God Reflections: Psalm 51

 God Reflections: Psalm 51 by ric gustafson

God does not desire a sacrifice. God does not desire a burnt offering. According to Psalm 51, God does desire that we come to him with a broken spirit. God will not reject a broken heart. God will not reject a repentant heart.

God wants to give us favor every day. God wants us to be free. God wants us to be energized by his splendid love. The truth is God loves us more than anything else.

research help: Mini Devotions to refresh your heart' by Christian Art Publishers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Firm page 22

the Firm page 22 by ric gustafson

Abby walked into the crowded terrrarium. She sat down and waited for her new friend to arrive. Cautious by nature, it took Abby a while to make new friends. Her new friend Kay Quin was always late. In the short time they have known each other, Kay has become Abby's tour guide, shopping consultant and decorator. 

Kay frowned. " Sorry I'm late".

" That's ok".

" So you are out of school?".

Abby grinned. " Yes until Jan 6".

They both ordered wine.

" What are your plans for Christmas?".

" I'd like to visit my folks in Kentucky". Abby frowned. " I doubt Mitch will be able to join me".

" Because of his work schedule".

" Yes". Abby frowned. " He works seven days a week".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Red Riding Hood page 1

 Red Riding Hood page 1 by ric gustafson

Spring 1386

Violet was sitting on her mule's saddle. In front of her was a basket. In it was her mother's fresh bread and apple cherry cake she had made. Violet tightened the red cloak that her grandmother had given her. There was a chill in the early morning air.

" Whoa Mistress Sally". Violet patted the mule's neck. The mule stopped. They had reached the crossroads near her mother's village.

Two weeks prior, Violet had met a young man riding a warhorse.

" Pardon me". He smiled. " Can you tell me the way to Bilborough?".

" Yes, stay on this road". Violet pointed. " You will reach Bilborough in about 15 miles".

" Thank you". He grinned. " May I ask your name?".

" Violet of Burwelle".

" I am Sir Merek of Dericott".

research help: ' Cloak of Scarlet' by Melanie Dickerson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Wine page 5

 Wine page 5 by ric gustafson

A lot of grapes can produce about 60 cases or 720 bottles. That varies as far as the amount of juice. Small berries will have less juice than large grape bunches. When grapes are barely pressed, the juice free runs.

Grape vines come in different shapes and sizes. Vine shapes and sizes is determined by grape variety and the climate. Also how the vines are pruned and spaced. 

Pruning is the process of cutting back the vines while they are dormant. Some people consider pruning an art and a science. What is left is the basis for the next year's crop. Pruning can not be too much or too little. 

The spacing of grape vines has become an art. In the past, economics determined vine spacing. The closer grape vines are spaced, their roots compete for the same soil, nutrients and water. The better balanced the vineyard the better the grapes and the better the wine. 

Grapes picked by hand is now a thing of the past. Mechanical harvesting is being used more around the world. There is no perfect yield. Every vineyard has a breaking point. Too many grapes will cause the vineyard to be out of balance. Then the quality of the wine will plummet.

Next we will talk about how wine is made.

research help: ' The Wine Bible' by Karen MacNeil

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: John 14

 God Reflections: John 14 by ric gustafson

In an Upper Room, Jesus tells his disciples the words of John 14. People think they know the way. In John 14, Jesus proclaims I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Jesus just told his disciples that he was going away. Only Thomas honestly admitted that he did not know the way. 

Jesus knew that he was the only way. Jesus himself is the way. Jesus always spoke the truth. Jesus lived the truth. Jesus was the truth.

Jesus says open your heart. Jesus died on the cross so we could have life. He who has the Son has life. Jesus wants to come into our heart. Let him. Jesus loves you more than anything else.

research help: ' God Reflections' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 17

 the miracle on Titanic page 17 by ric gustafson

As David and Charlene gazed up at a spectacular moonlight, Fourth Officer Boxhall was reworking the ship's route on a chart. He was worried about the route Mr Ismay wanted to take. The winter had been very warm and bergs and pack ice was worse this year than normal. Another thing bothering the young officer was a coal fire that was still not put out. The liner was going at full steam. 

First Officer Murdoch walked onto the bridge. " Boxhall, did you get those binoculars?".

" Aye Sir". He handed the leathercase to the officer. " Why can't they have them in the Crow's Nest?".

The officer gruffly replied. " They don't need them".

The next morning April 11, David was looking over the railing at the beautiful Irish coastline. " So the devil had to ask permission before he could tempt Job?".

" That's right". Charlene smiled. " God only allows as much as the person can handle".

They stopped a steward. " Why are we anchoring at this point and not docked?".

" The ship is too large to berth".

David watched as a tug carried new passengers to the huge ship.

They stopped Officer Murdoch. " How many passengers came onboard?".

" 120 I believe".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: I Timothy 6

 God Reflections: I Timothy 6 by ric gustafson

The Apostle Paul knew what he was fighting for. Paul focused on his ministry for Jesus. Because of Paul, Timothy became a Jesus follower. Paul and Timothy had a special relationship. 

In I Timothy 6, Paul challenges Timothy to fight the good fight. Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of the faith. Paul tells Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 

Paul tells us to use the Holy Spirit to help us use these qualities. 

Why?. Because Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' God Reflections' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric