Pilate page 22 by ric Gustafson
Pilate stared at the crowd. " Is there anyone who can offer evidence in favor of this prisoner?".
No one came forward.
" Again is there anyone who will testify on behalf of this prisoner?".
Rabbi Jonathan spoke up. " My Prefect, this man is a born troublemaker".
" Why do you say that?".
" This man's teachings are stirring up the people in Galilee and spreading all the way to this city".
" Rabbi, did you say that this prisoner is from Galilee?".
" Yes my Prefect, he came from Nazareth".
Pilate's eyes lit up. " So this prisoner is under the authority of Tetrarch Herod Antipas".
Caiaphas spoke up. " Yes Prefect he is".
" Is the Tetrarch in Jerusalem at the moment?".
The Chief Priest looked at the others. " Yes Prefect he is".
" I will send the prisoner over to him".
" As you wish my Prefect".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
come follow me: we need to believe
come follow me: we need to believe by ric gustafson
We cannot decide to make Jesus our Lord. Jesus is Lord whether we decide that or not. What we do need to decide is whether we will follow his lordship. This is the key to conversion. Jesus does not want us redefine being a Christian for our own tastes.
When we believe and follow Jesus, our minds will change because of God's truth. To follow Jesus means that we must believe in him. After his death and departure, Jesus promised to send the Spirit of Truth. To be a disciple of Jesus is to be devoted to his teaching and his words.
As followers, we must believe that Jesus died on a cross for my sins and rose again. As disciples of Jesus, we must take Jesus at his Word. Jesus proclaims that whoever believes in him will live.
When we believe in Jesus, he wants us to proclaim it to others. As followers, Jesus wants us to go out and make disciples of all nations.
research help: ' Follow Me' by David Platt
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We cannot decide to make Jesus our Lord. Jesus is Lord whether we decide that or not. What we do need to decide is whether we will follow his lordship. This is the key to conversion. Jesus does not want us redefine being a Christian for our own tastes.
When we believe and follow Jesus, our minds will change because of God's truth. To follow Jesus means that we must believe in him. After his death and departure, Jesus promised to send the Spirit of Truth. To be a disciple of Jesus is to be devoted to his teaching and his words.
As followers, we must believe that Jesus died on a cross for my sins and rose again. As disciples of Jesus, we must take Jesus at his Word. Jesus proclaims that whoever believes in him will live.
When we believe in Jesus, he wants us to proclaim it to others. As followers, Jesus wants us to go out and make disciples of all nations.
research help: ' Follow Me' by David Platt
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 21
Pilate page 21 by ric gustafson
Jesus looked at Pilate. " My authority comes from elsewhere".
" So, you are a king?".
" It is as you say that I am a king" Jesus replied in a quiet voice. " For this I was born and for this I have come into the world".
Pilate scratched his chin. " And why have you come into the world?".
" To bear witness to the truth".
The Prefect stared at Jesus with a quizzical look. " What is truth?".
Jesus did not reply.
Pilate shook his head in confusion and then clapped his hands. Flavius walked over. " Take the prisoner, we are going back outside".
They walked back outside. Jesus now stood next to Pilate. The Prefect faced the crowd. " I find no fault in him". He looked at Caiaphas. " What evidence do you have against this man?".
" My Prefect, we have several witnesses".
Several people came forward saying that the prisoner claimed to be a Messiah and that he used magic and sorcery to do his many miracles.
During this whole time, Pilate noticed that Jesus was silent.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus looked at Pilate. " My authority comes from elsewhere".
" So, you are a king?".
" It is as you say that I am a king" Jesus replied in a quiet voice. " For this I was born and for this I have come into the world".
Pilate scratched his chin. " And why have you come into the world?".
" To bear witness to the truth".
The Prefect stared at Jesus with a quizzical look. " What is truth?".
Jesus did not reply.
Pilate shook his head in confusion and then clapped his hands. Flavius walked over. " Take the prisoner, we are going back outside".
They walked back outside. Jesus now stood next to Pilate. The Prefect faced the crowd. " I find no fault in him". He looked at Caiaphas. " What evidence do you have against this man?".
" My Prefect, we have several witnesses".
Several people came forward saying that the prisoner claimed to be a Messiah and that he used magic and sorcery to do his many miracles.
During this whole time, Pilate noticed that Jesus was silent.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, July 29, 2013
Eva B page 6
Eva B page 6 by ric gustafson
As the Ivans get closer and closer, General Krebs thinks that Magda and I should start pistol practice. It was suggested that Magda's oldest daughter Helga also learn to shoot. At first she protested but eventually came around. General Krebs gave me a Walther 7.65. He gave a smaller version of the pistol to Helga. She was Adi's favorite and her father's as well. General Krebs arrived in an armored Mercedes in the late afternoon and took us to pistol practice.
Helga sat in her mother's lap and I sat in front next to the General. We saw burnt tanks, leveled buildings and civilians digging trenches in yards and parks.
Helga looked at her mother. " Are we going to Uncle Adi's Autobahn?".
Magda smiled. " No dear we are not".
Because of snipers, at one point we had to get out under a collapsed porch. We never did arrive to do our pistol practice.
Adi was furious with us for going out where the fighting was. He was angry, his face was red and his mouth was rigid over his teeth.
General Krebs apologized several times to Adi for putting us into so much danger.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
As the Ivans get closer and closer, General Krebs thinks that Magda and I should start pistol practice. It was suggested that Magda's oldest daughter Helga also learn to shoot. At first she protested but eventually came around. General Krebs gave me a Walther 7.65. He gave a smaller version of the pistol to Helga. She was Adi's favorite and her father's as well. General Krebs arrived in an armored Mercedes in the late afternoon and took us to pistol practice.
Helga sat in her mother's lap and I sat in front next to the General. We saw burnt tanks, leveled buildings and civilians digging trenches in yards and parks.
Helga looked at her mother. " Are we going to Uncle Adi's Autobahn?".
Magda smiled. " No dear we are not".
Because of snipers, at one point we had to get out under a collapsed porch. We never did arrive to do our pistol practice.
Adi was furious with us for going out where the fighting was. He was angry, his face was red and his mouth was rigid over his teeth.
General Krebs apologized several times to Adi for putting us into so much danger.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 20
Pilate page 20 by ric gustafson
Pilate looked at Caiaphas again. " What charge do you bring against this man?".
The chief priest spoke up. " We found this man subverting this nation".
Someone yelled from the left side of the prisoner. " He forbid the payment of tribute money to Caesar".
Caiaphas grinned at the Prefect. " He claims to be Messiah, a king".
Pilate was silent as he pondered the accusation. This was the worst charge according to Roman law. This accusation meant high treason. " I will examine him in private". He walked back into the reception hall.
Flavius led the prisoner in and they now stood before the Prefect.
" Are you the King of the Jews?".
Jesus looked up into the Prefect's eyes. " Do you ask of your own accord or did others tell it to you concerning me?".
" What, am I a Jew". He gave Jesus a stern look. " What have you done that your own priests and nation brought you here before me?".
" My kingship is not of this world" Jesus replied. " If it were, my followers would fight to defend me".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate looked at Caiaphas again. " What charge do you bring against this man?".
The chief priest spoke up. " We found this man subverting this nation".
Someone yelled from the left side of the prisoner. " He forbid the payment of tribute money to Caesar".
Caiaphas grinned at the Prefect. " He claims to be Messiah, a king".
Pilate was silent as he pondered the accusation. This was the worst charge according to Roman law. This accusation meant high treason. " I will examine him in private". He walked back into the reception hall.
Flavius led the prisoner in and they now stood before the Prefect.
" Are you the King of the Jews?".
Jesus looked up into the Prefect's eyes. " Do you ask of your own accord or did others tell it to you concerning me?".
" What, am I a Jew". He gave Jesus a stern look. " What have you done that your own priests and nation brought you here before me?".
" My kingship is not of this world" Jesus replied. " If it were, my followers would fight to defend me".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Declarations page 3
Declarations page 3 by ric gustafson
I declare I have the grace I need for today. Just like the people of Israel in the wilderness, we have a fresh supply of grace every day. Because of grace, we can make it one day at a time. God's grace will help us through the dark valleys and fill our hearts with love. Because of God's grace, I am full of strength, power and determination. When obstacles come our way or someone hurts us, God's grace will comfort and help us.
When a dark valley or difficult season comes, God's grace will strengthen us so we can get through it.
research help: ' I Declare' by Joel Osteen
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I declare I have the grace I need for today. Just like the people of Israel in the wilderness, we have a fresh supply of grace every day. Because of grace, we can make it one day at a time. God's grace will help us through the dark valleys and fill our hearts with love. Because of God's grace, I am full of strength, power and determination. When obstacles come our way or someone hurts us, God's grace will comfort and help us.
When a dark valley or difficult season comes, God's grace will strengthen us so we can get through it.
research help: ' I Declare' by Joel Osteen
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 19
Pilate page 19 by ric gustafson
" Please move my chair outside facing the esplanade".
After the aides had done that, Pilate walked outside and sat down. He looked out to see that Caiaphas, Annas, Helcias and Jonathan stood next to the prisoner. Other members of the Sanhedrin stood to the left. Behind the prisoner stood several Pharisees, Sadducees and members of the Temple guard.
Pilate began to stare at the prisoner. He frowned as he looked at the unkept, bound and powerless man. To Pilate, he did not look like a king.
He turned toward the priests. " What charge do you bring against this man?".
Someone yelled. " If he were not a prisoner, we would not have brought him before you".
" Very well". He pointed toward the prisoner. " Take him out of this court and judge him according to your own law".
Caiaphas spoke up. " We are not allowed to put anyone to death".
At this point, Pilate knew that this was not a normal hearing.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" Please move my chair outside facing the esplanade".
After the aides had done that, Pilate walked outside and sat down. He looked out to see that Caiaphas, Annas, Helcias and Jonathan stood next to the prisoner. Other members of the Sanhedrin stood to the left. Behind the prisoner stood several Pharisees, Sadducees and members of the Temple guard.
Pilate began to stare at the prisoner. He frowned as he looked at the unkept, bound and powerless man. To Pilate, he did not look like a king.
He turned toward the priests. " What charge do you bring against this man?".
Someone yelled. " If he were not a prisoner, we would not have brought him before you".
" Very well". He pointed toward the prisoner. " Take him out of this court and judge him according to your own law".
Caiaphas spoke up. " We are not allowed to put anyone to death".
At this point, Pilate knew that this was not a normal hearing.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, July 26, 2013
Pilate page 18
Pilate page 18 by ric gustafson
As the two shackled men were led away, Caiaphas's servant walked up. " Malchus, what is this interruption?".
" I'm sorry my Prefect" the young servant replied. " This is a serious situation".
" What situation?".
" My Lord Caiaphas and members of the Sanhedrin are outside waiting for you".
" Why are they waiting for me?".
" They are waiting for you to confirm their verdict against the Rabbi from Galilee".
" They have already tried him".
" Yes my Prefect". Malchus grinned. " There has already been two trials".
" And what was their verdict?".
" Guilty" replied Malchus. " They seek the death penalty".
" Death!".
" My Prefect, that is why they have brought him here".
Just then, a centurion walked in. " My Prefect, a huge crowd is gathering in front of the palace".
" Flavius, I know".
" My Prefect, should I bring in reinforcements?".
" Yes, but keep them out of sight for now".
Pilate now stared at the young servant. " Malchus, tell your Master that I will see the prisoner".
Flavius spoke up. " My Prefect, they have to remain outside the Praetorium to avoid defilement".
Pilate remembered and then shook his head.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
As the two shackled men were led away, Caiaphas's servant walked up. " Malchus, what is this interruption?".
" I'm sorry my Prefect" the young servant replied. " This is a serious situation".
" What situation?".
" My Lord Caiaphas and members of the Sanhedrin are outside waiting for you".
" Why are they waiting for me?".
" They are waiting for you to confirm their verdict against the Rabbi from Galilee".
" They have already tried him".
" Yes my Prefect". Malchus grinned. " There has already been two trials".
" And what was their verdict?".
" Guilty" replied Malchus. " They seek the death penalty".
" Death!".
" My Prefect, that is why they have brought him here".
Just then, a centurion walked in. " My Prefect, a huge crowd is gathering in front of the palace".
" Flavius, I know".
" My Prefect, should I bring in reinforcements?".
" Yes, but keep them out of sight for now".
Pilate now stared at the young servant. " Malchus, tell your Master that I will see the prisoner".
Flavius spoke up. " My Prefect, they have to remain outside the Praetorium to avoid defilement".
Pilate remembered and then shook his head.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, July 25, 2013
come follow me: the invitation
come follow me: the invitation by ric gustafson
When we become a follower of Jesus, he adopts us. Our heart is evil from the time we are born. Jesus wants to be invited into our hearts but we also must get rid of our sins. Because we sin, we are unable to call on Christ. At our core we are enemies of God and Paul says that there is no one righteous not even one. The Bible says that we are dead to sins because we are dead in transgressions.
The good news is that God gives us grace which is something that we do not deserve. Jesus came to low class uneducated Galileans and said come follow me. When Jesus says come follow me, everything changes.
Jesus came to us as a human living a life of total obedience to God his Father. We are all sinners and according to Isaiah, we all like sheep have gone astray. We have the choice of accepting or rejecting God's mercy and grace.
As Christians we are loved, pursued and found by God. We know that we sin and should be separated from God's presence. But in the darkness, God's light shines as he invites us to follow him. By the death of his Son, we have life eternal with him forever.
research help: ' Follow Me' by David Platt
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When we become a follower of Jesus, he adopts us. Our heart is evil from the time we are born. Jesus wants to be invited into our hearts but we also must get rid of our sins. Because we sin, we are unable to call on Christ. At our core we are enemies of God and Paul says that there is no one righteous not even one. The Bible says that we are dead to sins because we are dead in transgressions.
The good news is that God gives us grace which is something that we do not deserve. Jesus came to low class uneducated Galileans and said come follow me. When Jesus says come follow me, everything changes.
Jesus came to us as a human living a life of total obedience to God his Father. We are all sinners and according to Isaiah, we all like sheep have gone astray. We have the choice of accepting or rejecting God's mercy and grace.
As Christians we are loved, pursued and found by God. We know that we sin and should be separated from God's presence. But in the darkness, God's light shines as he invites us to follow him. By the death of his Son, we have life eternal with him forever.
research help: ' Follow Me' by David Platt
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 17
Pilate page 17 by ric gustafson
Pilate looked out the window. It was a cool spring morning.
An aide walked in.
" Please have someone set up my dais in the shaded courtyard".
He quickly ate some breakfast and then sat down. He looked over at his trusted Tribune. " Any unfinished business?".
The two shackled highwaymen were brought before him.
He looked at the first man. " I judge you guilty". He gave him a stern stare. " The sentence is death".
He said the same thing to the second man.
" Let both men be crucified".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate looked out the window. It was a cool spring morning.
An aide walked in.
" Please have someone set up my dais in the shaded courtyard".
He quickly ate some breakfast and then sat down. He looked over at his trusted Tribune. " Any unfinished business?".
The two shackled highwaymen were brought before him.
He looked at the first man. " I judge you guilty". He gave him a stern stare. " The sentence is death".
He said the same thing to the second man.
" Let both men be crucified".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Pilate page 16
Pilate page 16 by ric gustafson
Pilate yawned. He wondered how long this Thursday afternoon session would last. " Tribune, how many more cases?".
" Just two my Prefect" he replied. " Here are the two highwaymen who killed some Passover pilgrims on their way to the Holy City".
Pilate stared at the two shackled men in front of him. " Are there any witnesses?".
" Yes my Prefect".
Three females came forward.
" These three witnesses accuse the two of robbery and murder".
Members of the Roman patrol who captured the men came forward.
" My Prefect, members of the Roman patrol involved in capturing the two also accuse the two of robbery and murder".
" Have you gotten a signed confession from both?".
" Yes my Prefect".
Pilate stared at both men. " I find you both guilty of all charges".
" My Prefect".
Pilate turned toward his trusty aide.
" My Prefect, it is late in the day for crucifixion".
" Judgment will be suspended until tomorrow morning".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate yawned. He wondered how long this Thursday afternoon session would last. " Tribune, how many more cases?".
" Just two my Prefect" he replied. " Here are the two highwaymen who killed some Passover pilgrims on their way to the Holy City".
Pilate stared at the two shackled men in front of him. " Are there any witnesses?".
" Yes my Prefect".
Three females came forward.
" These three witnesses accuse the two of robbery and murder".
Members of the Roman patrol who captured the men came forward.
" My Prefect, members of the Roman patrol involved in capturing the two also accuse the two of robbery and murder".
" Have you gotten a signed confession from both?".
" Yes my Prefect".
Pilate stared at both men. " I find you both guilty of all charges".
" My Prefect".
Pilate turned toward his trusty aide.
" My Prefect, it is late in the day for crucifixion".
" Judgment will be suspended until tomorrow morning".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
come follow me: a believer or not?
come follow me: a believer or not? by ric gustafson
When Jesus knocks at the door of your heart, two things can happen. The first is what many people do to Jesus. They simply say no thank you and close the door. Some people open the door and let him in. When they do and invite him into their heart, they are saved forever. Jesus explains to everyone who believes in him that in order to live you must die.
Jesus told his disciples that if anyone is going to follow him, he must deny himself. Peter was crucified upside down. Andrew was crucified in Greece. James was beheaded and John was exiled. The call to follow Jesus is a summons to lose our lives. When we die to ourselves and live for him, we have an eternal purpose.
The question we need to ponder is is it possible to profess to be a Christian and yet not know Christ. The answer to that question is yes. Jesus himself said that not everyone who says Lord Lord will enter the Kingdom of God. But only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Jesus said that following him by the narrow gate would be a hard road. Jesus said that his disciples would be beaten, betrayed, mistreated, isolated and killed for following him. He also said that we would be hated by all nations because of me. Repentance is a biblical term that means a change in someone's mind, heart and life. Repentance means to change a former life to a new life. When we change to a new life, everything begins to change. Our minds change, our desires change and our wills change. Our reason for living changes because self and Satan is no longer our God. So when Jesus says come follow me, our journey begins.
Please take this journey with me.
research help: ' Follow Me' by David Platt
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When Jesus knocks at the door of your heart, two things can happen. The first is what many people do to Jesus. They simply say no thank you and close the door. Some people open the door and let him in. When they do and invite him into their heart, they are saved forever. Jesus explains to everyone who believes in him that in order to live you must die.
Jesus told his disciples that if anyone is going to follow him, he must deny himself. Peter was crucified upside down. Andrew was crucified in Greece. James was beheaded and John was exiled. The call to follow Jesus is a summons to lose our lives. When we die to ourselves and live for him, we have an eternal purpose.
The question we need to ponder is is it possible to profess to be a Christian and yet not know Christ. The answer to that question is yes. Jesus himself said that not everyone who says Lord Lord will enter the Kingdom of God. But only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Jesus said that following him by the narrow gate would be a hard road. Jesus said that his disciples would be beaten, betrayed, mistreated, isolated and killed for following him. He also said that we would be hated by all nations because of me. Repentance is a biblical term that means a change in someone's mind, heart and life. Repentance means to change a former life to a new life. When we change to a new life, everything begins to change. Our minds change, our desires change and our wills change. Our reason for living changes because self and Satan is no longer our God. So when Jesus says come follow me, our journey begins.
Please take this journey with me.
research help: ' Follow Me' by David Platt
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Eva B page 5
Eva B page 5 by ric gustafson
Goring who was the commissioner of aviation understood Adi. At times he could be sweet like during Adi's birthdays. I called him Hermie and he called me Evie. Sometimes the Bunker is quiet and I watch Dr Morell at work. Before bedtime, I brush my hair fifty times with a brush that Adi had given me. In this Bunker, Magda has been a life saver. She came from elegant life and has shown me lots of things. She showed me how to wear fancy gowns at fancy dinners at the Berghof. Sometimes she gets on my nerves and tries to tell me what to do. Only Adi can tell me what to do. Sometimes she gets too close to Adi, and I have to put her into her place.
People would extend their arms and give Adi a stiff salute. He would give them a simple salute by bending his elbow and raising his hand no higher than his right ear. Magda teases me that I do not please Adi or pleasure him as much even though I do. Sometimes we talk about Hess and why he flew to talk to the British.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Goring who was the commissioner of aviation understood Adi. At times he could be sweet like during Adi's birthdays. I called him Hermie and he called me Evie. Sometimes the Bunker is quiet and I watch Dr Morell at work. Before bedtime, I brush my hair fifty times with a brush that Adi had given me. In this Bunker, Magda has been a life saver. She came from elegant life and has shown me lots of things. She showed me how to wear fancy gowns at fancy dinners at the Berghof. Sometimes she gets on my nerves and tries to tell me what to do. Only Adi can tell me what to do. Sometimes she gets too close to Adi, and I have to put her into her place.
People would extend their arms and give Adi a stiff salute. He would give them a simple salute by bending his elbow and raising his hand no higher than his right ear. Magda teases me that I do not please Adi or pleasure him as much even though I do. Sometimes we talk about Hess and why he flew to talk to the British.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 15
Pilate page 15 by ric gustafson
Pilate yawned as he stepped down from the raised dais. He was already tired because it had been a busy Wednesday. He had to deal with two acquittals, one condemnation to imprisonment and one capital sentence. It was late evening and he was very tired. He began to walk toward his private chamber when he was stopped by an aide. Next to his side stood a young servant.
" My Prefect".
Pilate yawned again. " Yes".
" This is Malchus, High Priest Caiaphas's servant".
The aide handed the Prefect a parchment.
" The High Priest would like you to read it".
Pilate stared at the parchment. He looked at Malchus. " Your master is asking for a contingent of my garrison to assist his Temple guard in apprehending this Rabbi from Galilee". He frowned and turned toward the aide. " Please bring me a blank parchment".
The aide brought the parchment. Pilate sat down at a nearby table. He wrote on the parchment.
When he was done, he stood up and handed the parchment to Malchus.
" Tell your master the answer is no".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate yawned as he stepped down from the raised dais. He was already tired because it had been a busy Wednesday. He had to deal with two acquittals, one condemnation to imprisonment and one capital sentence. It was late evening and he was very tired. He began to walk toward his private chamber when he was stopped by an aide. Next to his side stood a young servant.
" My Prefect".
Pilate yawned again. " Yes".
" This is Malchus, High Priest Caiaphas's servant".
The aide handed the Prefect a parchment.
" The High Priest would like you to read it".
Pilate stared at the parchment. He looked at Malchus. " Your master is asking for a contingent of my garrison to assist his Temple guard in apprehending this Rabbi from Galilee". He frowned and turned toward the aide. " Please bring me a blank parchment".
The aide brought the parchment. Pilate sat down at a nearby table. He wrote on the parchment.
When he was done, he stood up and handed the parchment to Malchus.
" Tell your master the answer is no".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, July 22, 2013
Pilate page 14
Pilate page 14 by ric gustafson
Pilate was assigning quotas for the annual tribute.
A hand went up.
" Yes Zacchaeus".
" My Prefect". The small in statue tax collector smiled. " I miscalculated Jericho's tribute last year by 50,000 sesterces".
Pilate looked at him.
He took out a pouch from around his waist and opened it. He took out some money and placed it on the table. " This should cover it".
Pilate stared at the tax collector in disbelief.
The Tribune walked in.
" My Prefect, trouble is brewing regarding that Rabbi from Galilee".
" What did he do now?".
" With a homemade whip in his hand, he drove out the merchants in the Temple courtyard and overturned the tables of the moneychangers".
" Why would he do that?".
" He said that his Father's house was for prayer and they had made it into a den of robbers".
" Tribune, keep me informed".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate was assigning quotas for the annual tribute.
A hand went up.
" Yes Zacchaeus".
" My Prefect". The small in statue tax collector smiled. " I miscalculated Jericho's tribute last year by 50,000 sesterces".
Pilate looked at him.
He took out a pouch from around his waist and opened it. He took out some money and placed it on the table. " This should cover it".
Pilate stared at the tax collector in disbelief.
The Tribune walked in.
" My Prefect, trouble is brewing regarding that Rabbi from Galilee".
" What did he do now?".
" With a homemade whip in his hand, he drove out the merchants in the Temple courtyard and overturned the tables of the moneychangers".
" Why would he do that?".
" He said that his Father's house was for prayer and they had made it into a den of robbers".
" Tribune, keep me informed".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, July 21, 2013
I Am: a bearer of burdens
I Am: a bearer of burdens by ric gustafson
Matthew 11:29-30 says take my yoke upon you and learn from me for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. In Eden, life was secure for Adam and Eve. They were rooted in God's love and boundless love. Then they became uncertain and insecure and lost the anchor in their lives. To protect ourselves, we want certain rights for our self preservation. We want the right to privacy, happiness, to be understood, to succeed and others.
God does not want us to be responsible for our own lives, we need to give our lives back to God. When we give our lives to Christ and his authority, we get to go back to Eden. God does not want us to fear, worry or have anxiety. God wants those burdens and bear them for us. When God takes our burdens for us, we have freedom to live like God wants us to live. God wants us to simply obey him and he will take our yoke and then our burden will be light.
research help: ' I Am' by Steve Fry
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Matthew 11:29-30 says take my yoke upon you and learn from me for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. In Eden, life was secure for Adam and Eve. They were rooted in God's love and boundless love. Then they became uncertain and insecure and lost the anchor in their lives. To protect ourselves, we want certain rights for our self preservation. We want the right to privacy, happiness, to be understood, to succeed and others.
God does not want us to be responsible for our own lives, we need to give our lives back to God. When we give our lives to Christ and his authority, we get to go back to Eden. God does not want us to fear, worry or have anxiety. God wants those burdens and bear them for us. When God takes our burdens for us, we have freedom to live like God wants us to live. God wants us to simply obey him and he will take our yoke and then our burden will be light.
research help: ' I Am' by Steve Fry
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 13
Pilate page 13 by ric gustafson
Pilate and Procula were about to enter Jerusalem. She pointed up the hill. " Look up toward that slope of the Mount of Olives".
He squinted and noticed that throngs of joyous people were on both sides of the road. He noticed that some of them were holding something in their hands like palm branches. They were rejoicing and excited about something. He found out when they got back to the Antonia Fortress.
" It was that Rabbi from Galilee" said the Tribune. " His name is Jesus".
" So this Rabbi is finally making himself known".
" The people were throwing palm branches ahead of him and shouting praise to the Son of David".
Pilate walked over and looked out the window. " What else has he been doing in the city?".
" Not much my Prefect".
" What exactly has he been doing?".
" He went to the Temple for a while and then left the city with his followers".
" Tribune, keep me informed".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate and Procula were about to enter Jerusalem. She pointed up the hill. " Look up toward that slope of the Mount of Olives".
He squinted and noticed that throngs of joyous people were on both sides of the road. He noticed that some of them were holding something in their hands like palm branches. They were rejoicing and excited about something. He found out when they got back to the Antonia Fortress.
" It was that Rabbi from Galilee" said the Tribune. " His name is Jesus".
" So this Rabbi is finally making himself known".
" The people were throwing palm branches ahead of him and shouting praise to the Son of David".
Pilate walked over and looked out the window. " What else has he been doing in the city?".
" Not much my Prefect".
" What exactly has he been doing?".
" He went to the Temple for a while and then left the city with his followers".
" Tribune, keep me informed".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Eva B page 4
Eva B page 4 by ric gustafson
Adi's 23 year old niece Geli shot herself September 18 1931. She shot herself with Adi's Walter 6.35 revolver. She lived in an apartment in Munich. Adi was jealous and possessive and wouldn't let her go out by herself or have her own friends.
I tried suicide twice. The first time I shot myself in the neck with my father's army pistol while I worked at Hoffmann's photo shop. The second time I took a lot of sleeping pills. Adi was informed about Geli's death while he was at the Deutscher Hof Hotel in Nuremburg. He felt helpless and hopeless.
The concrete of the Bunker has a sour smell to it. The Bunker has a sixty kilowatt diesel generator but it is shut off a lot to keep out smoke and dirt. When it is on, I get coughing fits and headaches. Magda brought in eight pieces of furniture. I brought in a cherry wood table and eight matching chairs.
Adi has a portrait of Frederick the Great in his apartment and after dinner sits in front of it and studies it. I read to him from his favorite book, ' History of Frederick the Great'.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Adi's 23 year old niece Geli shot herself September 18 1931. She shot herself with Adi's Walter 6.35 revolver. She lived in an apartment in Munich. Adi was jealous and possessive and wouldn't let her go out by herself or have her own friends.
I tried suicide twice. The first time I shot myself in the neck with my father's army pistol while I worked at Hoffmann's photo shop. The second time I took a lot of sleeping pills. Adi was informed about Geli's death while he was at the Deutscher Hof Hotel in Nuremburg. He felt helpless and hopeless.
The concrete of the Bunker has a sour smell to it. The Bunker has a sixty kilowatt diesel generator but it is shut off a lot to keep out smoke and dirt. When it is on, I get coughing fits and headaches. Magda brought in eight pieces of furniture. I brought in a cherry wood table and eight matching chairs.
Adi has a portrait of Frederick the Great in his apartment and after dinner sits in front of it and studies it. I read to him from his favorite book, ' History of Frederick the Great'.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 12
Pilate page 12 by ric gustafson
Pilate noticed Cornelius entering the room. He was holding something in his left hand.
" Centurion, do you have news for me?".
" Yes my Prefect". He handed Pilate the handbill.
" What is this?".
" An arrest notice for the Nazarene". Pilate studied it. " The Sanhedrin needs to post this forty days before a trial".
" Is this Nazarene the only trouble you have noticed?".
" No". He cleared his throat. " There are a couple of others who proclaim to be a Messiah".
" Who are they?".
" In Samaria, there is a person named Simon Magus who uses black magic to charm the people".
" What's new about that?".
" He claims to be a great power of God".
Pilate shook his head. " Who is the other one?".
" A Galilean zealot named Jesus Bar Abbas who claims to be a savior".
" What has he done?".
" He started an insurrection, killed some people and now he is in prison awaiting your judgment".
" Keep me informed".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate noticed Cornelius entering the room. He was holding something in his left hand.
" Centurion, do you have news for me?".
" Yes my Prefect". He handed Pilate the handbill.
" What is this?".
" An arrest notice for the Nazarene". Pilate studied it. " The Sanhedrin needs to post this forty days before a trial".
" Is this Nazarene the only trouble you have noticed?".
" No". He cleared his throat. " There are a couple of others who proclaim to be a Messiah".
" Who are they?".
" In Samaria, there is a person named Simon Magus who uses black magic to charm the people".
" What's new about that?".
" He claims to be a great power of God".
Pilate shook his head. " Who is the other one?".
" A Galilean zealot named Jesus Bar Abbas who claims to be a savior".
" What has he done?".
" He started an insurrection, killed some people and now he is in prison awaiting your judgment".
" Keep me informed".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, July 19, 2013
Eva B page 3
Eva B page 3 by ric gustafson
This Bunker is now my home. My home is now eighteen rooms made out of concrete. Before the Bunker I was hidden hardly anybody knew who I was. Our cook Fraulein Manzialy makes cakes and puts them into a box for Adi. She wears a swastika badge on her apron and makes jellied pancakes for Adi. Adi never touches beer even though I enjoy a half bottle of schnapps. Goebbels and his wife Magda enjoy raspberry liqueur before dinner. Adi never salutes anymore like he used to. My first day in the Bunker, Adi spent all day conferring with Goebbels and Bormann. He has a strange sleeping habit of not going to bed until early in the morning and then only sleeping a few hours. Adi's private apartment has gas proof double doors and a scale by his bed because he worries about his weight.
My sleeping area has an old sewing machine desk for a table and a lampshade that I have painted blue and white. Draped around my mirror is a red velvet cloth and a scarf. My dressing table is a board over ammunition boxes where I keep a comb and brush given to me by Adi.
For my birthday, Adi gave me a Rolleiflex camera so I could take pictures of us. Adi's dog is named Blondi. At the end of the hall is the telephone switchboard. Party Secretary Bormann has the smallest room. His nickname is ' the Grey Eminence' because he likes to stay in the background. An iron spiral staircase leads to the upper bunker. At the top of the stairs was the communal dining area. I smoke even though Adi hates it.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
This Bunker is now my home. My home is now eighteen rooms made out of concrete. Before the Bunker I was hidden hardly anybody knew who I was. Our cook Fraulein Manzialy makes cakes and puts them into a box for Adi. She wears a swastika badge on her apron and makes jellied pancakes for Adi. Adi never touches beer even though I enjoy a half bottle of schnapps. Goebbels and his wife Magda enjoy raspberry liqueur before dinner. Adi never salutes anymore like he used to. My first day in the Bunker, Adi spent all day conferring with Goebbels and Bormann. He has a strange sleeping habit of not going to bed until early in the morning and then only sleeping a few hours. Adi's private apartment has gas proof double doors and a scale by his bed because he worries about his weight.
My sleeping area has an old sewing machine desk for a table and a lampshade that I have painted blue and white. Draped around my mirror is a red velvet cloth and a scarf. My dressing table is a board over ammunition boxes where I keep a comb and brush given to me by Adi.
For my birthday, Adi gave me a Rolleiflex camera so I could take pictures of us. Adi's dog is named Blondi. At the end of the hall is the telephone switchboard. Party Secretary Bormann has the smallest room. His nickname is ' the Grey Eminence' because he likes to stay in the background. An iron spiral staircase leads to the upper bunker. At the top of the stairs was the communal dining area. I smoke even though Adi hates it.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 11
Pilate page 11 by ric gustafson
Pilate was staring out the upper window toward the terrace when Procula walked in.
" I've been hearing stories about a new prophet in Galilee".
" Another one!".
" His name is Yeshua or Jesus".
" Oh yes the faithhealer". He kept staring out the window. " Cornelius has already been informing me about his activities".
" The story I heard was that this prophet fed more than 5,000 people near the Sea of Tiberias".
He walked toward her. " What's new about that?".
" I heard that he fed them all with only five barley loaves and two fish".
" My dear wife" he said with a loud chuckle. " You must have heard wrong".
" Why is that?
" Because what you just told me is impossible".
" That is the story I heard".
Procula kissed his cheek and left.
Pilate began to ponder the things his wife just told him.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate was staring out the upper window toward the terrace when Procula walked in.
" I've been hearing stories about a new prophet in Galilee".
" Another one!".
" His name is Yeshua or Jesus".
" Oh yes the faithhealer". He kept staring out the window. " Cornelius has already been informing me about his activities".
" The story I heard was that this prophet fed more than 5,000 people near the Sea of Tiberias".
He walked toward her. " What's new about that?".
" I heard that he fed them all with only five barley loaves and two fish".
" My dear wife" he said with a loud chuckle. " You must have heard wrong".
" Why is that?
" Because what you just told me is impossible".
" That is the story I heard".
Procula kissed his cheek and left.
Pilate began to ponder the things his wife just told him.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Eva B page 2
Eva B page 2 by ric gustafson
When I was a child, I dreamed of marrying a prince. My mother was an ardent Catholic and displayed it by wearing a red scapula. My father was a teacher of crafts and my mother was a dressmaker. My sisters Ilse, Gretl and I grew up in a small house with a large yard and we had sunflowers that were taller than we were. We went to a Catholic school and were told to be proud of Germany's art and literature. We memorized the phrase ' the German spirit will heal the world'. I was good in reading and poor in math. I am very athletic and was always chosen for exercises before church each morning. My life before Herr Wolf was very ordinary. If only Bavarian nobility could see me now.
Everything changed in my life forever when I met Adi.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When I was a child, I dreamed of marrying a prince. My mother was an ardent Catholic and displayed it by wearing a red scapula. My father was a teacher of crafts and my mother was a dressmaker. My sisters Ilse, Gretl and I grew up in a small house with a large yard and we had sunflowers that were taller than we were. We went to a Catholic school and were told to be proud of Germany's art and literature. We memorized the phrase ' the German spirit will heal the world'. I was good in reading and poor in math. I am very athletic and was always chosen for exercises before church each morning. My life before Herr Wolf was very ordinary. If only Bavarian nobility could see me now.
Everything changed in my life forever when I met Adi.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Eva B page 1
Eva B page 1 by ric gustafson
When we first met, I was young and had no idea how important he was. He introduced himself as Herr Wolf and I thought that he was just an up and comer in the government. At the time I was working at Herr Hoffman's photo shop at 42 Wiedenmeyerstrasse in Munich. He would stop by, buy film and look at the cameras.
He had pale blue eyes and he seemed very ordinary. Many days he came in and looked at the Minox and the new Leica. He had a soft Austrian accent and one day, he asked me to go with him to an event involving the best and finest of Munich. Herr Wolf came wearing a trench coat, a black velour hat and a clipped mustache. I wore a maroon party dress with a pleated skirt and puff sleeves. We had a wonderful dinner with walnut cake and pistachio ice cream for dessert.
He did not call for two weeks and wondered what I had done. One day he came carrying a box of film for Herr Hoffmann. He asked me out for lunch and I accepted. As we ate, he asked if I had read ' The Jewish State' by Theodor Herzl. I said no and told him that the only Jew I knew was my mother's cook.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When we first met, I was young and had no idea how important he was. He introduced himself as Herr Wolf and I thought that he was just an up and comer in the government. At the time I was working at Herr Hoffman's photo shop at 42 Wiedenmeyerstrasse in Munich. He would stop by, buy film and look at the cameras.
He had pale blue eyes and he seemed very ordinary. Many days he came in and looked at the Minox and the new Leica. He had a soft Austrian accent and one day, he asked me to go with him to an event involving the best and finest of Munich. Herr Wolf came wearing a trench coat, a black velour hat and a clipped mustache. I wore a maroon party dress with a pleated skirt and puff sleeves. We had a wonderful dinner with walnut cake and pistachio ice cream for dessert.
He did not call for two weeks and wondered what I had done. One day he came carrying a box of film for Herr Hoffmann. He asked me out for lunch and I accepted. As we ate, he asked if I had read ' The Jewish State' by Theodor Herzl. I said no and told him that the only Jew I knew was my mother's cook.
research help: ' The Patient Ecstasy of Fraulein Braun' by Lavonne Mueller
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The Gettysburg Address November 19 1863
The Gettysburg Address November 19 1863 by ric gustafson
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hollow this ground. The brave men living and dead who struggle here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people by the people for the people shall not perish from the earth.
research help: ' Widow of Gettysburg' by Jocelyn Green
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hollow this ground. The brave men living and dead who struggle here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people by the people for the people shall not perish from the earth.
research help: ' Widow of Gettysburg' by Jocelyn Green
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 10
Pilate page 10 by ric gustafson
Pilate was reading a letter from Procula. She was in Rome taking care of her father.
A centurion walked into the courtyard.
" Cornelius" Pilate said with a smile and then pointed so he could sit next to him. " I hope you have brought me some news".
" I have Prefect".
" Tell me about this new turmoil going on up in Galilee".
" Actually Prefect, it's a new prophet".
" Another one!". He shook his head in frustration. " What is his message?".
" Repentence and preparing for the approaching kingdom of God".
" That was the Baptizer's message as well".
" The people love this new prophet's message but the Pharisees and Sadducees don't".
" Did you find out the name of this new prophet?".
" Yes". The centurion rose to leave. " He comes from Nazareth in Galilee".
" What's his name?".
" His name is Yeshua or in our language Jesus".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate was reading a letter from Procula. She was in Rome taking care of her father.
A centurion walked into the courtyard.
" Cornelius" Pilate said with a smile and then pointed so he could sit next to him. " I hope you have brought me some news".
" I have Prefect".
" Tell me about this new turmoil going on up in Galilee".
" Actually Prefect, it's a new prophet".
" Another one!". He shook his head in frustration. " What is his message?".
" Repentence and preparing for the approaching kingdom of God".
" That was the Baptizer's message as well".
" The people love this new prophet's message but the Pharisees and Sadducees don't".
" Did you find out the name of this new prophet?".
" Yes". The centurion rose to leave. " He comes from Nazareth in Galilee".
" What's his name?".
" His name is Yeshua or in our language Jesus".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Pilate page 9
Pilate page 9 by ric gustafson
Pilate sat at one end of the table as Herod Antipas stared at his half niece stepdaughter. She was dancing in front of them and they were mesmorized. When she had finished, they stood up and clapped.
Herod smiled at her. " My dear Salome, that was a fabulous performance".
Her dancing had brought new life to Antipas's birthday party.
" My dear, ask me for anything". He clapped his hands in joy. " I'll give it to you".
" May I ask mother first?".
" Yes".
She ran off. Shortly she returned. " I want you to give me the head of John the Baptizer on a platter".
" My dear, you must be joking".
" No father".
Antipas frowned. He did not want to do this because in secret he enjoyed talking to the desert prophet. But he also knew he could not go back on his word. He shook his head in frustration. He pointed at a guard. " Come here". He whispered a command into his ear.
Shortly after, the platter came in and was handed to Salome.
Salome took the platter to her mother.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's own blessings. Love Ric
Pilate sat at one end of the table as Herod Antipas stared at his half niece stepdaughter. She was dancing in front of them and they were mesmorized. When she had finished, they stood up and clapped.
Herod smiled at her. " My dear Salome, that was a fabulous performance".
Her dancing had brought new life to Antipas's birthday party.
" My dear, ask me for anything". He clapped his hands in joy. " I'll give it to you".
" May I ask mother first?".
" Yes".
She ran off. Shortly she returned. " I want you to give me the head of John the Baptizer on a platter".
" My dear, you must be joking".
" No father".
Antipas frowned. He did not want to do this because in secret he enjoyed talking to the desert prophet. But he also knew he could not go back on his word. He shook his head in frustration. He pointed at a guard. " Come here". He whispered a command into his ear.
Shortly after, the platter came in and was handed to Salome.
Salome took the platter to her mother.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's own blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Pilate page 8
Pilate page 8 by ric gustafson
Pilate read the list. " The land tax, head tax, levy of grain and the publicum taxes". " Publicum?".
The fiscal officer grinned. " Prefect, that is what the tax collectors collect".
" Oh yes". He shook his head. " Why Rome started that system I will never know".
An aide walked in.
" Is Caiaphas and Helcias here?".
The aide nodded his head.
" Show them in".
The Jewish high priest and the Temple treasurer quietly walked in and now stood in front of Pilate.
" Please bring in the plans".
The aide brought in the parchment and spread it out in front of them.
Pilate grinned. " Here are the plans for the new water system".
" Prefect, I hope that this new aqueduct can be built without increasing taxes".
" Actually Rabbi Helcias, my thought is that the Temple treasury will help defray the cost of this new system".
The Temple treasurer's face grew ashen. " Prefect, that is impossible".
" Why".
" The Temple treasury is used for the support of the Temple and it's upkeep".
" Rabbi Helcias, don't you usually have unexpended funds each year?".
" Prefect, it is a small amount".
" Prefect".
Pilate turned toward the high priest.
" It is possible to use the half shekel temple dues for your water system".
" I'm listening Caiaphas".
" This surplus is possible if the Sanhedrin agrees".
Pilate nodded. " I await your decision".
Two days later, the two came back.
Helcias smiled. " Prefect, the Sanhedrin agrees under three conditions".
" And they are?".
" First, this agreement comes under protest and is to be kept in strict confidence".
" Agreed".
" Second, if someone talks, our hands are tied in the matter".
" Agreed".
" Third, this aqueduct flows into the cisterns already under the Temple".
" Agreed".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate read the list. " The land tax, head tax, levy of grain and the publicum taxes". " Publicum?".
