a Devotional study

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I hope that your having a wonderful weekend.. My thought is going to be a little different that the norm... A friend is going to have a devotional this Sunday at his church and ask me to help him this morning. We have been working on it and just finished and seeing how the time has slipped away I thought you might enjoy our sharing it with you all..

The letter of Paul The Apostle to the Ephesians was probably sent to Ephesus and Laodicea without being addressed to any church. The letter would-then be to the saints and faithful in Jesus Christ anywhere.. This was a footnote found in the Scofield reference Bible, King James Version.

Ephesians 5; 1, 17

[1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; If we are true followers of God We’re not in control of where we go of what we do but we will follow in the footsteps of Jesus and walk as He walked.


[2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Our walk as Christians should be in the love of Jesus and not in our own power but in the authority and power of God. Our walk isn’t just an emotional thing but an attitude put into action. If we truly walk in the love of God we will put into action that love which God has instilled into our hearts. It’s what’s in your heart which makes you go the path you follow. If evil is in your heart then your actions will be evil. But the love of Jesus is in your heart and you are following the Holy Spirit, then your actions will be Christ like and His love will shine forth in all that you do.


[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them. The Bible is very clear about not becoming involved with this evil world. Even thought we must work around lost and sinful people. We must be in this world and shop in stores and have dealings with lost and sinful people. We still need to be a light shining is this wilderness of sin so that others might see Jesus in us and want what we have. And what do we have? A peace and joy which emits from deep with in our very being.. This is why we do not dress as the world, We as Christians do not talk like the world, act like the world, but ever strive to be that peculiar people spoken about in the Bible as found in:

I Peter 2: 9

[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: When others look at us they should be able to see that we are peculiar and that our faces shine with the love of Jesus, and we should ever be praising Him, not only with our mouth but in every action we do.


[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Everyone of us were in darkness until we found God and the love of Jesus. After receiving Jesus into our hearts we began our walk with him.


[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Our walking in the light is what God expects from each of His children and this is acceptable in His eyes.


[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
[12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
[13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. When something is made manifest in our actions and everyday walk means that we are exposing what is in our hearts. If we are doing evil things in this flesh then we are expressing to others that we are no different than they. By doing this we have in essence told them we are living for the Devil and our witness and Christian influence is distorted and of no effect in winning someone to Christ. Why would a lost person want what you have if there is nothing different form what they have? this is why we must be different from the world.


[14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
[15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Circumspectly means here that you and I should be walking looking in every direction. Looking all around us see that evil isn’t coming in from one side or another. Being aware of evil which is all around us and not letting it effect our love and walk as Christians. Seeing it but not doing or following those who do it.


[16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Everywhere we look now a days we see evil don’t we? Just this week some of the leaders of this country want to take UNDER GOD from the pledge of allegiance to our American flag. How fortunate we are in that we can pray in our schools. The children in the regular schools aren’t allowed to even pray.. If it were up to politicians they would make us not be allowed to pray either.. We can and must thank God and praise Him that we a still able to have this privilege.


[17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.What is the will of the Lord and how do we understand it? By following in the footsteps of Jesus and reading His Bible and not only talking the talk but walking the walk.

Rejoice, I say Rejoice

Good Morning Everyone,

Hope that you are sleeping right now. (smile) It is 1;15 am and I am going to bed in a minute.. I been reading your mail and I know I haven't answered any but I am saving it and will answer a soon as I can..

Connie girl, Jimmy, and Dianne went with me to the doctors today and I drove my 4 door 1 ton Chevy Dully truck. The mammogram showed that the lump is still about the same size and they said that was good.. I am writing now because I have to go to the hospital tomorrow for a cat scan and some other test.. The doctor thinks I may be having seizures but isn't positive yet.. Any way I can't drive my truck or any vehicle. Not even the boat.. I ask about that for sure (smile) I guess that driving the red belly Ford tractor is out of the question too. (smile) Anyway Jimmy drove us home..

Jimmy had brought his tractor to bush hog our fields for us this morning and bless his heart, his truck wouldn't pull the trailer with the tractor on it up our steep hill. So he was going to try and unload it and when he did the weight of it lifted the truck up off the ground and it took off back down the hill and jack knifed on the road before he could get it stopped.. It tore up the trailer and bent his new back bumper on the truck and smashed in the fender. But Jimmy didn't get hurt and I told him we could fix the trailer and I will fix the fender.. Good thing I like to paint ole cars huh? I believe a little fiber glass, bondo, and paint and with my expertise it will look like brand new again.. (smile)

This was just going to be a note in the mail because I didn’t think I would have time to put on my thought in the morning but since I have written this much let’s see what God will give me to bless you with when you get up.. (smile)

Romans 5: 1, 5

[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
[2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
[4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
[5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.


