Are You Ready?

Good Morning Everyone,
I hope that you had a wonderful time celebrating the 4th yesterday.. It sure was a busy place around here even though I stayed on this pc until after 2pm preparing my thought for you... Jimmy, Connie girl, and Dianne were busy little beavers all day. (smile) Jimmy finished the water for Dianne then he bush hogged the driveway and then moved all of the big rolls of hay and placed them in front of the barn. Connie and Dianne were cooking all afternoon and everyone started showing up about 2:30pm. There was a total of 19 here and everyone had a great time.
We didn’t eat until around 6:30 but boy, oh, boy what a feast.. Let’s see there was Bar-B-Q’ed ribs, chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs, Macaroni salad, 7 layer salad, baked beans, cole slaw, peas, home made pecan pie, a red, white, and blue jello flag, and home made banana ice cream. After eating all the children were running in the back yard with Panda Bear chasing them.. After dark we had the fireworks and the children had a ball twirling their sparklers... I am so thankful to God for the freedom we have here in America and for the privilege of living here...
Yesterday we celebrated our freedom; God given freedoms paid for by the lives of dedicated men who trusted in God. Using the Bible for direction they established this great nation and until recent years have keep it under God‘s Authority. But now our leaders are trying to remove God completely from the American people. Now, America is slipping away from God and the Bible. But let us look at what some of our forefathers and former leaders had to say about God and the Bible.
Quoting Marshall, former Vice President of the United States, “If I were to have my way, I would take the torch out of the hand of the Statute of Liberty and in it’s stead place an open Bible.”
“The Bible is the sheet anchor or our liberties. Write its principles upon your heart and practice them in your lives.” U. S. Grant
“If a man is not familiar with the Bible, he has suffered a loss which he had better make all possible haste to correct.” Theodore Roosevelt.
“Here is a Book, the Bible, worth more that all others that were ever printed; yet it is my misfortune never to have found time to read it.” Patrick Henry, near death.
“If there is anything in my style or thoughts to be commended, the credit is due to my kind parents, who instilled into my mind an early love for the Scriptures.” Daniel Webster.
“The Bible is a Book, in comparison with which all others in my eyes are of minor importance, and which, in all my perplexities and distresses, has never failed to give me light and strength.” Robert E. Lee.
“The New Testament is the best Book the world has ever known or ever will know.” Charles Dickens.
“I have said, and will always say, that the studious perusal of the sacred Volume will make better citizens, better fathers and better husbands.” Thomas Jefferson.
“The bible is the revelation of the meaning of life, the nature of God, and the spiritual nature and needs of men. It is the only guide of life which leads the spirit on the way of peace and salvation,” Woodrow Wilson.
I believe you get the idea. The bible says of itself and about true freedom.
II Timothy 3: 16, 17 -----------John 8: 36
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:[17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
John 8: 36
[36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
I truly hate the direction in which America has been and is trying to go. If our leaders succeed in removing God from government and the present day evils persist here in America, you and I may witness, first hand, the greatest fall of any nation recorded at anytime in history... But you all know this already. I just wish that our leaders could see how we as God fearing Americans feel. For I am sure that the wrath of God has been delayed only because of the faithful ones who live here. But my question is for how long? I believe the last few grains of sand are about to flow thru the hour glass of time for America... Let us therefore as children of God prepare and pray. For the judgment of God is at hand and the return of Christ is fast approaching.. Are you ready?

Are all people God's Children?

Good Morning Everyone,

Todays thought comes in the form of a Bible study and is somewhat long.. I do hope that you will take the time to read it.. I have taken several hours in preparing it for you and believe the Holy Spirit will bless you for it.. I have put the lyrics of one of my songs at the bottom which I pray will not only touch your heart but help in answering the question...

You may want to send this Bible study to your family and friends.. I pary that you deem it worthy...


Are ALL people children of God?
Here is a letter I received in part from my friend Tammy and my reply:
I was asked if ALL man/people on this earth, is considered to be God's Children or is it just that the Saved ones are considered to be God's Children. I said well, I believe that only the people who have been Saved, are considered God's Children. Am I wrong Jim in my answer? That's what I get from my Bible. I would like for you to elaborate on this question if you would, when you get a chance. And maybe send me some Scriptures about this question? I found several in the Bible but maybe you have some more that pertain to this question, that you could send. I believe that we are not His Sheep unless we are Saved.
My Reply:
Some people might misconstrue this thinking that all people on this earth are God’s children and this is understandable because God created all people and it stands to reason therefore that everyone is a child of God. At least to our way of thinking. But after looking more closely at the Bible I believe we will see that only the adopted ones can rightly call God, Abba Father... We are then considered His sheep..
Romans 8: 8, 17
[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.[9] But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.[10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.[11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.[12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.[13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.[15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.[16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:[17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.[18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.[19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.[20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,[21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Note: children of God: Greek: teknon, “one born” a child and so on vs. 17, 21): not, as in verse 14, “sons” (Greek, huios ) . See Galations 4: 1, 7 where babyhood and sonhood are contrasted.
Galatians 4: 1, 7
[1] Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;[2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
[3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:[4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,[5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.[7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Galatians 3: 24, 29
[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.[29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Note: Schoolmaster: Greek paidagogos, “child-conductor” “ Among the Greeks and Romans, persons, for the most part slaves, who had it in charge to educate ad five constant attendance upon boys till they came of age: H. A. W. Meyer.. The argument does not turn upon the extent or nature of the pedagogue’s authority, but upon the fact that it wholly ceased when the “child” (4: 1) becomes a “son” (4: 1-6) when the minor becomes an adult. The Adult “son” does voluntarily that which formerly he did in fear of the pedagogue. But even if he does not, it is no longer a questionbetween the son and the pedagogus (the law), but between the son and his Father-God.. Cf. Hebrews 12: 5, 10 --------I John 2: 1, 2
[5] And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:[6] For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.[7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?[8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.[9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?[10] For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness
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.
Ephesians 1: 5[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Note: adoption = (huiothesia, “placing as a son”) is not so much a word of relationship as of position... The believer’s relation to God as a child results from the new birth, (John 1: 12, 13)
John 1: 12, 13
[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
where as adoption is the act of God whereby one already a child is, through redemption from the law, placed in the position of an adult son. (Galatians 4: 1- 5). The indwelling Spirit gives the realization of this on the believer’s present experience (Galatians 4: 6 ); but the full manifestation of the believer’s sonship awaits the resurrection, change, and translation of saints, which is called “the redemption of the body” Romans 8: 23; I Thessalonians. 4: 14, 17; Ephesians 1: 14; I John 3: 2)......
Now that we have seen a little concerning adoption and being children of God, let us look at not only being a child but becoming His sheep...What a analogy...
JOHN 10: 7, 11 ------24, 30
[7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. [1][8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.[9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.[10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.[11] I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
[24] Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.[25] Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.[26] But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.[27] My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:[28] And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.[29] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.[30] I and my Father are one.
[1] Note: The shepherd work of our Lord has three aspects:
(1). As the “Good” Shepherd He gives His life for the sheep (John 10: 11). and is, therefore, “the door” by which “if any man enter in he shall be saved“ (John 10: 9).
This answers to Psalms 22..
(2). He is the “Great” Shepherd, “brought again from the dead” (Hebrews 13: 20), to care for and make perfect the sheep... This answers to Psalms 23..
Hebrews 13: 20, 21
[20] Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,[21] Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
(3). He is the “Chief ” Shepherd who is coming in glory to give crowns of reward to the faithful shepherds (I peter 5: 4). This is answer to Psalms 24..........
I Peter 5: 2, 4
[2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;[3] Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.[4] And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
I could possibly go on with this line of thought but I believe that this should suffice for now in answer to the question of whether “I was asked if ALL man/people on this earth, is considered to be God's Children or is it just that the Saved ones are considered to be God's Children” I have been preparing this now for several days and must conclude that it is God’s chosen who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord and have become the sheep of His flock and adopted as His children into the Kingdom of God. If you have noticed I haven't made many comments. I believe the scripture has pretty well said it all. (smile)
A few years ago I wrote a song which might help in summing my line of thinking concerning this question. If you would like to hear it sung it is on the Heaven Bound site, page 2 of my songs. (smile) The lyrics are below.....

I’ve Been Adopted
I amble along down the pathways of life,Not knowing which way I should turn,And then I met Jesus, the light of my life,And now I await His return.I've been adopted, yes, adopted,And filled with his infinite Love,I've been adopted, yes, adopted,I'm a child of the Almighty God.He'll come from the portals of glory above,to reach down and take me away;Forever, He'll keep me in heaven above,Nevermore from his presents to stray.Jesus gave His life to save me one day,His pure blood was shed on the cross,He hung in suspension between God and man,But that was in our Father's plan.I've been adopted, yes, adopted,and filled with His infinite Love,I've been adopted, yes, I'm adopted,I'm a child of the Almighty God!song lyrics by; James W. Keelingcopyright 1986
I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed this Bible study and that this answer was perhaps enlightening and a blessing to you..
Note: the notes in color code orange are taken from;
The Scofield Reference Bible
1611 King James Version

Yes, I will sing...

Good Morning Everyone,
I hope that your weekend is going well for you.. It sure doesn’t seem like it should be Saturday yet, does it?.. Sneaked up on me again... (smile) I’m no longer hobbling around this morning and my legs aren’t hunting as bad from the other night in the garage working on Jimmy’s trailer... Boy, Oh, Boy has the grass greened up around here this morning.. It has been overcast the last couple of days and we had a good rain last night.. Everything was so brown from all the hot sun and heat and this watery blessing sure has made the difference.. Thank you Lord for this rain...
There were no grand babies here yesterday and it was strangely quiet around here.. My friends Thomas and Joseph came and visited in the afternoon for a couple of hours and right after they left Connie girl and Dianne went to Cadiz for a Gospel singing and didn‘t get home until almost midnight... They have different gospel groups singing each Friday night and country groups singing on Saturday night.
My friends Gayle Troutman, his daughter, Donna, and their group sing there on the second Friday of each month... Connie said she would take me next month to hear them if I was a good boy..( sly smile) Just kidding, you know I am always a good boy... LOL Actually what she said was that they have chairs and probably wouldn’t pose a problem for me.. (smile) It has been quite a few years since I have been to a gospel singing.. I use to sing at them all the time and I am looking forward to going again and litening.. I sure do love to hear good ole southern gospel music.. I can just feel the Holy Spirit plum to my bones while singing and listening to the songs of praise to our Lord, can’t you?
Psalms 9: 9, 11
[9] The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.[10] And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.[11] Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
Psalms 47: 5, 7
[5] God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.[6] Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.[7] For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.Have you ever noticed that it in those darkest hours of your life in which God places a prayer upon your lips and a song in your heart that peace soon follows? There is something about singing praises to God which lifts the spirit of the down trodden. It amazes me as I read about the early Christian martyrs and how they would sing praises to God as the Romans took them into the arenas to be eaten by the lions. And how they would sing praises when they were tortured and beheaded because of their belief in Christ.. Peace and serenity covering their faces as they departed this life to be with God...
I think of the black slaves and how they were treated here in America and how they kept singing those old spiritual songs as they worked in the cotton fields.. How God lifted their spirits as they lifted Him up in praise... Oh, what a blessing to know that we can lift up our voices to God in song and praise in our hours of need... The world never has understood the peace, the joy, and the love which floods our soul.. It baffles their minds... But to we who know God it becomes a refuge, a place where troubles and tribulations are replaced with the love of Jesus and the Holy Spirit stirs our very souls...
And so if you are feeling down today and it seems as though the weight of the world is resting upon your shoulders then look to heaven and smile, open your mouth, and sing a song of praise to God... Sing it loud and sing it long. Allow God to stir your very soul with the Holy Spirit of promise and your day which was clouded over with despair will change into bright sunshine and inner peace... Oh, What joy floods my soul since Jesus came into my heart.....

Well Glory!

I've got a Secret..

Good Morning Everyone,
WOW! what a change in the weather here at the Bar-K-Ranch today... It is a comfortable 75 degrees with gentle breezes and a overcast sky.. We had thunder storms yesterday afternoon which cooled us off from the miserable 95 degrees and humid this last week or so.. Boy, am I glad... Well, here it is Thursday already and I surly do hope that your week is going to suit you. (smile) I missed writing you the last couple of days so I’ll try and catch you up on this wild and exciting household.. LOL Day before yesterday wasn’t too good for me until late afternoon.. Connie girl and I decided to get out for a little bit and we went and visited my former pastor, Bro. Troutman and his wife.. they are 85 years old and poorly..
Bro. Troutman has alztimers and doesn’t remember who people are.. But when he saw me and was asked if he new who I was he said “why sure, that’s Jim Keeling.” And when asked who Connie was he said, “yea, that’s Jim better half.“ I started picking with him and he got to grinning and talking some.. He had a pretty good stubble growing and I rubbed his cheek and told him I was going to bring my chain saw down and help him shave the forest growing on his face... That sure tickled him.. Mrs. Troutman said that he talked more those couple of hours than he had for the last several months... We had a great visit.. I sure do wish I could hear him preach again...He was one of the greatest preachers I have ever heard....
Well, yesterday morning I tried to help Jimmy work on his car hauler but got over heated and had to come in.. Was out of it for awhile but around noon time Kim came and I worked on this pc until 6pm trying to get some music on her web site... Wrong! After 6 hours I just gave up... Jimmy and Kim left for Nashville and it had stormed and cooled down so I went back to the garage and cut and welded on Jimmy’s car hauler till after midnight... I had to lay down in the rocks and weld under the hitch and I am paying the price for that this morning.. I am dizzy and shaky and didn’t know if I was going to make it down the hall way to here or not..
Anyway, when I came in last night I just crashed in my easy chair and Panda jumped in my lap and we spent the night sleeping there.. (smile) But the trailer’s done and Jimmy can haul his tractor again... Jimmy doesn’t know I fixed it yet and when he comes today I’m going to act like I am ready to work on it today and surprise him... Shhh, don’t tell him. It’s a secret.. LOL
Wow, I really have gotten windy this morning, Haven’t I?
Psalms 25, 14
[14] The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Psalms 44:21
21] Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
Psalms 91:1
[1] He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Proverbs 3:32
[32] For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
Romans 16: 25, 27
[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:[27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

I have another secret for you this morning which most of the population doesn’t realize.. It must be a well kept secret because many haven’t heard it yet... The Lord is still on His throne, Jesus is alive and doing well and the Holy Spirit is still working in me... I believe that Jesus is preparing for a trip shortly but He must not like traveling alone.. I believe He is going to bring a host of angels with Him..
The most exciting part of this secret is that if you have your name written in His guest book, The Lambs Book of Life, then you and I are going to get to go back home with Him.. We will even get a change of body.... Now, isn’t that the greatest secret you’ve heard in awhile??? I wonder why this secret is being kept so well... It seems as though every time I tell a secret it spreads like wild fire and everyone knows it within a matter of hours.... Strange that the plan salvation and the gospel of Christ is such a well kept secret isn’t it???

Our Reward is

Good Morning Everyone,

First let me wish each of you a most Happy 4th of July... And what a beautiful day it is here at the Bar-K-Ranch to celebrate. Jimmy came early this morning to help Dianne finish with the water in her trailer and Connie girl has gone to town to get some chicken to Bar-B-Que on the grill... It should be jumping around here in a little while for sure.. (smile) Yesterday, Jimmy came and bushed hogged all of the fields for us. Today it looks so nice around here and I am thankful to God for this and giving me such a fine family. They are a joy to my heart. (smile)

Later in the evening Jimmy and I sat in here and played the guitars...

This morning as I sat on the porch having my coffee and looking out across the fields, I couldn’t help but praise God for all of the blessings He has given me... And as I began talking to God and praising Him and thanking Him for all His blessings, and praying for you all, my little internet flock, this story came to mind... I don’t remember it exactly and I have altered it some but as I thought on this story it touched me and the Holy Spirit has lead me to share it with you today.

It seems there was this young man who had a lovely home with a beautiful yard filled with shrubs and greenery.. He had small flower gardens through out his yard which added an array of awesome color. His home and yard were a delight to all who saw it... And would have been perfect except for this very large rock only 10 feet from the corner of his house. The man tried to move the rock but it was way to large so he prayed to God to help him get rid of this unsightly and un-moveable rock.. And God told the man to go and push against the rock each morning until it moved...

And so each morning, two hours before going to work, this man would go and push with everything he had to move this rock... He sometimes wondered when God’s word would come to pass but never said anything. He had faith that God would keep His word. One day after many years had passed the man lost his job because the company had closed it’s doors... He would have retired in just a few months and when he came home that day and walked into his yard there sat the eye sore of so many years... It was more than he could stand and he fell to the ground and cried out to God and said I have been faithful all these years and now I have lost my job and to top it off that ugly rock is still there and I still can’t move it...

God stopped the man right there and told him to stand up, go in the house, and stand before the mirror. What do you see, God asked? The man looked but only saw himself and ask God what He meant.. God said look at your reflection again... I see a man with muscles in his arms, a strong back and powerful legs. I see a man who is healthy and strong... But God, even though I am strong I still can’t move that rock and I have been faithfully pushing against it all these long years... My child, I never said that you would move that rock. I only said for you to push against it with all your might. And this has given you the strength and body needed to work at your job.. But God, I have lost my job and have no retirement....

At that moment clouds began to form, the thunder roared, and lightning flashed across the sky striking the rock and breaking it into pieces which could be easily moved... The man ran outside and looked at what was once the unmovable rock... Laying on the ground in the middle of rock pieces was a large lump of gold which was worth enough to support the man for the rest of his life... Because of this man’s faith, little blessings were being dealt out day by day for all of those years building a strong and healthy body but the final blessing came only in God’s timing...

Psalms 31: 23, 24

[23] O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
[24] Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Each of us have a rock to be moved. It may come in the guise of sickness or tribulation. It may be family problems, no job, or lack of finance. It may be the daily struggle with sin. It may be simple or complex but each of us has a rock to deal with in our lives. And we wonder why...

Corinthians 13: 12

[12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Like the man in our story, we struggle with all our might but the rock doesn’t move, the problem doesn‘t seem to go away.. But dear one the answer is in God’s timing and His alone. We may not be able to see it now. We may not understand it now but God is there and His blessing for you is there. So let us hold tightly to our faith in Him and be of good courage and He will give you and I the strength to endure... The reward for our faithfulness is just around the corner..

Well Glory!

Lambs and Sheep

Good Morning Everyone,

Here we are in the middle of the week already and what a lovely day it is today here at the Bar-K-Ranch. Yesterday it was so muggy and hot ( 98 heat index) that it would knock you out. But last night we had thunder storms and it has cooled down considerably today. My trip to the hospital for test was uneventful and afterwards Connie, Dianne, and I went to Captain D’s for a fish dinner. (smile)While we were eating there was an old man and woman in the parking lot with their anti-freeze running out from under their car. The manager went out and tried to help the old man fix his car but it needed some major work. The little old man and woman were like two little lambs who had lost their way, stranded, and not knowing which way to go.

The old man tried to call someone but couldn’t get a hold of anybody so there they were standing in the heat and looking at the car. I guess there is nothing worse than being stuck away from home, in the heat, and broken down, especially when your older.. When we had finished eating the old couple were still standing there so being nosy we ask them if we could help.. Come to find out they were from Elkton and only about 10 miles out of our way so we made room for them in the truck, turned up the air conditioner, and took them home. You could tell they were pleased to find a way home because they talked and laughed all the way. Their faces lit up like Christmas when we pulled into their driveway and it was a blessing to me just to see how relieved and happy they were.. Like lost sheep who had found their way home.. (smile) What a priviledge for me that God had allowed us to be His instruments in helping this little old couple. It put a joy down deep in my soul. Hmmmm, Lambs, lost sheep. This is no reflection on the ole couple but:

Have you ever had a pet lamb or raised sheep? I always thought cows were stupid till we tried raising sheep. Now I know why Jesus said He was the Shepherd and we were His sheep.. Sheep have to be the dumbest critters on the face of the earth. What an analogy to be compared to. No wonder so many people are going to hell. You know that the saddest road to hell is that which runs under the pulpit, past the Bible, and through the midst of warnings and invitations.

John 10; 7, 11------14,---17,18----27, 30 Read all of this chapter.. Totally Awesome!

[7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

[8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
[9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
[10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
[11] I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

[14] I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

[17] Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
[18] No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

[27] My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
[28] And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
[29] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
[30] I and my Father are one.


God puts no price tag on the Gift of gifts--salvation is free! Money can’t buy it, Man’s righteousness can’t earn it. Social prestige can’t acquire it. Morality can’t purchase it. Jesus gave His life and took it again so you and I could be His sheep and in His flock. Without Jesus, The Good Shepard, we are but lost little lambs, waiting to be devoured by that wolf in sheep’s clothing who goes by the name of Lucifer, Satan, The Devil, The anti-christ.

Won’t you ask Jesus to come into your heart and be The Good Shepard in your life? Because this for sure I do know; without Jesus, you are like the little old couple who were standing in the heat, broken down and stranded, and not knowing how to find their way home... Let us remember to keep our eyes on the Shepard adn follow Him.....

Well Glory!

Letting the Son Shine

Good Afternoon Everyone,

What an outstanding day to worship Our Lord. It is a warm 85 degrees here at the Bar-K-Ranch and the sun is shining brightly. Simply beautiful. Even though we enjoy the seasons with the rain and the snow, the spring time with the trees and flowers blooming showing their glory, and the fall when every thing is so beautiful with the changing of the trees and their glorious array of colors. But still there is something about the sunshine and the warmth it gives and the brilliance of the light in early summer.

I don’t know if you can make sense out of this today or not. If you read yesterday’s thought you will remember that my intentions were to go to the garage and work on the mowers after it cooled off some. Well instead of an attitude adjustment I guess you might say I had an intention adjustment.. Had a great game plan but after having to be helped to my easy chair the first time and then passing out and doing a one of my now famous swan dives to the floor later on, I somehow decided to postpone the little trip to the garage. (smile) Actually my swan dive turned out to be more like a belly flop. I still haven’t learned how to hit that floor gracefully yet.. LOL

I skinned my arm and hurt my back a little and sore this morning but over all I feel pretty good. Jimmy, Kim, Will and Kourtney were here along with Connie girl and Dianne and I scared the children when I fell and they were crying. A bouncing 450+ pound Pa Pa must be quite a site for the grandbabies, bless their little hearts.. But today is another day and so my desire, before going to the hospital for more test, is to let my little light shine as bright as the Son for you today. And just a John the Baptist, we should strive whole heartedly to be a witness in this wilderness of life in which you and I live;

John 1: 6, 12

[6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.


But Jesus said of Himself;

John 8: 12

[12] Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.


Here is the best part.. If you are a child of God and born again this is what Jesus has said of you and for you; a similitude of the believer.

Matthew 5: 14, 16

[14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
[15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven

As children of God, we are holding a light. We are to let that light shine in a world of darkness! though it may seem but a twinkling candle in a world of blackness, it is our business to let it shine. I may be sick today, but as the song goes; “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine let it shine let it shine.” Won’t you join in with me and let your little light shine so that others might see Jesus in you? By so doing we will glorify Our Father in Heaven...

Well Glory!

Helping others

Good Morning Everyone,

I trust that you had a lovely weekend and that today is going thumbs up for you. (smile) Some of the children were here and Connie put the Eric and Scott to work.. (smile) She had Scott working on the lawn mower and Eric put in two water hydrants and made steps for the front porch.. He also put up a new flag pole in the front yard. So they were busy. (smile)

Well the lawn mower didn’t make two rounds this morning and I guess that yours truly will be in the garage this evening after it cools down trying to get it fixed.. The new pulley and spline stripped out first thing and the belt cut into.. This ole ground is sure hard on mowers. Looks like about $50.00 in parts shot down the drain.. But it is only money right? eeeeeeek, what am I saying? Connie called a mechanic this morning to fix her lawn mower again and he came a little bit ago and said it would cost about $175.00 to $200.00 to repair it..

hmmmmmm No way Hoseay... Not as long as my handy dandy welder is in working condition.. (smile) Connie girl and Dianne were just trying to keep me from having to go to the garage. They are afraid I’ll pass out in this heat.. But if you want something done right you just have to do it your self... I am having a hard time keeping things in working order around here though. At present there are 3 lawnmowers broke down and my land pride mower has 3 flat tires.. Jimmy’s trailer frame is twisted in front and his truck has the back fiberglass fender busted where he was bringing his bush hog over here for Connie to use.. I am going to do what I can this evening because tomorrow I have to go to the hospital again for more test. So I am going to be kinda busy here this week...

By not having patience and allowing me to fix these things is going to put extra work on me and after looking at the garage and seeing the tools strolled all over the floor and everything turned upside down. Gonna take several hours of putting things back in order before I can even start to work out there... But I am just going to be thankful that they all were trying to be a help.. Think I’ll let the love they shown override everything else and smile, smile, smile, knowing they did the best they could.

Romans 15; 1, 5

[1] We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
[2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
[3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.


We who are strong, not only in the physical but in the spiritual should try and be a help to those who are weak. And by so doing we glorify God that we might be to the praise of His Glory.. May we each one strive to comfort those who are without. Let us offer help to those who are in need. For what ever circumstances we might find ourselves there are those who are far worse off than we. For our love of God will bear good fruit if we but show patience and love toward others and they will see Jesus flowing in our hearts..

Well Glory!