The fiscal officer grinned. " Prefect, that is what the tax collectors collect".
" Oh yes". He shook his head. " Why Rome started that system I will never know".
An aide walked in.
" Is Caiaphas and Helcias here?".
The aide nodded his head.
" Show them in".
The Jewish high priest and the Temple treasurer quietly walked in and now stood in front of Pilate.
" Please bring in the plans".
The aide brought in the parchment and spread it out in front of them.
Pilate grinned. " Here are the plans for the new water system".
" Prefect, I hope that this new aqueduct can be built without increasing taxes".
" Actually Rabbi Helcias, my thought is that the Temple treasury will help defray the cost of this new system".
The Temple treasurer's face grew ashen. " Prefect, that is impossible".
" Why".
" The Temple treasury is used for the support of the Temple and it's upkeep".
" Rabbi Helcias, don't you usually have unexpended funds each year?".
" Prefect, it is a small amount".
" Prefect".
Pilate turned toward the high priest.
" It is possible to use the half shekel temple dues for your water system".
" I'm listening Caiaphas".
" This surplus is possible if the Sanhedrin agrees".
Pilate nodded. " I await your decision".
Two days later, the two came back.
Helcias smiled. " Prefect, the Sanhedrin agrees under three conditions".
" And they are?".
" First, this agreement comes under protest and is to be kept in strict confidence".
" Agreed".
" Second, if someone talks, our hands are tied in the matter".
" Agreed".
" Third, this aqueduct flows into the cisterns already under the Temple".
" Agreed".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
No Time chapter 10 page 3
No Time chapter 10 page 3 by ric gustafson
" Bryson, have you ever heard of the word eternity?".
" I don't know much about the bible" he said as he scratched his chin. " I believe it means forever".
" That is correct". He smiled at Bryson and Jessica. " When you die, you will be in one of two places forever".
Jessica grinned. " Heaven or Hell".
" That is correct". He held out his wrists. " Bryson, do you know why I don't wear a watch?".
" No".
" In eternity which is forever, there will be no time".
Bryson glanced at his fixed watch. " I need to get back to the office and catch up on my work".
" Thanks for helping Jessica with the deliveries today" Father Time said as he gave Bryson a hug. " I hope you learned something too".
" I did". He gave Jessica a hug. " Thank you for letting me help you with the deliveries today".
" Thank you Bryson".
He stared at his watch, smiled and walked out.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" Bryson, have you ever heard of the word eternity?".
" I don't know much about the bible" he said as he scratched his chin. " I believe it means forever".
" That is correct". He smiled at Bryson and Jessica. " When you die, you will be in one of two places forever".
Jessica grinned. " Heaven or Hell".
" That is correct". He held out his wrists. " Bryson, do you know why I don't wear a watch?".
" No".
" In eternity which is forever, there will be no time".
Bryson glanced at his fixed watch. " I need to get back to the office and catch up on my work".
" Thanks for helping Jessica with the deliveries today" Father Time said as he gave Bryson a hug. " I hope you learned something too".
" I did". He gave Jessica a hug. " Thank you for letting me help you with the deliveries today".
" Thank you Bryson".
He stared at his watch, smiled and walked out.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, July 15, 2013
Pilate page 7
Pilate page 7 by ric gustafson
A small horse unit escorted Pilate and Procula as they traveled down a dusty road toward Jerusalem. It was summer and very hot out. The countryside was parched from no rain. They walked over a ridge with their entourage and saw limewhite walls and stark buildings.
Procula stared. " It is an odd shaped city".
Pilate smiled as he noticed the colors of his cohort on top of a fortress just northwest of the Temple.
They walked past a spot where poles were stuck in the ground.
" Prefect, this area is called the place of the Skull".
" What do they call it?".
" Golgotha".
They entered the city through the Water Gate.
Pilate had noticed how low the brook was over the Kidron. " Is there anyway that the city can have an adequate water supply?".
" Prefect, the brook is low because it is summer".
They walked up to the Pool of Siloam.
An aide pointed to the entrance of a tunnel that emptied into the Pool. " This is the start of Hezekiah's Tunnel".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
A small horse unit escorted Pilate and Procula as they traveled down a dusty road toward Jerusalem. It was summer and very hot out. The countryside was parched from no rain. They walked over a ridge with their entourage and saw limewhite walls and stark buildings.
Procula stared. " It is an odd shaped city".
Pilate smiled as he noticed the colors of his cohort on top of a fortress just northwest of the Temple.
They walked past a spot where poles were stuck in the ground.
" Prefect, this area is called the place of the Skull".
" What do they call it?".
" Golgotha".
They entered the city through the Water Gate.
Pilate had noticed how low the brook was over the Kidron. " Is there anyway that the city can have an adequate water supply?".
" Prefect, the brook is low because it is summer".
They walked up to the Pool of Siloam.
An aide pointed to the entrance of a tunnel that emptied into the Pool. " This is the start of Hezekiah's Tunnel".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
No Time chapter 10 page 2
No Time chapter 10 page 2 by ric gustafson
Bryson thought for a moment. " Well Father Time, Jessica and I delivered to a very interesting group of people today".
" How so?".
" Those people ran the gamut from a person who studied insects to a person who showed love by giving free hugs".
" These people made an impression on you".
" They sure did". He smiled at Jessica. " But they all said something that made me ponder one thing".
" And what was that?".
" Everyone told me that there was no time in heaven".
" That is true".
Bryson stared at Father Time. " Can you please explain that concept to me?".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Bryson thought for a moment. " Well Father Time, Jessica and I delivered to a very interesting group of people today".
" How so?".
" Those people ran the gamut from a person who studied insects to a person who showed love by giving free hugs".
" These people made an impression on you".
" They sure did". He smiled at Jessica. " But they all said something that made me ponder one thing".
" And what was that?".
" Everyone told me that there was no time in heaven".
" That is true".
Bryson stared at Father Time. " Can you please explain that concept to me?".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Pilate page 6
Pilate page 6 by ric gustafson
Gratus and Pilate stood in the center of the reception line that was being held in the outside garden of the palace.
" Approaching are the members of the Sanhedrin who are the ruling senate of the Jews".
Pilate nodded as the men who had long beards and wore large robes came up to them.
One of the men came forward.
" This is Rabbi Jonathan, Chamber of Priests".
Another man walked forward.
" This is Rabbi Helcias, Treasurer of the Temple".
Another man walked forward.
" This is Joseph Caiaphas, the High Priest of the Jewish nation ".
Later that evening, Caiaphas sought out Pilate. " We hope that the appointment of a new Prefect will not change policies here in Judea".
Pilate smiled but did not comment.
" I believe that Romans and Jews can dwell in peace in this land".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gratus and Pilate stood in the center of the reception line that was being held in the outside garden of the palace.
" Approaching are the members of the Sanhedrin who are the ruling senate of the Jews".
Pilate nodded as the men who had long beards and wore large robes came up to them.
One of the men came forward.
" This is Rabbi Jonathan, Chamber of Priests".
Another man walked forward.
" This is Rabbi Helcias, Treasurer of the Temple".
Another man walked forward.
" This is Joseph Caiaphas, the High Priest of the Jewish nation ".
Later that evening, Caiaphas sought out Pilate. " We hope that the appointment of a new Prefect will not change policies here in Judea".
Pilate smiled but did not comment.
" I believe that Romans and Jews can dwell in peace in this land".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
No Time chapter 10 page 1
No Time chapter 10 page 1 by ric gustafson
Bryson opened the door for Jessica. " I'm so glad to be back" he said with a smile. " I've been waiting all day to get my watch back".
" I'll go get him". She grinned as she walked into the back room.
Shortly, she returned with Father Time. He was holding a small wrapped package. He handed Bryson the package. " Here's your fixed watch".
" Thank you". He opened the package and put the watch on. " It looks good and fits good too".
Father Time looked at Jessica. " How did the deliveries go today?".
" Great". She smiled at Bryson. " It went well with Bryson's help".
" So Bryson, what did you learn from today's deliveries?".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Bryson opened the door for Jessica. " I'm so glad to be back" he said with a smile. " I've been waiting all day to get my watch back".
" I'll go get him". She grinned as she walked into the back room.
Shortly, she returned with Father Time. He was holding a small wrapped package. He handed Bryson the package. " Here's your fixed watch".
" Thank you". He opened the package and put the watch on. " It looks good and fits good too".
Father Time looked at Jessica. " How did the deliveries go today?".
" Great". She smiled at Bryson. " It went well with Bryson's help".
" So Bryson, what did you learn from today's deliveries?".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, July 13, 2013
teach us to pray: helpful prayer
teach us to pray: helpful prayer by ric gustafson
Sometimes when we pray, we say " God help me".
Prayer is talking to someone or something which we seek union. When we pray, we're taking a chance that we are loved and chosen. When we pray, God wants us to be totally honest with him.
God wants our prayers to be truthful and real.
The first simple prayer is help. When we pray, we usually pray for a lot of things. We pray for our planet, our poor and their suffering. Help is the first great prayer.
We pray for help when we think to ourselves that I can't do this or deal with this situation. When we pray help, we are asking for God to stop this thorn in my side and help me to turn this around.
research help: ' the three essential prayers' by Anne Lamott
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sometimes when we pray, we say " God help me".
Prayer is talking to someone or something which we seek union. When we pray, we're taking a chance that we are loved and chosen. When we pray, God wants us to be totally honest with him.
God wants our prayers to be truthful and real.
The first simple prayer is help. When we pray, we usually pray for a lot of things. We pray for our planet, our poor and their suffering. Help is the first great prayer.
We pray for help when we think to ourselves that I can't do this or deal with this situation. When we pray help, we are asking for God to stop this thorn in my side and help me to turn this around.
research help: ' the three essential prayers' by Anne Lamott
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, July 12, 2013
Pilate page 5
Pilate page 5 by ric gustafson
After sailing for two days from Egypt, Pilate could see the shore of Palestine on the eastern horizon. As the boat reached the artificial harbor of Caesarea. Pilate marveled at what was built by Herod the Great. The huge stone pilings reached two hundred feet wide. The boat slowly sailed past six huge columns that ran from the jetty. He had been told that the port was built in honor of Herod's friend, Caesar Augustus.
The ship docked and an honor guard escorted Procula and Pilate to Herod's palace.
A stout middleaged Valerius Gratus greeted them. " I'm sorry that I did not greet you at the dock". He shook Pilate's hand timidly. " I have not been feeling well lately".
He gave Pilate and his wife a tour of the palace. Pilate was impressed by the beautiful atrium and state rooms.
To Pilate, the palace resembled a Greco Roman mansion.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
After sailing for two days from Egypt, Pilate could see the shore of Palestine on the eastern horizon. As the boat reached the artificial harbor of Caesarea. Pilate marveled at what was built by Herod the Great. The huge stone pilings reached two hundred feet wide. The boat slowly sailed past six huge columns that ran from the jetty. He had been told that the port was built in honor of Herod's friend, Caesar Augustus.
The ship docked and an honor guard escorted Procula and Pilate to Herod's palace.
A stout middleaged Valerius Gratus greeted them. " I'm sorry that I did not greet you at the dock". He shook Pilate's hand timidly. " I have not been feeling well lately".
He gave Pilate and his wife a tour of the palace. Pilate was impressed by the beautiful atrium and state rooms.
To Pilate, the palace resembled a Greco Roman mansion.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 4
Pilate page 4 by ric gustafson
Pilate looked over the edge of the boat and wondered how much longer they had to sail. He was told that this particular boat was driven by oar and not by sail. They had sailed through the Straits and now he was told that the wind was behind them.
" Where are we sailing helmsman?".
" We are sailing toward Egypt".
One day, a sailor smiled and pointed a finger. " I see Pharos, I see Pharos".
Eventually, the boat slowed as it neared a giant lighthouse. The lighthouse over Alexandria rose four hundred feet into the air and was made of marble.
As Pilate and Procula were getting ready to disembark. a centurion and some soldiers stopped them. " I am Gaius Galerious , the Prefect of upper and lower Egypt". He smiled. " You must be Pontius Pilate, the new Prefect of Judea".
" I am".
" Welcome to Alexandria Egypt". He grinned. " Your boat to Judea will not be here for a week so I invite you to stay at the Palace of the Ptolemies".
" Thank you".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate looked over the edge of the boat and wondered how much longer they had to sail. He was told that this particular boat was driven by oar and not by sail. They had sailed through the Straits and now he was told that the wind was behind them.
" Where are we sailing helmsman?".
" We are sailing toward Egypt".
One day, a sailor smiled and pointed a finger. " I see Pharos, I see Pharos".
Eventually, the boat slowed as it neared a giant lighthouse. The lighthouse over Alexandria rose four hundred feet into the air and was made of marble.
As Pilate and Procula were getting ready to disembark. a centurion and some soldiers stopped them. " I am Gaius Galerious , the Prefect of upper and lower Egypt". He smiled. " You must be Pontius Pilate, the new Prefect of Judea".
" I am".
" Welcome to Alexandria Egypt". He grinned. " Your boat to Judea will not be here for a week so I invite you to stay at the Palace of the Ptolemies".
" Thank you".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, July 11, 2013
teach us to pray: dark prayer
teach us to pray: dark prayer by ric gustafson
Jonah understood dark desperation. God told him to go to Nineveh but instead he ran in the other direction. He got on a ship in Joppa and tried to get away from God. God had other plans for him and sent a storm to stop him. The crew threw him overboard and was swallowed by a beast from the deep. Just like Jonah, when we are in a dark place and cannot see we cry to God to save us. Jonah was drowned in death. He writes that he called out of his distress to the Lord and he answered me. When we have reached a dark place, we can cry to God and he will save us. Jonah also writes that salvation is from the Lord. We do not know how God will answer but we do know that he is listening. We pray in our dark places knowing that God will deliver us to the light.
research help: In Touch October 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jonah understood dark desperation. God told him to go to Nineveh but instead he ran in the other direction. He got on a ship in Joppa and tried to get away from God. God had other plans for him and sent a storm to stop him. The crew threw him overboard and was swallowed by a beast from the deep. Just like Jonah, when we are in a dark place and cannot see we cry to God to save us. Jonah was drowned in death. He writes that he called out of his distress to the Lord and he answered me. When we have reached a dark place, we can cry to God and he will save us. Jonah also writes that salvation is from the Lord. We do not know how God will answer but we do know that he is listening. We pray in our dark places knowing that God will deliver us to the light.
research help: In Touch October 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 3
Pilate page 3 by ric gustafson
Pilate, wearing a new toga and a floral wreath on his head, waited for his bride to be at the entrance to the atrium. In the weeks before the ceremony, he and his future father in law had decided on a dowry. He also talked to Annius Rufus who was the Prefect of Judea before Valerius Gratus. He was curious about his new assignment and asked him many questions.
Procula approached him. Pilate smiled because of how beautiful she looked. She was wearing a red orange veil and wore a garland of flowers on her head.
They held hands.
She looked into Pilate's eyes. " Ubi tu Gaius, ego Gaia".
A covered basket of coarse wheat bread was placed upon an altar. Prayers to Jupiter, Juno and other gods were said.
A cry erupted from the guests. " Feliciter, Feliciter".
Pilate and Procula were now man and wife.
Proculeius set out a huge wedding banquet that consisted of seven courses including roasted boar and roasted peacock. Plenty of wine was brought up from the wine cellar.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate, wearing a new toga and a floral wreath on his head, waited for his bride to be at the entrance to the atrium. In the weeks before the ceremony, he and his future father in law had decided on a dowry. He also talked to Annius Rufus who was the Prefect of Judea before Valerius Gratus. He was curious about his new assignment and asked him many questions.
Procula approached him. Pilate smiled because of how beautiful she looked. She was wearing a red orange veil and wore a garland of flowers on her head.
They held hands.
She looked into Pilate's eyes. " Ubi tu Gaius, ego Gaia".
A covered basket of coarse wheat bread was placed upon an altar. Prayers to Jupiter, Juno and other gods were said.
A cry erupted from the guests. " Feliciter, Feliciter".
Pilate and Procula were now man and wife.
Proculeius set out a huge wedding banquet that consisted of seven courses including roasted boar and roasted peacock. Plenty of wine was brought up from the wine cellar.
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
teach us to pray: hitting bottom
teach us to pray: hitting bottom by ric gustafson
Job 42:5 says my ears have heard but my eyes had yet to see. There are times in our lives when we collapse under our burdens and hit rock bottom. Before God can start our healing process, we need to be at that point. II Corinthians 12:9 says my grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. We need a thorn in our flesh to show us the correct way we need to go.
Psalm 116:6 says I was brought low and he saved me. We do not know what our life will be like tomorrow but James 4 says if the Lord wills we will live and also do this or that.
I pray that when we have hit bottom, we will let God heal us and he will.
Lord, teach us to pray.
research help: In Touch October 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Job 42:5 says my ears have heard but my eyes had yet to see. There are times in our lives when we collapse under our burdens and hit rock bottom. Before God can start our healing process, we need to be at that point. II Corinthians 12:9 says my grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. We need a thorn in our flesh to show us the correct way we need to go.
Psalm 116:6 says I was brought low and he saved me. We do not know what our life will be like tomorrow but James 4 says if the Lord wills we will live and also do this or that.
I pray that when we have hit bottom, we will let God heal us and he will.
Lord, teach us to pray.
research help: In Touch October 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 2
Pilate page 2 by ric gustafson
Pilate smiled as he put on the white toga. Sejanus had just told him the good news that his new appointment had been approved. He was anxious to tell his love the news. He walked under the large arches of the Julian Aqueduct and then through the Garden of Maecenas. As he approached the Proculeius Mansion, he thought about the beautiful girl whom he had fallen in love with. Her name was Proculeia but it was changed to a Roman name Procula. Her grandfather was Gaius Proculeius and he was a close companion of Augustus.
A servant brought him into the atrium and asked him to wait. He smiled as he watched her step out from behind a marble pillar. He was in love.
The brown haired teen led Pilate into the garden and they sat down. " Have you come at last with the date of our wedding?".
" Procula my love, if you could go anywhere where would it be?".
" I don't know" she replied as they held hands. " Greece, Egypt perhaps".
" How about Judea?".
" Judea!".
" Tiberius Caesar has appointed me the new Prefect of Judea".
" If we are to be married" she said with a grin. " I will go wherever you go".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate smiled as he put on the white toga. Sejanus had just told him the good news that his new appointment had been approved. He was anxious to tell his love the news. He walked under the large arches of the Julian Aqueduct and then through the Garden of Maecenas. As he approached the Proculeius Mansion, he thought about the beautiful girl whom he had fallen in love with. Her name was Proculeia but it was changed to a Roman name Procula. Her grandfather was Gaius Proculeius and he was a close companion of Augustus.
A servant brought him into the atrium and asked him to wait. He smiled as he watched her step out from behind a marble pillar. He was in love.
The brown haired teen led Pilate into the garden and they sat down. " Have you come at last with the date of our wedding?".
" Procula my love, if you could go anywhere where would it be?".
" I don't know" she replied as they held hands. " Greece, Egypt perhaps".
" How about Judea?".
" Judea!".
" Tiberius Caesar has appointed me the new Prefect of Judea".
" If we are to be married" she said with a grin. " I will go wherever you go".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate page 1
Pilate page 1 by ric gustafson
Pontius Pilate slowly walked down the Patrician Street toward his destination. He was of medium build, curly black hair and today looked more Roman than his clan the Pontii. He turned and began to walk up the Esquiline. He approached the house of his superior.
A steward ran out. " Sejanus is waiting for you". He led Pilate into an atrium where his boss was waiting for him.
" Pilate, please have a seat".
The two men talked for a few minutes about trivial things.
All of a sudden, Sejanus stared seriously at his garrison commander. " Pilate, what do you plan on doing after your military obligation?".
" My interest is in administration" Pilate replied with a smile. " Hopefully I can serve Rome in some kind of public office".
" I will be frank with you". His voice came down to a whisper. " We are planning on replacing Valerius Gratus as Prefect of Judea".
" What does that have to do with me?".
" Pilate, I am going to suggest to Tiberius that you replace him".
" Judea!".
" You are familiar with the area aren't you".
" I served with the 12th Legion in Syria not Judea".
" I assume you are interested in governing a province".
" Yes I am".
" Then it will be".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pontius Pilate slowly walked down the Patrician Street toward his destination. He was of medium build, curly black hair and today looked more Roman than his clan the Pontii. He turned and began to walk up the Esquiline. He approached the house of his superior.
A steward ran out. " Sejanus is waiting for you". He led Pilate into an atrium where his boss was waiting for him.
" Pilate, please have a seat".
The two men talked for a few minutes about trivial things.
All of a sudden, Sejanus stared seriously at his garrison commander. " Pilate, what do you plan on doing after your military obligation?".
" My interest is in administration" Pilate replied with a smile. " Hopefully I can serve Rome in some kind of public office".
" I will be frank with you". His voice came down to a whisper. " We are planning on replacing Valerius Gratus as Prefect of Judea".
" What does that have to do with me?".
" Pilate, I am going to suggest to Tiberius that you replace him".
" Judea!".
" You are familiar with the area aren't you".
" I served with the 12th Legion in Syria not Judea".
" I assume you are interested in governing a province".
" Yes I am".
" Then it will be".
research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
I Am: a holy God
I Am: a holy God by ric gustafson
I Chronicles 16:29 says worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. When we feel joy, peace and the wonders of God, we are enveloped in God's holiness. God's holiness brings purity, brightness, peacefulness and joy to our souls. We were designed by God for holiness and the Holy Spirit fills that void. Holiness is when we give everything to God and follow him. We do not need to worry about our needs and desires because God in his holiness will always take care of us. God says be holy because I am holy. God wants us to abandon ourselves and let God be God through us. We need to pray to God that we will see holiness as something he wants us to enjoy forever.
research help: ' I Am' by Steve Fry
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I Chronicles 16:29 says worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. When we feel joy, peace and the wonders of God, we are enveloped in God's holiness. God's holiness brings purity, brightness, peacefulness and joy to our souls. We were designed by God for holiness and the Holy Spirit fills that void. Holiness is when we give everything to God and follow him. We do not need to worry about our needs and desires because God in his holiness will always take care of us. God says be holy because I am holy. God wants us to abandon ourselves and let God be God through us. We need to pray to God that we will see holiness as something he wants us to enjoy forever.
research help: ' I Am' by Steve Fry
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
teach us to pray: dirty prayer
teach us to pray: dirty prayer by ric gustafson
When we sin, we feel dirty and contaminated. This emotion is called shame. Sometimes we feel so shameful, we lose interest in praying. We feel shame when we've done something to someone or someone has done something to us.
God does not look at us as shameful. Jesus spent a lot of time with shameful people including lepers and tax collectors. He ate with them which made the Pharisees very angry at him and his teachings.
The woman who bleed for twelve years one day decided to touch his cloak. She touched Jesus and Jesus touched her back and healed her. I Peter 2:9 says that you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession. Because of that, we cannot say that we are too dirty to pray. Even though we are outcasts and unclean, Jesus welcomes us with loving arms. All we need to do is reach out to him and hold on. We need to say Jesus please take away my shame. Instead of hiding because of our shame, we need to say Jesus help me. When we do that with an open and honest heart, Jesus will come in and cleanse us totally and take away our shame forever.
research help: In Touch October 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When we sin, we feel dirty and contaminated. This emotion is called shame. Sometimes we feel so shameful, we lose interest in praying. We feel shame when we've done something to someone or someone has done something to us.
God does not look at us as shameful. Jesus spent a lot of time with shameful people including lepers and tax collectors. He ate with them which made the Pharisees very angry at him and his teachings.
The woman who bleed for twelve years one day decided to touch his cloak. She touched Jesus and Jesus touched her back and healed her. I Peter 2:9 says that you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession. Because of that, we cannot say that we are too dirty to pray. Even though we are outcasts and unclean, Jesus welcomes us with loving arms. All we need to do is reach out to him and hold on. We need to say Jesus please take away my shame. Instead of hiding because of our shame, we need to say Jesus help me. When we do that with an open and honest heart, Jesus will come in and cleanse us totally and take away our shame forever.
research help: In Touch October 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, July 8, 2013
I Am: a jealous God
I Am: a jealous God by ric gustafson
Exodus 20:5 says ' For I the Lord your God am a jealous God'. It's hard for us to understand how a God of love and holiness be jealous. Solomon writes in Proverbs 27:4 who can stand before jealousy?. God has a right to be jealous because he is perfect in love. God doesn't just love us, he wants us for his own. God not only chose us, he desires us. When an enemy enters our soul, God rushes over and demands his love.
God is a jealous God because he loves us more than anything else.
research help: ' I Am' by Steve Fry
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Exodus 20:5 says ' For I the Lord your God am a jealous God'. It's hard for us to understand how a God of love and holiness be jealous. Solomon writes in Proverbs 27:4 who can stand before jealousy?. God has a right to be jealous because he is perfect in love. God doesn't just love us, he wants us for his own. God not only chose us, he desires us. When an enemy enters our soul, God rushes over and demands his love.
God is a jealous God because he loves us more than anything else.
research help: ' I Am' by Steve Fry
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
teach us to pray: fasting
teach us to pray: fasting by ric gustafson
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is not taught in many churches today. It was a common practice in both the Old and New Testaments. Moses and Jesus fasted for forty days. The early church fasted and asked for the Lord's guidance in decision making. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says whenever you fast.
One goal of fasting is to help us recognize and repent of sin. Jesus gave us instructions on how to fast. First, Jesus instructed us to fast quietly rather than tell everyone. Second, our fasting goal is to seek God. Third, we should be sincere with our fasting attitude.
So why should we fast?. First, we need it to cleanse our sinful hearts. Second, we need God's guidance in our lives. Third, we need deliverance and protection. We need fasting to draw closer to Jesus. Fasting is a privilege and Satan will try to keep us from doing it. Whichever way you fast by skipping a meal or doing it a different way, God knows your heart and your reason for doing it.
Father Son and Holy Spirit, please teach us to pray.
research help: In Touch October 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is not taught in many churches today. It was a common practice in both the Old and New Testaments. Moses and Jesus fasted for forty days. The early church fasted and asked for the Lord's guidance in decision making. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says whenever you fast.
One goal of fasting is to help us recognize and repent of sin. Jesus gave us instructions on how to fast. First, Jesus instructed us to fast quietly rather than tell everyone. Second, our fasting goal is to seek God. Third, we should be sincere with our fasting attitude.
So why should we fast?. First, we need it to cleanse our sinful hearts. Second, we need God's guidance in our lives. Third, we need deliverance and protection. We need fasting to draw closer to Jesus. Fasting is a privilege and Satan will try to keep us from doing it. Whichever way you fast by skipping a meal or doing it a different way, God knows your heart and your reason for doing it.
Father Son and Holy Spirit, please teach us to pray.
research help: In Touch October 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, July 5, 2013
Spiritual Elements: keeping the elements in check
Spiritual Elements: keeping the elements in check by ric gustafson
God's Word teaches us that we need to inspect and examine our heart. King David in Psalm 139 says Lord you have searched me and known me, you know my sitting down and my rising up. He says that we can never escape God's eye and that God knew us before we were born. The last line of the Psalm says search me God and know my heart.
We can examine our hearts in three ways. The first is in prayer time. When we open our bibles and look at ourselves, we can keep our hearts in check. The second way is through an accountability group. When we have a group of friends who know us, love us and talk honestly with us, we can keep our life in check. The third way is at the Lord's Supper. When we partake of the bread and wine, it is an opportunity to examine our hearts and confess our sins.
We need to say search me O God, know my heart today, cleanse me and set me free.
The End
research help: Turning Points February 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
God's Word teaches us that we need to inspect and examine our heart. King David in Psalm 139 says Lord you have searched me and known me, you know my sitting down and my rising up. He says that we can never escape God's eye and that God knew us before we were born. The last line of the Psalm says search me God and know my heart.
We can examine our hearts in three ways. The first is in prayer time. When we open our bibles and look at ourselves, we can keep our hearts in check. The second way is through an accountability group. When we have a group of friends who know us, love us and talk honestly with us, we can keep our life in check. The third way is at the Lord's Supper. When we partake of the bread and wine, it is an opportunity to examine our hearts and confess our sins.
We need to say search me O God, know my heart today, cleanse me and set me free.
The End
research help: Turning Points February 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Spiritual Elements: spiritual contamination
Spiritual Elements: spiritual contamination by ric gustafson
Spiritual contamination can happen when untrue thinking and unwise behavior seeps into our souls. Many people in this world reject God and moral absolutes. The first thing that happens is a rejection of creation which leads to false gods and idolatry. That will lead to a collapse of morality and become runaway sexual perversion. What follows is a total moral breakdown which will lead to a widespread spiritual destruction.
God wants us to stay away from people who are hazardous to our spiritual health. Wrong friends could make us do things we don't want to do.
Even though evil is all around us, we can avoid it. Even though our soul is filled with moral and social contaminants, Jesus is near. He will sprinkle clean water on us and will be made clean. He will cleanse us from filth and our idols. Jesus will give us a new and clean heart. He will put a new spirit in us. He will put the Holy Spirit into us and will help us to live in his statutes. Because of Jesus, we shall be his people and he will be our God. Jesus can cleanse us from spiritual contamination with his Word, his blood and with water.
research help: Turning Points February 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Spiritual contamination can happen when untrue thinking and unwise behavior seeps into our souls. Many people in this world reject God and moral absolutes. The first thing that happens is a rejection of creation which leads to false gods and idolatry. That will lead to a collapse of morality and become runaway sexual perversion. What follows is a total moral breakdown which will lead to a widespread spiritual destruction.
God wants us to stay away from people who are hazardous to our spiritual health. Wrong friends could make us do things we don't want to do.
Even though evil is all around us, we can avoid it. Even though our soul is filled with moral and social contaminants, Jesus is near. He will sprinkle clean water on us and will be made clean. He will cleanse us from filth and our idols. Jesus will give us a new and clean heart. He will put a new spirit in us. He will put the Holy Spirit into us and will help us to live in his statutes. Because of Jesus, we shall be his people and he will be our God. Jesus can cleanse us from spiritual contamination with his Word, his blood and with water.
research help: Turning Points February 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
First Century kitchen page 11
First Century kitchen page 11 by ric gustafson
A first century banquet started with invitations. A servant delivered these and sometimes it was done verbally. More people were invited to a wedding feast than a dinner party. At a banquet, men would be involved in conversation and the same discussions.
The feast began in an anteroom. The guests had their feet washed and anointed with oil. The task of feet washing was given to a slave or servant. After the feet washing and the right hand was washed, a glass of wine was offered. Once all the guests had arrived, they were taken into the banquet room.
The meal consisted of a first course of appetizers and then a second course of a main dish. A typical banquet room held nine couches and guests were assigned to them based on rank in society. A banquet host secured the menu, prepared the guest list, provided the location and the order of seating on the couches.
Later, a time of drinking wine and entertainment ensued. A wine steward decided the rules for drinking wine such as the ratio of wine to water and how full the goblets would be. Things that happened for entertainment included music, poetry readings, riddles, drinking games and sometimes dancers, acrobats and music ensembles. Music could include a flute girl or people playing the harp or flute. Three popular snacks during the banquet included figs, dates and pomegranates.
Next we will talk about a first century wedding feast.
research help: ' The Food and Feasts of Jesus' by Douglas Neel and Joel Pugh
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
A first century banquet started with invitations. A servant delivered these and sometimes it was done verbally. More people were invited to a wedding feast than a dinner party. At a banquet, men would be involved in conversation and the same discussions.
The feast began in an anteroom. The guests had their feet washed and anointed with oil. The task of feet washing was given to a slave or servant. After the feet washing and the right hand was washed, a glass of wine was offered. Once all the guests had arrived, they were taken into the banquet room.
The meal consisted of a first course of appetizers and then a second course of a main dish. A typical banquet room held nine couches and guests were assigned to them based on rank in society. A banquet host secured the menu, prepared the guest list, provided the location and the order of seating on the couches.
Later, a time of drinking wine and entertainment ensued. A wine steward decided the rules for drinking wine such as the ratio of wine to water and how full the goblets would be. Things that happened for entertainment included music, poetry readings, riddles, drinking games and sometimes dancers, acrobats and music ensembles. Music could include a flute girl or people playing the harp or flute. Three popular snacks during the banquet included figs, dates and pomegranates.
Next we will talk about a first century wedding feast.
research help: ' The Food and Feasts of Jesus' by Douglas Neel and Joel Pugh
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
No Time chapter 9 page 3
No Time chapter 9 page 3 by ric gustafson
Bryson looked at the young man. " So our body was designed for love".
" Our bodies become healthier because of positive love".
Jessica glanced at her watch. " Bryson, it's just about 5:00".
" Ok". He stared at Mr Hugs. " How does love lead to a healthy body?".
" Love affects your parasympathetic system".
" How does that system affect your body?".
" Bryson, we need to go".
The young man smiled. " It helps your heart and your immune system".
" Mr Hugs, we need to get back to the shop".
" Bryson, do you know what I've learned studying love and giving hugs".
" No".
" There is no time in heaven".
research help: ' Love 2.0' by Barbara Fredrickson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Bryson looked at the young man. " So our body was designed for love".
" Our bodies become healthier because of positive love".
Jessica glanced at her watch. " Bryson, it's just about 5:00".
" Ok". He stared at Mr Hugs. " How does love lead to a healthy body?".
" Love affects your parasympathetic system".
" How does that system affect your body?".
" Bryson, we need to go".
The young man smiled. " It helps your heart and your immune system".
" Mr Hugs, we need to get back to the shop".
" Bryson, do you know what I've learned studying love and giving hugs".
" No".
" There is no time in heaven".
research help: ' Love 2.0' by Barbara Fredrickson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Spirtual Elements: Wisdom
Spiritual Elements: Wisdom by ric gustafson
There is a very important spiritual element that we need to make other elements shine. That important element is wisdom. Wisdom is knowledge compounded by grace. Wisdom is a base for living and seeing things through God's vision. One good example of wisdom in the bible is the story of Solomon. According to I Kings chapter 4, God gave Solomon wisdom and great understanding. Men of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon.
Wisdom comes from God and it's given by grace. The experiences of life can enhance our wisdom. Luke chapter 2 says that Jesus was filled with wisdom and that the grace of God was upon him. Jesus had perfect knowledge and by grace shared that with us, According to Proverbs chapter 9, fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We need to pray for wisdom and to really study God's Word.
We need to fear the Lord, receive his grace, ask for others to pray for us, ask God for wisdom and let God's Word mold our minds. Wisdom is a key element for godliness and it can be found at the foot of Calvary.
research help: Turning Points February 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
There is a very important spiritual element that we need to make other elements shine. That important element is wisdom. Wisdom is knowledge compounded by grace. Wisdom is a base for living and seeing things through God's vision. One good example of wisdom in the bible is the story of Solomon. According to I Kings chapter 4, God gave Solomon wisdom and great understanding. Men of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon.
Wisdom comes from God and it's given by grace. The experiences of life can enhance our wisdom. Luke chapter 2 says that Jesus was filled with wisdom and that the grace of God was upon him. Jesus had perfect knowledge and by grace shared that with us, According to Proverbs chapter 9, fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We need to pray for wisdom and to really study God's Word.
We need to fear the Lord, receive his grace, ask for others to pray for us, ask God for wisdom and let God's Word mold our minds. Wisdom is a key element for godliness and it can be found at the foot of Calvary.
research help: Turning Points February 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
the Birds of the Bible Museum page 6
the Birds of the Bible Museum page 6 by ric gustafson
Betty stopped next to the exhibit.
" Daddy, we see that bird at the big park".
" You've seen a hawk at your house?".
" We have a large park behind our house and we have seen a couple hawks flying around the trees".
One of the girls smiled. " We go there when we walk Smokey".
" Smokey?".
The mother smiled. " That's the name of our dog".
Betty smiled. " The hawk is mentioned several times in the bible".
" Look at his wings!".
" The hawk is a bird of prey and it's wingspan can reach two feet".
" What bible verses talk about this bird?".
" Job 39:26 and numerous verses in the book of Isaiah".
" What else can you tell us about it?".
Betty grinned. " It eats mice, insects and small birds and in the Old Testament was considered an unclean bird".
research help: Birdsof thebible.wordpress.com
bibleencyclopedia.com
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Betty stopped next to the exhibit.
" Daddy, we see that bird at the big park".
" You've seen a hawk at your house?".
" We have a large park behind our house and we have seen a couple hawks flying around the trees".
One of the girls smiled. " We go there when we walk Smokey".
" Smokey?".
The mother smiled. " That's the name of our dog".
Betty smiled. " The hawk is mentioned several times in the bible".
" Look at his wings!".
" The hawk is a bird of prey and it's wingspan can reach two feet".
" What bible verses talk about this bird?".
" Job 39:26 and numerous verses in the book of Isaiah".
" What else can you tell us about it?".
Betty grinned. " It eats mice, insects and small birds and in the Old Testament was considered an unclean bird".
research help: Birdsof thebible.wordpress.com
bibleencyclopedia.com
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
No Time chapter 9 page 2
No Time chapter 9 page 2 by ric gustafson
Bryson gave the young man a confused look. " Love?".
" I believe that love is our supreme emotion and over time it is just as important as water, air and shelter".
Bryson watched the young man hug an elderly man.
" I believe that our bodies were designed for love".
Jessica smiled. " How so?".
" Eye contact, real conversation and touch like a free hug are keys to love".
" You said we were designed for love".
The young man hugged a young girl. " We are a collection of cells that know from birth how to seek out love".
Bryson looked more confused than ever. " How can love make us healthier?".
" When we use positive love toward others, our lives will transform for the better".
" As long as it is positive love not negative love".
" That is correct".
The young man hugged an elderly woman. " Positive love over time through biochemicals will begin to change our bodies and brains from the inside out".
Bryson scratched his chin in thought. " Now I'm beginning to understand".
" That's good".
research help: ' Love 2.0' by Barbara Fredrickson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Bryson gave the young man a confused look. " Love?".
" I believe that love is our supreme emotion and over time it is just as important as water, air and shelter".
Bryson watched the young man hug an elderly man.
" I believe that our bodies were designed for love".
Jessica smiled. " How so?".
" Eye contact, real conversation and touch like a free hug are keys to love".
" You said we were designed for love".
The young man hugged a young girl. " We are a collection of cells that know from birth how to seek out love".
Bryson looked more confused than ever. " How can love make us healthier?".
" When we use positive love toward others, our lives will transform for the better".
" As long as it is positive love not negative love".
" That is correct".
The young man hugged an elderly woman. " Positive love over time through biochemicals will begin to change our bodies and brains from the inside out".
Bryson scratched his chin in thought. " Now I'm beginning to understand".
" That's good".
research help: ' Love 2.0' by Barbara Fredrickson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Spiritual Elements: a mixture of elements
Spiritual Elements: a mixture of elements by ric gustafson
The spiritual world that we live in is a mixture of spiritual elements. In Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul lists nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. There are spiritual gifts galore listed in the New Testament. Nearly twenty different dimensions of Christian service are described. Spiritual elements in the Kingdom of God are endless. Some of these include generosity, sacrifice, repentance, forgiveness, humility, honesty, submission, power, obedience, courage, commitment, trust, empathy, boldness and witnessing.
A bad mixture of spiritual elements could be disaster. If love and edification are missing, carnality and disorder come. If greed and deceit replace honesty and generosity, it will be judged harshly. When fear ruins witnessing, an opportunity is lost. When lust and power replace respect and generosity, a black mark will be left. We need to balance our spiritual life because this life is a battle between flesh and the Spirit. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to keep our spiritual life in balance.
research help: Turning Points February 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The spiritual world that we live in is a mixture of spiritual elements. In Galatians 5, the Apostle Paul lists nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. There are spiritual gifts galore listed in the New Testament. Nearly twenty different dimensions of Christian service are described. Spiritual elements in the Kingdom of God are endless. Some of these include generosity, sacrifice, repentance, forgiveness, humility, honesty, submission, power, obedience, courage, commitment, trust, empathy, boldness and witnessing.
A bad mixture of spiritual elements could be disaster. If love and edification are missing, carnality and disorder come. If greed and deceit replace honesty and generosity, it will be judged harshly. When fear ruins witnessing, an opportunity is lost. When lust and power replace respect and generosity, a black mark will be left. We need to balance our spiritual life because this life is a battle between flesh and the Spirit. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to keep our spiritual life in balance.
research help: Turning Points February 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, July 1, 2013
Spiritual Elements: a balanced spiritual life
Spiritual Elements: a balanced spiritual life by ric gustafson
Before we look at different elements of the spiritual life, we need to look at the big picture of a healthy spiritual life. Seawater contains a balance of around 100 elements, things that life on earth are made of. These elements include oxygen, hydrogen, calcium, magnesium, iron and others. Mixing these elements together correctly and physical life happens on earth.
The Periodic Table was a chart published by a Russian chemist named Dmitri Mendeleev. In 1863, only 56 chemical elements had been identified. By 2012, that number had grown to 118. These elements are numbered according to their atomic weight.
Every element was planned and created by our Creator God. Every element is needed for human, animal and plant life on this earth. God ordained that chemical elements be the key to life on this planet. A healthy spiritual life is also a balance of many elements as well. Keeping all the elements of a spiritual life in check and balanced should be the goal of each believer in God.
research help: Turning Points February 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Before we look at different elements of the spiritual life, we need to look at the big picture of a healthy spiritual life. Seawater contains a balance of around 100 elements, things that life on earth are made of. These elements include oxygen, hydrogen, calcium, magnesium, iron and others. Mixing these elements together correctly and physical life happens on earth.
The Periodic Table was a chart published by a Russian chemist named Dmitri Mendeleev. In 1863, only 56 chemical elements had been identified. By 2012, that number had grown to 118. These elements are numbered according to their atomic weight.
Every element was planned and created by our Creator God. Every element is needed for human, animal and plant life on this earth. God ordained that chemical elements be the key to life on this planet. A healthy spiritual life is also a balance of many elements as well. Keeping all the elements of a spiritual life in check and balanced should be the goal of each believer in God.
research help: Turning Points February 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Birds of the Bible Museum page 5
the Birds of the Bible Museum page 5 by ric gustafson
Betty led the family toward the next display.
Hoot Hoot
" What was that?" asked one of the girls.
" That was the sound of our next display".
" It's an owl" screamed one of the girls as she ran up to the display.
" That's right". Betty pointed toward the display. " The owl is a night hunter and is referred to as a bird of ruins".
The father smiled. " Are there verses in the bible that talk about owls?".
" Yes, the owl is mentioned in Psalm 102:6".
" Is it mentioned anywhere else?".
" Yes, the little owl, the great owl and the horned owl are all mentioned in the Old Testament".
One of the little girls raised her hand. " Hoot Hoot".
Everyone laughed.
research help: bible-history.com
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Betty led the family toward the next display.
Hoot Hoot
" What was that?" asked one of the girls.
" That was the sound of our next display".
" It's an owl" screamed one of the girls as she ran up to the display.
" That's right". Betty pointed toward the display. " The owl is a night hunter and is referred to as a bird of ruins".
The father smiled. " Are there verses in the bible that talk about owls?".
" Yes, the owl is mentioned in Psalm 102:6".
" Is it mentioned anywhere else?".
" Yes, the little owl, the great owl and the horned owl are all mentioned in the Old Testament".
One of the little girls raised her hand. " Hoot Hoot".
Everyone laughed.
research help: bible-history.com
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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