Every single one of us must suffer at some time or another. Every single one of us must go through trials which pop up in every day living. Should we hang our head and cry, ”Woe is me”? Are we not saved children of the resurrected Christ? Then why display a face of one which has no hope? There is and old song which goes, “On this solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” We have access to Jesus by faith and by His grace we can stand and rejoice..

No matter what befalls us in the way of tribulations; Rejoice, I say Rejoice, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us.. And how do I know this? Because it is written in His Holy Word.. I just read it in the text above. Well Glory! If this doesn’t make you want to jump up and shout then you need a revival deep down in your soul.. I’m on shouting ground this morning, Yea, praise God in all things, good and bad.. I can rejoice in my infirmities because one day I will have a new and glorious body and will reside in heaven with my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ... I am a child of the King and my Father loves me and I love Him...... Well Glory!

May the Holy Spirit stir you soul,

Together

Good Morning Everyone,

Yesterday evening Marvin, Naomi, Buttons, and Joseph came to visit and Jimmy Kim, and the children came a little later so we had a house full. Kim wanted me to help her with her singing web site, so we spent several hours putting some pictures and meta tags into her files. As soon as I get the music on to hear her singing clips I’ll will send you all the URL addy so you can visit and sign her guest book. Kim is sure excited about her new CD, ‘Something Like This’ coming out next month and I know it is going to be a big hit for her.. She is very talented.. (smile)

Well today is another carbon copy of yesterday... It is simply beautiful again this morning.. I hope that I have enough time to get this out today. I have an appointment for another mammogram to check the lump in my breast this afternoon and then go see doctor Sweet.. And so it is going to be a big day for me.. (smile) Connie girl is going with me and we are going to stop and visit mom before coming home. Knowing my little partner, (Connie girl) like I do, we will probably have to stop at Wally World (Wal-Mart) before we leave town.. LOL

Well I must admit that Connie and I still make a pretty good team. The only trouble now is that the star team player isn’t able to carry the load, physically, he use to and that places an extra burden on Connie girl.. But mentally, we are as strong a team we ever were. We are kinda like a good team of mules. In harness, side by side, pulling together, our eyes focused on the same goals, leaning into the load, set against the harness, and ever pulling together to achieve victory and accomplish what God has set for us to do... That’s teamwork!

John 4: 29, 36

[29] Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
[30] Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
[31] In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
[32] But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
[33] Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?
[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.

Covet the will of God for your life more than anything in the world. You can have peace in your heart with little if you are in the full will of God; but you can be miserable with much if you are out of His will. What is the will of God in your life? What work has God set before you to accomplish? God has something for each of us to do in this life but sometimes we need to join forces and work together as a team to get the job done more effectively.

Together WE can make a difference in reaching out to a lost and dying world headed to a devil’s Hell. Telling our friends and neighbors what Jesus has done for us and how He has changed our lives. The web posses a great avenue to get the Word of God told around the world. Join with me in spreading the Gospel and share with someone what Jesus has done for you. Be like the woman at the well and by so doing we may rejoice together...

Well Glory!

Down from the Mountain top

Good Morning Everyone,

Have you ever had so many things running through your head that you just didn’t know where to start? This is where I find myself this morning. (smile) Well I guess that I had better start at the beginning. First let me praise God for this beautiful day here at the Bar-K-Ranch. I have been sitting on the front porch these last couple of hours, drinking my morning coffee, with Panda sitting at my feet, and literally had to drag myself back into the house.

The sun is shining and the temperature is in the low 70’s with a nice breeze blowing. I don’t know if I will be able to stand Heaven if it is more beautiful than it was this morning. God is so awesome in His creation and I have been like a sponge this morning just soaking up every bit of beauty God had to offer me. Just like the song; What a joy floods my soul like the sea bellows roll, since Jesus came into my heart... Well Glory!

I couldn’t help thinking how marvelous Adam must have felt in the garden of Eden as he walked in the cool of the evening with Jesus.. I am not a city person and I will enjoy walking on the streets of gold and observing all the beauty of the New Jerusalem. But I believe I can relate to the fellow you wrote the song about being satisfied, living in a cabin in the corner of Glory land.. I believe I not only would be satisfied but would prefer it..

Just sitting here with Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to flood my soul in happiness this morning. And seeing the beauty of the wild flowers growing in the fields across the road, and the orange, purples, yellows, reds, and whites growing in Connie girl’s garden. And the different shades of green in the woods, the smell of the fresh air from our woods after the rains of the last couple of days. The different little birds flittering about, each with their own song to sing.. Even the crows flying about and cawing. How overwhelming as I looked at and felt the love which God has for us as I surveyed this tiny portion of His creation. It was as if God had placed a protective, invisible bubble over the Bar-K-Ranch this morning, keeping out all of the hatred and evil of this world, leaving only joy, and peace, and total love in His wake. Oh, how I praise Him.

Psalms 143: 8

[8] Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Mathew 17: 1, 2-9

[1] And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
[2] And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

I can only imagine how Peter, James, and John must have felt after their experience on the mountain top with Jesus.. But as they, we must all come down from our mountain top experiences into a world in need of our knowledge and understanding so that we might lead them to the foot of the cross. And in so doing these lost souls may discover Jesus Christ and be saved. We as Christians need to be labourers for Christ. We need to be working in winning the lost for the greatest harvest of all time. Well Glory!

Matthew 9; 37, 38

[37] Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

[38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest

May your day be Blessed

Setting God Smack Dab in the Middle of it All.

Good Morning Everyone,

Can you believe that it is Friday already? More striking , can you believe that June is so far shot. Haven’t been on here for the last couple of days. Between getting aggravated with this pc for locking up, dropping fire balls on my foot from welding on the tractor seat and getting it infected. and spending the whole day yesterday in the ole easy chair from being sick has taken it’s toll on one week out of this month.

But for the young loves, this month is the chosen favorite for marriage. Those who aren’t working in their marriage declare it to be a ten minute ceremony and then sentenced for life.

I don’t know how I got started on this but all I can say is that God gave me a good wife and I’ve had her for 37 years. Connie girl is kind of like a great old classic car. It took a few years to break her in, but on a bumpy road her shocks are sturdy and the ride is smooth, when she sees the road is curvy she can corner on two wheels, and over the long haul she purrs like a kitten, gets you where your going, makes the journey a pleasure, and since she was built in America, their has never been a better one made. (big smile)

Some one once said that getting married is easy, staying married is more difficult, And staying happily married for a lifetime would be considered among the fine arts. If that is the case, then Connie and I are the Leonardo Da Vinci’s of this Era. (smile)

I know that a few of you are Da Vinci’s too. Aren’t you? Yea, and a few are working on becoming Da Vinci’s. Don’t know what I would have done without my Connie girl but I do know that our marriage would have never withstood the trials of time had it not been for God being smack dab in the middle of it all. (smile)

Ephesians: 5: 21, 33
[21] Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
[29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
[30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
[31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
[32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
[33] Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband

Just remember this; Putting God in your marriage is like keeping that classic car in the garage, out of the weather, burning high octane gasoline, and changing the oil with Texaco, running on Goodyear tires, and waxing it with Simonize. It will run forever, give you the greatest service, and make you proud to be it’s owner. Thank you Jesus for giving me a good wife but moreover, thank you for remaining smack dab in the middle of our lives and sustaining our love for you and for each other..

Well Glory!

Feelings

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Sorry about not answering mail again or being able to get my thought on here.. My mail program is locking up again and I feel I am on borrowed time here.. It is working at the moment but yesterday it did but before I could send out the mail whammo, it went kabooie.. Just kicked in so will try and get this in the mail.. I will try and answer some of your letters this evening, Lord willing, and the creek don’t rise.. (smile)

WOW! It is 86 degrees already today according to my on screen weather bug.... The old saying about making hay while the sun shines sounds good but only in theory. In actuality, I would prefer it overcast with a good cool breeze blowing. (smile) NO, NO, I take that back. In Actuality, I would prefer to sit here and write you all letters in these suffering elements of air conditioning and room temperature of 73 degrees. lol Well, you get the picture...

Hmmmmm, everything so far this morning is about feelings. Personal feelings like being hot, sweating, wanting to feel a cool breeze, feeling the air conditioning. Reminds me of a man named Lazarus. He had feelings, Pain mostly, as he laid at the gates of the rich man full of soars, his only comfort was, being licked by dogs. It seems that both Lazarus and the rich man died. Just a couple of things to note here.

1. Lazarus’s name is recorded in the Bible the rich man’s isn’t. Could that be because Lazarus was a child of God and his name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life and the rich man wasn‘t? 2. Lazarus was carried by angels and comforted, the rich man was buried and tormented in HELL. 3...Here is the kicker. Both had feelings after death. They both could see, hear, smell, taste, remember, and feel.

Luke 16: 19, 31

[19] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
[20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
[21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
[22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
[23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
[24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
[25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
[26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
[27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
[28] For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
[29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
[30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
[31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Even as angels escorted Lazarus when he died, so we can assume that they will escort us when God calls us and through death we enter into the presence of Christ. What joy to know that as children of God we will be carried to a place of total comfort, the total feelings of all heaven engulfing us..

May God touch you today with feelings of happiness, joy, and peace in the certainty of this knowledge.

Well Glory!

Fathers

Good Morning Everyone,

Here it is father’s day already and this year is truly slipping by so swiftly. It is a lovely but cool day with overcast skies here at the Bar-K-Ranch today. Had a big, big day yesterday. Scott, Renee, her 14 year old son, Jo Jo came from Cleveland, Tenn. to spend the weekend and we went to Lake Malone. Took the pontoon out for the third time this year which is more times than I have had it out in the last two years. (smile) Connie girl and Dianne didn’t go swimming but Scott, Renee, Jo Jo, and I did.. I swam pulling the boat for about 500 or 600 yards to reach my goal of a no skiing buoy. It took me about a hour of steady swimming and sure did exercise these legs. With out the pressure of my weight, allowed me to work them out and didn’t hurt like trying to walk. I believe I could lose some of this weight if I could do that every day. (smile)

We picked up little Aaron at the lake where he was also boating with his mom and step dad. He spent the night and is going back to Tenn. with Scott for a couple of weeks.. Well, Connie girl, Dianne, Jo Jo, and Aaron will be home from church in a few minutes and Eric is coming after awhile.. Jimmy, Kim, Will, and Kourtney will be here too so this ole house will be jumping shortly.. (smile) Connie girl got me a food processor for Father’s Day so I can make this vinegar diet slaw to lose weight.. Sure hope it works. (smile) I hope that all you fathers have a most delightful day and that your children are a special blessing to you today.

My dad passed away in 1977 and is watching from heaven now and I miss getting to be with him, especially on special days like today. Some of your fathers may be gone now so you know what I mean. It sometimes seems that because of working and providing for the family that dad’s just don’t have the time to do the things with us that they would like to when we are growing up. This is sad and I have been guilty of this myself. I sometimes had to be gone for weeks at a time on my job. But when I was home we rode the horses and went to horse shows, went swimming and boating, and worked together around the farm.

I am fortunate in that my children all live fairly close by and we get to be together pretty much. It is a wonderful feeling getting to be a dad and I hope that you dad’s feel the same way. I looked under ‘father’ in the concordance and there was so many verses to choose from concerning fathers. Then I remembered the quivers and arrows. (smile)

Psalms 127: 1, 5 ---Psalms 128: 3,4

[1] Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
[2] It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
[3] Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
[4] As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
[5] Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Psalms 128: 3,4

[3] Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
[4] Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.


You can’t do much about your ancestors, but you can influence your descendants enormously. William L. Brownell has said, “many a son has lost his way among strangers because his father was too busy to get acquainted with him.” Let us as dad’s remember to take time to teach our children family values and our heritage.. But more importantly, let us teach them the love of God by setting the example of following in a close walk with Jesus.

God's Mercy and Grace

Good Morning Everyone,

Guess that today’s thought is going to be a little behind schedule this morning. (smile) I am afraid that I got off to a wobbly start.. Been in the ole easy chair already and by the grace of God was fortunate to make it that far. Had a bad spell while sitting on the back porch with my first cup of coffee and this was not the way I had planned to start my day for sure..(smile) I am afraid that I scarred my little dog Panda half to death.. I just couldn’t get any air and was gasping by the time I sat down.. Connie turned on the fan and blew it on me and got me some juice.

Panda jumped into my lap and started turning round and round and licking my arms.. Funny how a little animal senses something isn’t right.. Dianne ran and got a cold wet wash rag and wiped my head and neck and my face.. I guess I went out because I don’t remember much after that.. Anyway, a little later on Connie fixed me some sausage, eggs, and jelly toast and I had breakfast there in my chair.. I feel better now after getting a shower and thought I’d come in here for a few minutes and see what kind of mischief I could get into.. (smile) Still a little groggy and this page has a bunch of squiggly red lines indicating misspelled words so I am asking God’s grace to clear my head long enough to finish.

Connie’s aunt Rosie and grand daughter came and they along with Connie and Dianne have gone to visit some of her people.. hmmmmm, Would you just listen to that.. Can you hear it? Peace and quiet.. All I can hear is the air purifier fan and an occasional car go by... (smile) Opps, spoke to soon. Connie’s nephew ( Steven) just pulled up so I’ll be back in a moment....(smile)

Well I’m back.. God is so good to me.. By His mercy and grace my head has cleared some now and back on track.. God’s mercy and grace.. Yea, Well Glory..


Romans 5; 1, 2

[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
[2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.


2 Corinthians 1: 12 ----12: 9

[12] For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Ephesians 4; 7

[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.


Most will quote, Eph. 2; 8; “[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” but why stop there. True, we’re saved by the grace of God through faith but it doesn’t stop there.. We are continuously kept, by the mercy of God and His grace.. Everyday, everything we are, everything we do or accomplish that day, every good thing which transpires in our daily walk with Jesus, the totally of our very existence must be attributed to God. And armed with this knowledge; to God and God alone must we give all praise, honor, and glory..

Well Glory!

Preparation of Mind

Good Morning Everyone,

Monday, Monday and we’re off and running again. Facing new challenges of excitement and adventure as we charge out into the world with our hair in the wind, setting everything on fire behind us. After the weekend of rest and relaxation you are at the epitimy of vim and vigor. HUH? What do you mean I must be referring to some one else? That isn’t you, still in your house coat, stumbling through the house with a cup of cold coffee in your hand is it? yeeeeeeeeeha! Wake up America! Ok, OK, I know I do get a little bit carried away sometimes.

Well, the sun is shining and it is almost 90 degrees on the back porch. Dianne has gone to the trailer to paint the trim. Connie girl and Aaron have gone to the barn to feed Image and the Massey tractor is sitting in the doorway of the garage patiently waiting for me to weld the seat.. Maybe this evening when it cools off some I’ll tackle that job.. Might even try and put the gate to the fields up before dark. (smile) Jimmy, Kim, and the children are coming and along with Connie girl are planning to help Dianne paper and paint.. hmmmmm, Children painting? no way! Pa Pa babysitting? I’ll bet that is on the don’t tell pa pa until the last minute agenda. LOL

Spent the whole day in my ole easy chair yesterday. Just couldn’t seem to get it together. But today this ole derailed train is back on track and blowing black smoke from the engine.. (smile) At least that is what my mind is telling me.. Sometime though, my mind says I am ready to tackle this job or that one and my body totally refuses to cooperate.. Do you ever have that problem? I have come to realize that I must not waste any movements when working on something.. Every move must count toward accomplishing the job at hand.. All it takes are a few mistakes and wasted moves from not thinking ahead and the job is prolonged and nothing gets done that day. I must blueprint and prepare my mind for every move and then when I begin work, execute each prepared mind set and the job falls right into place... Mind preparation in the key..

When I built this house, I had formulated it in my mind for several years before the actual construction began. I drew up my own blue prints, calculated the bill of materials, and figured the cost. My disability almost threw a monkey wrench in the works but God was merciful and Blessed us. Then after all the preparations, we moved in and this house became a home with Christ as the head. This home is temporary but what I’m really looking for is:

John 14: 2, 3

[1] Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
[2] In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
[3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.


I just love the way Teresa of Avila put it when she said; “Christ is the head of this house, The unseen guest at every meal, The unseen listener to every conversation. Christ moves among the pots and pans.” This earthen home should have Christ as the head, but at the same time, we as children of God should be preparing to move into our heavenly home. Are you prepared to make this move to your heavenly home? To qualify; your name must be written in the Lambs Book of Life... Doesn’t it excite you when we realize that God has blueprinted everything in His mind from the beginning? Even more exciting is knowing that Jesus is preparing a Heavenly home for His children..

Well Glory!

The Breaking Tree

Good Morning Everyone,

Well we have survived another week. If you remember, yesterday the game plan was to weld the tractor seat and fix the gate to the fields but this didn’t come to pass.. The pain killer didn’t work and I ended up laying around the rest of the day.. Sometimes a person knows their going to suffer for doing something but they do it anyway.. As the old saying goes, “if your gonna dance you must pay the fiddler.” Just been trying to do to much, I guess.. At least, by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit, we completed what we set out to do on the trailer before I gave out.. (smile) And that is a comfort..

Well yesterday, the only thing I accomplished was washing the little tractor and running it down to the trailer to see how the carpet men did.. on the way back I picked up a nail and got a flat tire.. Now isn’t that a hoot? But today is another day and Jimmy came over and he with the help of Connie and Dianne lassoed the little stud horse, Image and got him in the barn..

I watched as Jimmy pulled Image around with the big Massey tractor for awhile.. We are trying to get him halter broke before Shelly comes next Friday to pick him up.. After about 30 minutes, Jimmy washed Image with the water hose and he is now tied to the breaking tree.. You probably aren’t familiar with the term, breaking tree. We have a large tree with an over hanging limb and I have an rubber tire tube tied to the limb and the horse is fastened to it..

When the horse fights the halter and runs backwards the tube stretches and the horse doesn’t break the rope.. Then the tube snatches him back to the tree.. The horse falls down and tries everything to get away but that ole tube finally wears him out and he learns to stand without the pressure of the rope.. After this we will tug at the horse and he will not fight against the pressure of the rope and will begin to follow you around.. That tube sure saves wear and tear on the ole body..

Jonah 1: 4--- Jonah 2: 1,2--10

[4] But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.
Jonah 2: 1,2--10

[1] Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly,
[2] And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.
[10] And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.


Just as Image has to endure suffering at the breaking tree so must you and I suffer at the Lord’s breaking tree in order that we might follow Him. And just a Jonah resisted the will of God and had to suffer in the belly of the whale, so must we suffer when we resist the will of God in our lives. It isn’t pleasant at the time but after we are broken to His Will we find that resistance has been replaced by love and we can walk in the Holy Spirit as good children and disciples of Christ. I pray that today we realize following God is far better if we do not resist Him but instead allow Him to lead us down the pathway He would have us to go.. Are you fighting against the breaking tree or are you following the Master?

Well Glory!

Love and Compassion

Good Morning Everyone,

Did you miss me yesterday? I must apologize but I was fulfilling an obligation and it had to be completed before this morning.. You see the men are coming to lay the carpet and linoleum for Dianne’s trailer and I hadn’t finished any of the ceiling trim or the window trim.. Because of the carpet expense and the limited budget we couldn’t afford the ready made trim so I took some 2x4’s 12 feet long and ripped them on the table saw and just made my own trim..

Dianne, my grandson, Will, (Jimmy’s boy) and I started early yesterday morning and didn’t get to supper until 10pm last evening... Was a little bit wobbly when we first started but but didn’t pass out and after 8 milligrams of pain killer made it OK.. My leg is red this morning and they hurt like the dickens but I just took another pain killer so should make it today.. (smile) Gonna take an anti biotic this evening for the infection.. They make me sleepy and I have things to do, places to go, and people to see.. LOL

Started the little red belly Ford tractor this morning. Washed it and drove it down to the trailer to see how Connie girl, Dianne, and Will were coming with cleaning all of the saw dust off of everything. They had all my tools and table saw loaded on the truck and the trailer cleaned out. It is now ready for the men to carpet... I guess sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.. (smile)

If I can hold out I plan to weld the busted seat on the big Massey tractor and hook up the bush hog so Connie girl can do the fields today.. She and Dianne have gone to town to get a lawn mower belt for Dianne’s mower and Will is putting some big rocks along the porch at the edge of the mulch for his Granny... I also have to put the hinges on the gate to the fields. It is just tied with a rope right now and takes two people to open it.. I been kinda putting it off. (smile) If the Lord willing and I make it through the day I’ll be doing good... After that will be a few days in the ole easy chair to give these legs time to heal up.. But for now? Just busy, busy, busy. (smile)

Someone has once said that ‘Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully.’ I not only wish to be a blessing each day by dutifully publishing these thoughts, but I wish to be a help and inspire you by making these thoughts come from my heart. I wish to pass on this love of Jesus Christ to you and by sharing this love through Jesus can only be portrayed as a beautiful relationship between you and I. (smile)

John 13: 34, 35
[34] A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
[35] By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.


Abraham Lincoln once said, “I feel sorry for the man who can’t feel the whip when it is laid on the other man’s back.” Love and compassion must walk hand and hand. Almost anyone can show love and compassion towards family and maybe even close friends. But it takes a special kind of love and compassion, instilled in us only by the Holy Spirit, which allows us to display love and compassion towards a stranger or even our enemies. The secret to possessing this special kind of love and compassion is having Jesus in our heart... The Question is; Do you have the love and compassion of Jesus in your heart today? I pray that you do..

Well Glory!

Predictions

Good Morning Everyone,

We had company in and out all day yesterday and yours truly stayed pretty close to the ole easy chair.. Tracy, Joey, and Jacob came to pick up Jarod who has been staying with us for the last two weeks. Monkey and Jo came for a little while and while they were here another lady stopped by to check on Image, my little stud horse which we sold her.. Kourtney had spent the night and Jimmy and Kim visited with us for a little while when they came to pick her up.. Jimmy and I played the guitars some and had a good time..

By evening I was feeling better, so Dianne and I put some of the pin stripping on the bus. One side and the back of the bus are now completely finished which leaves just one more side.. I started the bus to let the batteries charge and moved it over into the yard. Hopefully, we will finish it this evening weather permitting.. (smile) Speaking of the weather, isn’t this a lovely morning? The sun is shining at this present time but a little later in the day it is predicting for us to have some thunder storms.. Predictions? hmmmmmmmm

Many Christian people are talking about the return of Christ. Even the anti-Christ is gearing up for it with all the alien and end of time type of movies which are out now as he prepares the way for his (Satan’s) appearance.

I don’t get out much, mostly because of the disability, but when I do I notice that people just keep buzzing around like there will always be tomorrow. As though Christ’s return must be just another story book fable or something. Concerned with worldly things instead of heavenly.

I am not a doomsday preacher but I feel that we as Christians should be telling others about Jesus before it is eternally to late. We keep saying that tomorrow I’ll do this or that without regard of the predictions of the Bible.. Funny how when the weather man on TV says it will rain, people roll up car windows, grab their umbrellas, put away tools and things in the yard so the won’t get wet.. But when it comes to Christ’s return? Most pay little or no attention to this assured event which is predicted in the Bible. Few are or have made preparations and I am afraid it is going to be a sad day for many people..

I Corinthians 15: 50, 53

[50] Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
[53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.


I Thessalonians 4: 16, 18
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.


The scripture says that in the midst of persecution, confusion, wars, and rumors of wars, we are to comfort one another with a knowledge that Jesus Christ is coming back in triumph, glory, and majesty. My Question to you is; ARE YOU READY? Have you made preparations? Are we telling others so that they might prepare for this up coming event of the return of Jesus Christ?

The time is so short. Unlike the weather man who’s predictions sometimes miss the mark, this Bible prediction and most awesome event in all of history WILL take place... May we each look to the heavens as we do our daily chores and be ready!

Well Glory!

Giving Thanks

Good Morning Little Flock,

And what a lovely morning it is here at the Bar-K-Ranch. The sun is shining with a cool gentle breeze.. I hope that your weekend was as enjoyable as mine was. We did manage to take the pontoon out to the lake yesterday afternoon.. Connie girl, Dianne, and Jarod hooked up the boat for me. Pauline and Earnest, who are in their 70’s, came and went with us. Earnest had never been on a Pontoon before and neither of them could swim so it was an experience for them for sure. (smile) I had them wear their life jackets and you could tell they were nervous at first.

Of coarse I was my ornery self. (smile) Pauline and Dianne were sitting in the two front seats and I had the boat running along at a pretty good clip and saw some fairly large waves ahead which had been caused by some passing speed boats. I don’t know if you have ever ridden on a pontoon or not but if you head into a wave and shut the engine down the nose of the pontoon will dip into the water.. A gush of water will flood the floor.. There is also a splash of water and the ones in front get wet.. The pontoon pops right back up out of the wave but for someone who hasn’t experienced this before, it is definitely a thrill...

Would yours truly do such a thing to Dianne and this 72 year old unsuspecting woman.. You betcha.. LOL That Pauline spun her swivel chair around and said, “Jim Keeling, I am going to kill you.” As I surveyed the expression on her face, I almost fell out of my captain’s chair, I laughed so hard.. Everyone was laughing even Earnest, who, by the way never ventured to the front seat.. (smile) Later, we had a snack and pop and everyone had a great time. Even Pauline. When we got back home, Jimmy, Kim and the children came and spent the evening with us..

I am so thankful to God for giving me such a wonderful day..

Philippians 4; 11

[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.


Psalms 30: 10, 12

[10] Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
[11] Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
[12] To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.


There are times in everyone’s life when hardships must be endured. And many of you at this very moment are enduring such trials of hardships. The Bible says that we should praise God in all things and that we should be content in whatever circumstance we find ourselves.. What makes our hardships bearable are those moments in which God blesses us with joy and happiness..

It is in these happy times that we not forget the One who has been so gracious to us. And so, let us praise God in our trials but let us not forget God by giving thanks to Him when we are blessed with joy and happiness.. Rejoice, little flock. For one day, you and I will be in Heaven with Him and all the trials of pain and hardships will be no more..

Well Glory!

An Extra Effort

Good Morning Everyone,

Looks as though it is going to be another hot day here at the Bar-K-Ranch.. It is already 87 degrees on the back porch and going into the mid nineties by this afternoon.. I am afraid that yesterday I didn’t accomplish very much. After going through the mail, I spent rest of the day and evening in the ole easy chair. This ole body just didn’t want to cooperate with the activities of my mind. (smile) I had several little jobs I had hoped to get done but just couldn’t manage it..

That Connie girl, Dianne, and Jarod, were busy little beavers yesterday. They mulched most of the flowers and trees in front of the house and plan on doing the back tomorrow.. That Connie girl has a gazillion flowers planted in round flower beds all over this very large yard and it truly keeps her busy.. Dianne has been trying to help her while Connie baby sat so it wasn’t like starting from scratch..

Connie girl’s little helper, Jarod, who is 13 years old, has been staying with us this last week. He will be going home Tuesday and wants to go on the pontoon this afternoon after church.. I am not sure I am up to it but am going to put an extra effort in trying for him.. Jarod has been helping Dianne and myself this last week by working on her trailer and then yesterday on the yard so he deserves this little extra effort on my part for an afternoon outing today.. (smile)

Well what do you know. Extra Effort, hmmmmm, now that is a thought. You know, when I sit down here at my PC to prepare ‘My Thought for Today,’ I have no earthly idea what it is going to be about. How could I know what your needs are every day? The Answer? There is no way under the stars in heaven I could know. But then, God. (smile) Yes, God knows what you need today. Well, Glory!

Extra Effort! Yea, Extra Effort, that is what we need. An extra effort in praying for someone, or doing a good turn, or helping do something for someone who is unable to help themselves.. An extra effort to tell a lost soul about Jesus and lead them to the foot of the cross.

Matthew 5: 40, 42 and I Corinthians 15: 58

[40] And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
[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 Corinthians 15: 58

[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
[58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.


Between the great things we can’t do and the little things we feel above doing, the chances are we will do nothing. Therefore, train your eye to watch for other’s needs and to read another’s woe. Train your soul to sympathy, and your hands to helpfulness! Reach out to others who ask of you and give that extra effort in doing something to brighten their day. For this is the work of the Lord and by walking that extra mile with someone in need, will not soon be forgotten. Especially in a young person whose life will reflect as they bring into remembrance your deed of kindness... And by so doing will give us the victory as Jesus shines through us......

Well glory!

King David said it?

Good Morning Everyone,

Wow, what a beautiful morning to wake up to and enjoy today at the Bar-K-Ranch.. My coffee is hot, and so it is on the back porch. The sun is shining and as I sat there sipping my java I noticed it was about 82 degrees already and going to get 91 degrees today. The weekend warriors will be out in full force today for sure. (smile) And tonight here in Elkton the teeny boppers will burn their gas going around the square and then to the dairy dip, once around, and back to the square. Oh, Yea, mustn’t forget the music. Some of those cars have PA systems that would put the average football stadium to shame.

Yesterday was Connie girls last day at babysitting in Bowling Green.. Yea.. And when she got in last evening She and Dianne worked in the yard.. Got it all mowed and weed eated.. I am going to have to get Connie some mulch to go around all her flowers. But between the ‘49’ Chevy dump truck’s brakes not working and the ‘44’ driver being slow about fixing them, it may be awhile before she gets that mulch.. (smile) Monkey and Jo came yesterday morning and last evening, Jimmy, Kim and the children were here and with Dianne and Jarod the patio we full.. I am happy that they like to visit with us. But then our house is home to all who cross the thresh hold. As John Henry Jowett once said, “Anyone can build a house: we need the Lord for the creation of a home.”

The grand babies mostly set and watched the Big TV while the grownups were out side. Sure is hard to find something decent on the TV now a days, isn’t it? There is an amazing difference from movies prior to 1960 and the new movies of today. Some are so wicked and I can fully understand why King David said in the book of Psalms, in the Old Testament, around 3000 years ago that he would not set a TV in his house. Yes sir, King David was very old fashion when it came to Television and he just wasn’t going to set one in his house..

You say that you didn’t know that King David had said that? Well, he sure did, really... What’s that? You want me to show it to you? Ok, look at verse 3 of My Thought for Today and I believe you'll agree with me that King David wouldn’t have a TV in his house...

Psalms 101: 1, 7

[1] I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.
[2] I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
[3] I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
[4] A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
[5] Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
[6] Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
[7] He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.


A man’s home should be on the hilltop of cheerfulness, so high that no shadows might rest upon it. How often we sabotage our relationship with God by having evil in our homes when in actually our home should be our refuge hiding place from this evil world.. We may not have any control outside of our home as to the wickedness which may be found. But we most certainly have the say about what comes across our threshold..

If Jesus were to knock at your door today, would you swing the door open wide for Him to enter? Or when you saw Jesus at your door would you hide? A house isn’t a home until we make it one. But what kind of home we make it is determined by our faithfulness to God.. I pray that yours is a Christian home, full of love and joy. A place where Jesus would fit right in...

Well Glory!