God Reflections: Romans 4

 God Reflections: Romans 4 by ric gustafson

Everyone can have faith. Faith in an unbeliever is believing what you know is not so. The faith of someone who believes in God is believing that God will do what he promises to do and act accordingly. 

The object of faith is something that is not seen. To have faith in God is to believe in him even though you cannot see or touch him. You must believe that God has a future for you even though you don't know the future. 

Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation. Abraham was called a friend of God. In Romans 4, the reason Abraham was a friend of God was because he had faith. Abraham had a right relationship with God because of his faith not his works. His works were the result of his faith.

God told Abraham to leave his home and go to a land that God would give him. Why would Abraham do that?. It is because he is a friend of God.

research help: ' Pathway to Victory' by Dr Robert Jeffress

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the woman at the well 2026 page 2

 the woman at the well page 2 by ric gustafson

Ness slowly walked to the front door of their house. She put their water jar by the front door. She put some of the water into a smaller clay jar. She carried it into the house. 

" There you are Ness". Ness's Ima was putting a large clay pot of barley stew on a table. " Please help me set the table".

" Yes Ima".

" Please put a dish of cucumbers and olives on the table".

Ness quickly left to do the tasks.

" And don't forget the bread". Ima frowned. " The men will be in soon".

" Yes Ima".

When Ness had put the last dish on the table, the front door opened.

research help: ' A Deeper Well' by Jill Eileen Smith

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: Genesis 1

 God Reflections: Genesis 1 by ric gustafson

When New Years Day comes around, we need to stop alone and spend time with God. We can think about the past year. We can imagine the new year. In Genesis 1, God said let there be light. And there was light. We need to close our eyes and thank God for everything. 

We need to be grateful for everything we have. We can think about hopes and dreams that we have for the new year. We can think about hurts that have healed with time and grace. We need to trust God always every day. 

And then there is light. A new day. A new year. With God. Praise his holy name.

research help: ' Walking in Grace 2026' by Guideposts

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Reid's Story page 1

 Reid's Story page 1 by ric gustafson

My husband Mark and I wake up before 5 in the morning. Today was no exception. Instead of heading for the gym, I could of stayed home with Suzy our puppy. Mark drove the small distance to the gym. Because it was 5 in the morning, we work out with the same group of people. 

When Mark and I came back home, our daughter Jade was already eating breakfast.

" Jade". I smiled. " Why are you up so early this morning?".

" I'm going in early to school this morning". She frowned. " The teacher is going to help me with calculus class".

I smiled. " Have a good day".

After she left, I wondered why my son Reid wasn't up yet.

The time was 7:19 am.

research help: ' Reid's Story' by Joni L Adler

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John and Caroline page 10

 John and Caroline page 10 by ric gustafson

The youngest of Ted Kennedy's sons was Patrick. He was born fragile. He wasn't strong. He had severe asthma. In 1988, 20 year old Patrick was a sophomore at Providence College. He had a health scare when he had a benign tumor removed from his spine. Luckily, he became cancer free.

Patrick wanted to please his father. He decided to become a politician. His platform included the rights of senior citizens and legal immigrants. 

Ted Kennedy was anxious to help his son become a political success. One of Ted's top staff members went on the campaign trail with Patrick. Patrick won the election. He served two terms representing the Ninth District in the Rhode Island House of Represenatives. Then in 1994, Patrick now 27 became the youngest member of Congress.

Ted Kennedy was very proud of his son.

research help: ' The Kennedy Heirs' by J Randy Taraborrelli

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the woman at the well 2026 page 1

 the woman at the well 2026 page 1 by ric gustafson

Ness stopped to allow her friend to catch up. " Hurry Gali they are going to close the gates".

" I'm coming". Gali stopped. " Slow down Ness".

Ness noticed the sun dipping. " We should of come sooner".

" I'm sorry Ness". She frowned. " I had to finish helping my Ima".

As they neared the gates to the city, Ness noticed only one guard at the entrance. After entering the city, Ness and Gali began walking toward the east side of the city.

After a while, they entered Gali's courtyard. 

She put her water jar near the front door. " I'll try to get away earlier tomorrow".

research help: ' A Deeper Well' by Jill Eileen Smith

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: John 10

 God Reflections: John 10 by ric gustafson

Do you like the number 3?. The past, present and future is three. Animal, mineral and vegetable is 3. There is the rule of 3. 

With our awesome God, 3 is very important. God is 3 in one. Father, Son and Holy Spirit is called the Trinity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in perfect and equal union.

John 10 confirms this deity. John 10 says I and the Father are one. We need to be thankful every day that we belong to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

research help: ' Reflections on the names of God' by Ava Pennington

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric