God Reflections: Matthew 16

 God Reflections: Matthew 16 by ric gustafson

What does it mean to take up a cross?. Following Jesus gives us great joy and real sacrifice. When we think of sacrifice sometimes we think of the mission field. Or giving away money is a sacrifice. God wants us to sacrifice what he is calling us to do.

That sacrifice could be helping a sick friend. It could be helping out at a soup kitchen. It could be praying with a co worker. Little sacrifices become great rewards.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' 100 days of strength for men' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: II Peter 1

 God Reflections: II Peter 1 by ric gustafson

We do things in our life on our own. Good or bad we do them. We do them enough we can't stop doing them. God does not want our life to be like that. 

God will give us warning lights. He will flash them at us. God will say stop don't do that. If we are wise, we will stop. 

We must confess our sins. God is faithful and will forgive our sins. We keep our minds pure. God will honor our obedience. II Peter 1 says in God's strength we supply perseverance and godliness.

The simple truth is that God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Encouragement for Life' by Charles R Swindoll

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: Psalm 27

 God Reflections: Psalm 27 by ric gustafson

How warm is God's love?. Psalm 27 says the Lord is my light and my salvation. In the warmth of God's love, we fear no one. In God's love, we have security. In God's love, we can have peace, joy and happiness. God is pleased when he is wrapped around us. We can focus on God. That pleases him. 

Psalm 27 also says whom shall I fear?. In God's loving arms we can say nobody.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Encouragement for Life' by Charles R Swindoll

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John and Caroline page 11

 John and Caroline page 11 by ric gustafson

John F Kennedy Jr was born in Washington DC on Nov 25 1960. On Nov 10 1960, JFK and his wife Jackie were greeting the world's media. JFK had just defeated Richard Nixon in a razor thin presidential victory. JFK was the first Catholic to be elected President. The media loved taking pictures of the new Presidential couple. 

JFK was 43 with blue eyes and chestnut hair. At 31, Jackie had a square face and brown hair. When JFK Jr was born, he became the youngest child in the White House. In the White House, 3 year old Caroline and 2 month old JFK Jr kept the Presential couple on their toes. 

Jackie's father was a wealthy New York stockbroker. JFK's father Joseph P Kennedy wanted his son Jack to be President.

JFK and Jackie met at a dinner party in 1952.

JFK announced his candidacy to become President in Jan 1960.

research help: ' America's Reluctant Prince' by Steven M Gillon

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: Isaiah 30

 God Reflections: Isaiah 30 by ric gustafson

God is always there. The hand of God is always upon us. God is there. He is not silent. Isaiah 30 says in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. No matter what happens in our life, we can be reassured that nothing is out of control. 

Even though we are in the hand of God, our life will still have struggles. There is no guarantee we will be prosperous, healthy or free from pain. God does promise that he will always care for us and protect us. God cares for us deeply. He always has. He always will.

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

research help: ' Encouragement for Life' by Charles R Swindoll

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Road to Omaha page 3

 the Road to Omaha page 3 by ric gustafson

44 year old Mike Batesole was sitting at the far left of the NCAA table. His team the Fresno State Bulldogs was already branded the least known team of the series. He was greeted by Mike Martin. His team Florida State had been in the series several times in the past 18 years. Then Batesole was greeted by Mark Marquess. His Stanford team was here for their 14th CWS game. Then Batesole was greeted by Jim Morris. His University of Miami team was making yet another trip to the CWS. 

All seven coaches at that table greeted Batesole. All seven coaches knew the 44 year old Batesole as a player and as a coach.

While his team was on the field doing batting practice, Coach Batesole was in the Hall of Fame room. The Hall of Fame room was a conference room behind the first base concourse. The room was filled with Kansas City Royals history.

After a while, Batesole was excused so he could join his team on the field.

research help: ' The Road to Omaha' by Ryan McGee

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: Hebrews 11

 God Reflections: Hebrews 11 by ric gustafson

Perfect trust in God changes us. Trusting God will not make life all rosy, lovely and comfortable. But acting in an abiding faith in God will give us benefits. Faith in God can make us secure, relaxed and calm. When we act in faith, it pleases God.

According to Hebrews 11, without faith it is impossible to please him. God asks us to walk by faith. When the tests of life come, God says relax and let me take care of it. God says wait. I will do the impossible.

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

research help: ' Encouragement for Life' by Charles R Swindoll

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric