant he had been pondering some fact for a while and was now ready to expound all that his seven-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear. "What are you thinking?" I asked. "The rain," he began, "is like sin and the windshield wipers are like God, wiping our sins away." After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond. "That's really good, Matthew." Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little boy take this revelation? So I asked... "Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?" Matthew didn't hesitate one moment with his answer: "We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us." I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on. Isn't it comforting to know that God does keep forgiving us. That all we have to do is ask Him to come into our lives and He will keep washing our sins away.I do not know who wrote this but what a revelation for one so young, which leads me to;I John 1: 5, 10----and chapter 2: 1, 2[4] And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.[6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:[7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.[10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.I John 2: 1,2[1] My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:[2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.Remember this story the next time you are driving in the rain and the wipers are washing away the raindrops. Then remember to ask God’s forgiveness for all of your sins...Henry Ward Beecher has said, “ Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.” May you feel the joy of knowing we have an advocate with the Father. Jesus Christ the righteous.. Well Glory!

'Seeking the mind of God'

Good Morning Everyone,
Can you believe that it is Wednesday already? Can you believe that it is May 22nd already? What happened to March and April.. I feel like Rip Van Winkle.. That is the fella who slept for so long isn’t it?? You young people had better enjoy and savor every moment because you are like a roller coaster starting out on the up hill climb.. Just going so slow but then you reach middle age and you crest the top and start picking up speed and when you reach my age, your on the down hill side of that roller coaster, going 90 miles an hour and wondering where the time has gone..
Well, had a bad day yesterday. Spent most all day in the ole easy chair and slept there last night too.. Connie girl is babysitting again in Bowling Green and Dianne mowed the yard down at her trailer.. Didn’t seem to accomplish much.. Only a dizzy spell or two but didn’t pass out.. But this morning I feel better and ready to tackle that ole bus again, I think.. LOL Still on the first cup of coffee.. Don’t even ask me where we are going with this today. I haven’t a clue and if the Lord doesn’t step in here shortly and bail me out I guess I am done.. ((smile)) hmmmm, be right back.. I’m gonna get a cup of coffee and ask the Lord what He wants me to do..
I’m back. It may have only been a second for you but an hour has passed for me. (smile) Took little Panda Bear out on the back porch. I drank my coffee and watched her run as I was seeking the mind of God for today’s activities and this thought for today. That dog snores louder than I do when she is asleep if you can believe that. LOL Panda is a Boston Terrier and she has found that even though the rabbits in the back yard are the same size as she is, they’ll run when chased.. So she romped and chased them all out of the yard and now it looks like I am going to have to add washing the dog to my agenda for today..
The sun is shining but cool outside. The ducks are quacking, the horses are nickering, and the rooster is crowing. A beautiful day indeed, here at the Bar-K-Ranch. Oh yea, we have a new baby Appaloosa filly.. I don’t believe that I had told you that yet. She is beautiful but wobbly as all baby horses are.. She is light brown with little white specks over her butt. She has two black socks of the front legs and two white socks on the back. She also has a white star in her forehead and a white snip on her nose.. Now all of this came to me while seeking the mind of God. Amazing!
Deuteronomy 4: 29
[29] But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
2 Chronicles 15: 2
[1] And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:[2] And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.[3] Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.[4] But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.
Hebrews 11: 6
[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
As children of God we must seek Him in all things. Not just on Sunday but every day of the week. Not just when we are in trouble but in the little daily things we pursue. Seeking God when you are at work, doing the dishes, mowing the lawn, washing the car, or drinking coffee on the back porch while watching the dog chase rabbits out of the yard.. Seeking Him first in all things. Not only when our health is failing but when we are in the prime of life and physically fit.
As individual citizens of this great nation we should seek His guidance as we pray for our leaders. Not only after a tragedy such a 911 but every day in everything should we seek Him. Have you failed in seeking God as you should? I must confess that I have. Seeking God should be first and foremost in our minds, in our daily activities, and in our daily walk with Him.. Would you like having God’s blessings in all that you do? Then seek Him first. I am personally going to try harder to seek the mind of God for each day. And what about you? Will you join in with me? I believe that together, seeking the mind of God, not only will make a difference in our lives as individuals but as a nation as well.... Thank you Jesus, for today’s thought.. Well Glory!

Climbing with a Pure Heart

Good Morning Everyone,
WOW! the sun is shining today and after yesterday it seems so grand.. It was cloudy most all day yesterday as we worked on the bus, watching the clouds and hoping for it not to rain.. Well, two sides down and one to go.. Climbing up and down on the bed of that ole truck to reach the bus has about wore me out. (smile) Feel like I’ve been climbing Pikes Peak or something. Just one more side, Yea.. I guess each of us has our own mountains and hills to climb don’t we?
I wish that none of you had hills to climb in life but then if we didn’t where would you muscle come from? Where would your prayer life come from? I have a song that I sing titled, “Lord Don’t Move that Mountain,” and it is in the music section on both the Heaven Bound site and the Allegre Church site. If you have listening capabilities click over there and take a minute to listen to the words.
In the song it says, “Now there’s a mountain up ahead, that I can’t seem to climb,--but I’m praying for the strength to try it one more time.” ---“But I know the higher the mountain, the sweeter the victory, Lord, ever remind me, that You will walk beside of me.” ----”Lord don’t move that mountain, just give me strength to climb.”
Right now the hill in front of me it that ole bus and gathering enough strength to finish it. But when I do, there will be victories song to sing.. I can look back and say, it was a rough climb but by the grace of God I made it. Well Glory! What is your Hill? Have you asked God to help you climb it? Asking God’s help in getting over those hills for the Lord, requires a pure heart and close relationship with Him.
Psalms 24; 1, 5
[1] The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.[2] For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.[3] Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?[4] He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.[5] He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
The secret of purity is found in God. Seek a pure heart from God and you will be supremely happy no matter what the circumstances or what might be going on around you. No hill can be to steep, --No mountain to high, --No burden too heavy, when you have the Love of Jesus in your heart and God directing your steps.
May God Help you to climb your hills and scale the highest mountains in your lives and may you stand atop your mountain and sing the victory song.. Well Glory!

Rejoice and Be Glad

Good Morning Everyone,
And a lovelier morning you couldn’t ask for. Here at the Bar-K-Ranch as I awoke this morning, I sat up on the edge of my bed and looked out the window. The sun was shinning in, there were two little fat rabbits on the side yard munching Connie’s flowers.. If they knew what a good shot ole Connie girl is they wouldn’t be munching on those flowers for sure.. LOL
Usually I lay in bed a little longer but it is just too pretty to be in here today. I know that isn’t an option for you poor working folks but when you’re retired? (smile) WOW! I’m on my first cup of coffee and already I’m being mischievous. I’m not really picking on you poor working folks, am I? Would a dear old, sweet, kind, lovable, broken down old preacher do such a thing? ha ha ha, youuu, betcha...lol
Yes sir, while your slaving all day, trying to please a grumpy boss, which everyone knows can’t be done, I’m looking out my window at the rabbits and squirrels. Here is the kicker. Today it is sunny but on those snowy winter mornings or rainy spring days, I can just roll over and sleep a little bit longer. I feel so sad for you... It’s supposed to be pretty again tomorrow so I’ll tell you what I’m going to do, and this is just for you. I declare tomorrow a Jim Keeling Holiday. Let’ all go fishing. Yea!
Well, that Connie girl and Dianne are going to take the 1 Ton Chevy dully in to get two new front tires and the front end aligned. As for me? Dianne just brought me some toast with jelly, eggs and bacon and told me, “that’s all your getting today big boy..“ eeeek.. LOL So I eat a bite or two and type a line or two.. Crazy huh? Normally, I do eat at the kitchen table but Connie girl doesn’t have to baby sit in Bowling Green today and so she and Dianne said they would help me paint on the bus when they get back..
Talk about the three stooges.. LOL Can you just picture the three of us on the bed of the ole Dodge truck sanding and masking on the side of the bus? It will be a three ring circus today for sure... LOL But what a joy to have them help me...
Matthew 11: 28, 30-----Psalms 118: 24
[28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.[29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.[30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Psalms 118; 24
[24] This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
God is so good to me and I just praise Him for the joy He brings me.. There is a song that goes, “I’ve got that Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart.” I pray that you are happy in your work. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and I sure do miss it. So today as you labor at your jobs, put a song in your heart and praise God that you have that job and are physically able to do the work. And thank Him for the paycheck which will provide for your families.. There are so many who have no job to go to and are hungry..
Think on this.. If you are reading this and have the luxury of owning a computer then you are most blessed indeed. So don’t grumble about having to go to work but instead, thank God and rejoice for all He has given you and be glad for this day is the day which the Lord hath made... Well Glory!

Just A Little Prayer

Good Morning Everyone,
It is a chilly 43 degrees here at the Bar-K-Ranch and still wet from all of the rain yesterday. Didn’t get any thing much done yesterday and had a little spell passing out after the last mailing on here.. Connie girl shut the pc off and I spent the rest of the day in my easy chair.. As a matter of fact I spent the night there too. I hope I never wear that ole chair out.. (smile) I woke up about 4:30 this morning and feel better so thought I would answer some mail and get my thought on here early today.. Surprized aren’t you? (smile)
Any way as I read this story today I felt that simple prayer from a child is an awesome power. Simply because a child’s belief in Jesus is pure and they won’t allow personal outside equations to disrupt their faith.. They don’t see how big the storm is only how big God is.. They never think to question how God will answer their prayer they just pray and believe.. Oh, if only we as “grown ups” could have this child like faith and pray with out hearts instead of out minds. I wish to thank Richard for sending me this story and I pray your faith will be strengthened.
This story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa.
One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator. (We had no electricity to run an incubator.) We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst. Rubber perishes easily in tropical climates. "And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed.
As in the West it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways. "All right," I said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. "Your job is to keep the baby warm."
The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle. The baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died. During the prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. "Please, God," she prayed, "send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon." While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added by way of a corollary, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?" As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say, "Amen?" ! I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything. The Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!
Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the verandah, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas--that would make a batch of buns for the weekend. Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out -- yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.
Ruth was in the front row of, the children. She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!" Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted. Looking up at me, she asked: "Can I go over with you, Mummy, and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?" That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child-five months before -- in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon."
Isaiah 65:24 [24] And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. I am asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence in Your ability to work through them. Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, guidance, and strength as they learn submission to Your leading. Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You. Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage. Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal It!, and break its hold over my friend's life. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name. Amen!

Caring Friends

Good Morning Everyone,
I was just going to answer this letter but felt some of you would appreciate reading this caring letter from Faye.. So many of you have expressed your concern for me and I love each and everyone of you.. I have the best cyber friends in the world, for sure... And one of these days we will all romp and stomp through Heaven together but until then? We must Keep on Keeping on...
Here is what this sweet lady, Faye, wrote:
Our landlord was in his 60's and still thought he could get on the roof and reroof it with just some help from his son. It shows a high spirit of not giving up or letting older age get a person down, but you could get hurt very serious and then how would your family feel Jim? I think men are worse than women in thinking they can do everything that they used too. An older friend had to have his toes amputated on one foot. He was upset because he couldn't ski again. Gee this man had not skied for perhaps 20 years. He needed to slow down, watch his diet (he was diabetic) and exercise instead of eating ice cream in the middle of the night. He died of a massive heart attack-very sudden. So when I hear how you are not conscious and barely able to function and then you want to paint a bus????
it makes me wonder Jim. You are very insightful when it comes to Jesus and the Bible, but God forgot to tell you to take care of yourself, or are you "just not listening" as God doesn't forget anything. Okay, give it back to me Jim. I can take it. I just am feeling very sad for your wife who loves you and cares about your living a longer life.
Peace is what we need.Faye
My Reply,
Well Faye, I am not going to get on you for caring.. And you are probably right.. hmmmm must be slipping making a statement about a woman being right... LOL
Anyway, I just wanted to say how nice to know that you worried about me.. But you needn't to because I am tough.. LOL not really but I can still do a little bit and I couldn't turn my friend down when he ask me to paint the bus..
Matthew 5: 41, 42
[41] And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.[42] Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
I don't think he realized how bad I am when he ask me but he does now since his visit here... But the bus is here and I am here and my friend is in Texas again and won't be back until August to get the bus so I figured, why not. Besides, climbing up and down will give me some exercise.. My legs already hurt anyway so a little more hurt won't kill me and Dianne has volunteered to be my assistant.. She has been helping with the sanding, masking tape and paper, and she runs and get what ever I need from the garage.. Believe me, that is a big help..
And on top of everything else my hands were getting to look like I had never worked, all soft and milky white... Even the calluses were going away... eeeeeeeeeeeeek.. But today they are rough from the sanding and paint stained.. Now they look like they belong to Jim Keeling once more... LOL
Well I guess the Lord must have a special place in His heart for big dummies like me because there are so many of us.. He has give me strength to keep going and had guardian angels keep me from certain death on quite a few occasions in the past.. So you see, you don't have to worry about me but I do appreciate the concern and even more the prayers.. So you worry if you must but Jesus has it all under control and I am ready to go home whenever He is... I just hope that I can finish the bus first... I really hate to leave a job have done.. (smile)
Psalms 139; 1, 10
[1] O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.[2] Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.[3] Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.[4] For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.[5] Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.[6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.[7] Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?[8] If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.[9] If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;[10] Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
I wish to thank Faye for her kind letter and I know that some of you worry for this hard headed ole man also and I appreciate you all so much.. Just say a little prayer when you think of me and don't worry because God is in control..

The Roman Road

Note: This is a little longer than usual but I believe it will bless you and help you in reaching the lost with Jesus.. It is simpe but effective.. Sometimes I just can't get my thought all cramed into one page.. This is the only thing I am sending today as I have been working on it since this morning and it is after 4pm now.. I am kinda of tired. (smile) May the Holy Spirit touch you as you read...
Reaching the World with Jesus!

Good Morning Everyone,
I pray that you all are in great spirits this morning.. And the plot thickens as we continue with the episode and saga of the Bar-K-Ranch. As you remember from yesterday’s thought I had planned to get ready to paint the bus trim for my friend. Well that fell through and I ended up cleaning our air purifiers instead.. The purifiers kill dust mites, mold spores, eliminate smoke and odors, an help with my bronchitis and other breathing disorders.. I even have one in my truck for traveling and the air is hard to breath. They are great but I am getting away from my story. I was kinda wobbly so I stayed in all day.
We had company last evening so we just sat around and being the great host that I am politely fell asleep in my easy chair.. (smile) When I awoke they were gone and my little grand daughter, Kourtney, was here to spend the night. She is much better from the 4 wheeler wreck, thanks to all your prayers.. The doctor has removed most of the stitches and she is much better. Looks like they did a wonderful job and shouldn’t show much scaring.. Praise the Lord..
This morning it was in the lower 50’s and looks like rain AGAIN so no painting today.. Maybe next week if all goes well.. I am still wound up over my wife, Connie girl and my son, Eric (for those of you who are new to my mail list) leading Robby to the Lord yesterday.. Well Glory! I received this letter concerning the Roman Road and felt that others might not be familiar with this term.. Here is Jackie’s letter:
“Now you have given me a puzzle. I don't understand , what is the Roman Road to Salvation.? Is it just a Baptist thing? I've been a Christian a long time and I'm not familiar with this saying.
Any way I pray for you and I would soarly miss you if you were not on here. So take care of your self for you are such a blessing to a great many. I learn so much from you, even tho I'm Penecostal. I love the scriptures you put out, and all the wonderful stories of your every day happenings.
God bless you Jim Keeling and one day soon we will no longer have these bodies with all this pain. For when we meet our Jesus face to face it will all be gone. And as you so rightly say: “WELL GLORY" Your sister in Christ, Jackie”
First let me say that the Roman Road isn’t just for Baptist but is a great set of verses to aid in leading the lost to Jesus Christ.. I also like to use my personal salvational experience and what Jesus has done in my life.. The rest, of coarse is up to the leading and drawing of the Holy Spirit.
I have marked where to go to next, in my Bible beside each verse so as not to confuse the lost person I am witnessing to..
Romans 1: 16-- 3:23-- 3:10-- 5:12-- 5:8, 9-- 6:23--10:13-- I added this, my favorite verse, next; Revelations 3:20 --- Romans 10:9, 10 and perhaps the most famous verse last. John 3:16
Here is something I have found to help you be more effective in your leading a lost person to Christ.. And that is, let them read these verses with you. If you don’t have two Bibles then sit beside them and ask them to read with you and point with your finger to each word as you read.. There is something about reading the Bible yourself which stirs the Holy Spirit and brings God’s Holy Word to life in a persons heart and mind..
Romans 1: 16
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 3:23
[23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:10
[10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Romans 5:12
[12] Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Romans5: 8, 9
[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.[9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Romans 6: 23
[23] For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 10: 13
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Revelations 3: 20
[20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Romans 10: 9, 10
[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
John 3: 16
[16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Here are a few more tips in leading a lost one to Christ. This is from my own experiences..
First; Pray before you go and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you a loving and proper attitude. This is so important. I have led people that I didn’t really care for to the Lord. But I never would have if the Holy Spirit hadn’t given me the correct mind set..
Second thing is to pick a quit place where you won’t be interrupted. Remember that Satan hates you and even more so for trying to steal a soul from him by leading them to Jesus, and is going to stop you if he can. I have had loud TV’s, phone calls, baby’s crying, dogs howling, kids fighting, neighbors drop in, etc. I’ll witness anywhere I can but I try and control this if at all possible.
Thirdly. You cannot save anyone UNLESS they first realize that they are lost. My question to them here is; If you were to die in the next few minutes, where would you spend eternity. In heaven or Hell. Ask them to give you a truthful answer here because the answer to this question is vital and the decision they are about to make is the very most important one they will ever make in this life time. And let them know that your not trying to belittle them or be a smart aleck but that you love them and are concerned about their eternal destiny.
Forth. Then next few minutes after sharing the Roman Road is crucial. Look them strait in the eye, and ask them if they would like to accept Jesus as their personal Saviour. Explain to them that they can be saved right where they are as some people think they have to be in a church. After all, the thief was saved while hanging next to Jesus the cross.. I have lead some to Jesus in schools, colleges, jails, on the job sites, in campgrounds, while they were in the hospital bed, and one fellow while we were driving to work. Had to stop alongside the road and get my Bible out of my lunch box. I just have to smile as I remember him sitting there in the truck, crying and asking God to forgive him of his sins and accepting Jesus as his Saviour.. We were late for work and when the foreman ask us what happened, He just yelled out; “Jesus saved my soul and I’m going to go to Heaven.”
Fifth. Tell them they need to tell someone that Jesus has saved them.. I usually reread Romans 1: 16... Then let them read Ephesians 2: 8, 10 and explain that this first work they should do for the Lord in to be baptized into a local church to show the world that they have been saved and born again and are now a child of God...
Ephesians 2: 8, 10
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Lastly, I explain the need to begin reading their Bible and I suggest to start with the Book of John. This isn’t necessary but I have made it a habit to go and purchase a King James Bible as a gift for those I have lead to the Lord to help get them started on their Christian walk..
Now that you have been armed with this information, what are you going to do with it? Keep your salvation to yourself or share it with others? And here is something for you to ponder over. Just where would you be if the person who lead you to the foot of the cross had kept this knowledge of Jesus and His Saving Grace to themselves? The answer? Straight to Hell!!! This is blunt but true... So let your light shine and share the love of Jesus with all you meet. Well Glory!