Messiah page 5

 Messiah page 5 by ric gustafson

Mary walked toward some large stone jars. Reluctantly, Jesus followed behind her. Jesus noticed that the crowd was tired, hungry and thirsty. Jesus did not want anyone to be embarassed, disappointed or hurt.

When Mary stopped at the jars, several servants were standing beside them.

Mary pointed at her son. " Do whatever he tells you".

Jesus covered his face. He prayed in silence. Then he opened his eyes. He smiled. " Go to the cistern". Jesus smiled. " Fill the jars".

Jesus and Mary waited as the servants filled the jars to the brim. 

" Now draw the wine from the jars". Jesus grinned. " Take it to the steward to be tested". Jesus smiled again. " Then serve it to the guests".

The servants replenished the pitchers, mugs and glasses.

The guests began to drink. 

" Why did you make us think you were running out of wine?". Lydia's father smiled. He took another sip from his mug. " You have saved the best until the last".

research help: ' The Messiah' by Marjorie Holmes

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of Jesus: Deliverer

names of Jesus: Deliverer by ric gustafson

We have a mighty Deliverer. He is the fulfillment of Israel's hope. The Deliverer is the Savior King. He is the Deliverer of all who put their hope in him. The Deliverer rescues us from sin. He delivers us into his kingdom of light. He rescues us from the grip of fear over death.

The Deliverer helps us from the big things and from the stumbling blocks of life. He delivers us from danger, despair and temptation. He is our present and able Deliverer.

So who is our Deliverer?. It is Jesus Christ whom I love.

research help: ' Bible Word Search devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Eric Liddell page 1

 Eric Liddell page 1 by ric gustafson

July 1923

21 year old Eric Liddell lined up on the cinder track. The runner from Scotland had a great position. It was one spot to the right of the most inside lane. Liddell's nickname was the ' Flying Scotsman'. Every runner wanted Liddell's inside position. That runner ran a shorter distance and would usually win the race.

This particular race was very important to Liddell. To win this race meant a spot on Great Britain's Olympic team. It also meant he had a chance to run in Paris the following summer.

Liddell knew all the runners. They were runners from England, Ireland and Scotland. The one running next to him was a friend of Liddell's. His name was JJ Gillies. Earlier in the day, Liddell had won the 100 and 200 yard races. No one expected him to win 3 races in one day. But he did. He won the 400 yard race. When Liddell ran, he ran for God. 

research help: ' Running to Win' by Ellen Caughey

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of Jesus: Dayspring

 names of Jesus: Dayspring by ric gustafson

So what is a dayspring?. It is the rising sun on a day that will never set. The Dayspring is our eternal hope. Just as the dawn brings hope from the darkness of night. The Dayspring brings wisdom and clarity. 

The Dayspring brings living hope. Instead of sin, sorrow and death, the Dayspring offers us peace with God. He brings us joy and resurrection life. He brings us life into our dark hearts. The Dayspring brings us a new beginning, makes wrong things right, liberates the oppressed and heals the sick. 

So who is the Dayspring?. It is Jesus Christ whom I love.

research help: ' Bible Word Search devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Apostle page 6

 the Apostle page 6 by ric gustafson

Paul watched as the young lawyer kept the 71 judges spellbound. They watched Stephen's expression on his face as he talked. Stephen was on trial for his life. Yet he showed serenity and authority. In answering the charges against him, Stephen explained that the Most High does not live in a man made place.

As he spoke, Stephen could tell that the atmosphere was changing. Admiration was turning to annoyance. Then Stephen threw them a bombshell. He called the judges and Saul hypocrites, He blamed them for betraying and murdering their Messiah.

Enraged, the judges dragged Stephen out of the courtroom. They took him to a place called the Rock of Execution. There Stephen was stoned. Saul held their coats while they stoned the young lawyer. The last words of Stephen was ' Lord Jesus receive my Spirit'.

research help: ' The Apostle' by John Pollock

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of Jesus: Creator

 names of Jesus: Creator by ric gustafson

The Creator was in the beginning when the universe was created. The Creator is the source of every living thing. The Creator spoke and worlds were made. The Creator breathed and life was given.

We need to learn how to live in partnership with the Creator. All of creation reflects the Creator. The glory of the Creator is in the earth, the sky and the mysteries and knowledge of the universe. The Creator is great and greatly to be praised.

So who is the Creator?. It is Jesus Christ whom I love.

research help: ' Bible Word Search devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of Jesus: Wonderful Counselor

 names of Jesus: Wonderful Counselor by ric gustafson

We have a Wonderful Counselor. This Counselor provides the wisdom we seek. He provides the guidance we need. He provides the understanding we are desperate for. He provides the comfort we long to receive. The Wonderful Counselor knows everything about our lives. He gives the best possible advice.

We can turn to the Wonderful Counselor for guidance. He helps when we are confused. We can trust his wisdom. His wisdom is life giving, true and gracious. 

So who is the Wonderful Counselor?. It is Jesus Christ whom I love.

research help: ' Bible Word Search devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric