Philippians: Philippians 1:8

Philippians:  Philippians 1:8 by ric Gustafson


This bible verse says that God can testify how he longs for all of us with the affection of Christ Jesus. In this bible verse, God is called as a witness in an argument. In this bible verse, God is telling people how much he loves and takes care of them. The Apostle Paul in this bible verse summons the number one witness of all time which is God. Paul is telling us in a deep way that God loves us always.
Praise God.


research help: ' Stand Firm' by Dave Branon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Philippians: Philippians 1:7

Philippians:  Philippians 1:7 by ric Gustafson


This bible verse says that all share in God's grace. We are all lost sinners. Without Jesus, we are nothing but filthy rags. Faith cannot be lent or borrowed. So how do we share grace with others?. First, we share grace though our actions. God's grace is given to us when we don't deserve it. God's grace is rained upon us unregulated by our worthiness.
We are not alone sharing grace with others. We have grace directed fellowship with others. These people care, pray and encourage me.  Praise God.


research help: ' Stand Firm' by Dave Branon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Philippians: Philippians 1:6

Philippians:  Philippians 1:6 by ric Gustafson


This bible verse talks about the day of Christ Jesus. This term is used three times in this book. It has been accepted that this term means the day of our Lord Jesus. This day is Jesus's return. On that day, Jesus will be manifested in glory. It is a day Jesus's followers are waiting for.
I like to call myself a work in progress. We will be transforming ourselves until the day of Jesus. Each day we are being transformed and changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. We give glory to God through our spiritual work. Praise God



research help: ' Stand Firm' by Dave Branon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my neighbor Adrian Joykeeper page 3

my neighbor Adrian Joykeeper page 3 by ric Gustafson


Agnes threw her pen on the table. " This bible study should not be this complicated".
The doorbell rang. She walked over and looked through the peephole. " Oh no". It was her neighbor Adrian. She opened the door.
" Hello Agnes". Her neighbor walked in with something in her hand. " I made a pie". She smiled. " Care to join me?".
" I can't" was her reply. " This week's bible study is very complicated".
" My advice to you". Adrian smiled. " Is to keep it simple".
" Keep it simple".
Adrian smiled as she sat down. " Do it God's way and keep it simple".
Agnes frowned. " Keep it simple".
" Yes".
She pointed at all the bible study materials on her table. " You want me to keep it simple".
" Yes". She smiled. " Keep it uncomplicated and don't worry about it".
Agnes frowned. " How do I do that?".
" Simply trust God".



research help: ' Seven things that steal your joy' by Joyce Meyer


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Matthew page 10

Matthew page 10 by ric Gustafson


One of the young tax collectors ran into the office. " Levi, I have found him".
" Who?".
He smiled. " The carpenter from Nazareth".
" Where did you find him?".
" On the shore of the Sea of Galilee". He grinned. " And then something beautiful happened?".
" What happened?".
" You know Simon the fisherman?".
" Of course". He sighed. " I just made a special deal with him".
" This carpenter from Nazareth walked up and said something beautiful to him".
" What did he say?".
He smiled. " Follow me and I will make you fishers of men".
Levi scratched his chin. " Fishers of men?".
" Guess what they did next?".
" What?".
" They left their nets, their boats and followed the carpenter".
Levi stood up. " What?".
" Levi, what are we going to do?".
" I will go there and straighten everything out".


research help: ' Matthew's Story' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my neighbor Adrian Joykeeper page 2

my neighbor Adrian Joykeeper page 2 by ric Gustafson


Agnes put down her pen. She was not happy.  This bible study lesson was taking her hours. She was not joyful and felt spiritually dried up.
The doorbell rang. She walked over and looked through the peephole. " Oh great" she snarled. It was her neighbor Adrian. She opened the door.
Her neighbor walked in.
" Hi Agnes". She held up two tickets. " Want to go see a movie?".
" I can't". She frowned. " I need to finish my weekly bible study".
She waved the tickets in Agnes's face. " I have good seats".
She pointed at the mess on her table. " I need to finish this by Tuesday".
Adrian smiled. " I can tell you how to have joy".
Agnes put down her pen. " How do I do that?".
Adrian sat down. " First, you need to be free in Jesus Christ". She pointed at Agnes's bible. " You need to believe God's Word".
Agnes grinned. " Anything else?".
" You need to obey whatever Jesus puts into your heart".
" How do I do that?".
Adrian smiled. " Simple, grace".


research help: ' Seven things that steal your joy' by Joyce Meyer



Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my neighbor Adrian Joykeeper page 1

my neighbor Adrian Joykeeper page 1 by ric Gustafson


Agnes Joystealer heard the doorbell ring. She put down the bible study workbook she was working on. She was fervently getting ready for her weekly bible study group. She was in charge and gave it all of her time and energy.
She yawned as she glanced through the door peephole. ' Why God' she thought as she noticed that it was her neighbor. ' ' Why can't my bible study group grow in numbers?'.
She opened the door. " Hello Adrian".
In walked an elegant dressed elderly woman. " Good afternoon Agnes". She smiled. " Would you like to go with me on a long walk?".
" I'm sorry Adrian". She pointed at the pile of bible study material on her kitchen table. " I'm really busy getting ready for my bible study group".
" My dear". She shook her head. " Don't be led by works of the flesh".
" What do you mean?".
" My dear". She grinned. " Seek God's way and be led by the Holy Spirit".
She quickly walked out of the apartment. " I'll come back tomorrow".
The door closed.
Agnes stared at the pile on her table.


research help: ' Seven things that steal your joy' by Joyce Meyer


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Matthew page 9

Matthew page 9 by ric Gustafson


Levi shook his head. " James, this story is hard to believe".
" But it's true". His brother smiled. " He was dressed in camel hair, wore a leather belt and was baptizing people in the Jordan River".
" That is hard to believe".
" And he said that the one coming after him will gather his wheat into the barn".
Levi scratched his chin. " Brother, what do you think he was trying to say?".
" I don't know". His voice hesitated. " He also said that he would burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire".
" Do you believe him?".
" I don't know Levi". He shook his head. " I do know that this John baptized someone earlier today". His voice got lower. " It could be this Messiah he talks about".
Levi thought for a moment. " What do they know about this man?".
" Not much".
" Not much".
" The rumor is that he is a carpenter from Nazareth".
" Nazareth!". Levi laughed. " Well, that explains it".
" I need to go brother". He grinned. " I need to eat and get some sleep".
" Why is that?".
" I've been given the assignment to investigate this carpenter and then report back to the Sanhedrin".



research help: ' Matthew's Story' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 40

the miracle on Titanic page 40 by ric Gustafson


Charlene sat against a pole. A Countess handed her a bowl of soup. She glanced around at the hundreds of people milling around the deck.
" Are you looking for someone?". She smiled as she kept handing out the soup. " Maybe I know them?".
Charlene looked around . " I'm looking for a young man named David Sharpston".
" Sorry, don't know him" She sighed. " Not many men were on the lifeboats". She pointed. " Here you have mothers without babies, women without husbands and sisters without brothers".
" Do you see those two little French boys over there who are two and four?".
Charlene nodded.
The Countess sighed. " No parents in sight".
Charlene frowned. " I sure hope David is ok".
The Countess pointed again. " See that woman over there".
Charlene nodded again.
" She's a survivor named Margaret Brown". She smiled. " She's already raising money for survivors".
Charlene finished her soup. She stood up. " I'm going to keep looking for him".
" Good luck to you". The Countess walked away.
Charlene walked around the deck for hours looking for David.
Hours later, she sat down again next to a pole.
Tears flowed down her tired face.

The End



research help: ' Queen of the Waves' by Janice Thompson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 39

the miracle on Titanic page 39 by ric Gustafson


David opened his eyes to see a frightened young woman sitting next to him.
" Sir, please help me".
The grand lights that made the ship illuminate went dark. The bow of the liner was dipping faster into the icy water.
David could hear goblets and plates crashing to the floor in the first class dining room.
" I can't find my lifebelt". She cried as she hung onto David's legs. " Please save me".
Just then, the stern began to raise out of the water. David and the young woman ran to the stern railing. Then the stern went straight up. David and the young woman held onto the railing for dear life.
A small voice told David that she needed his lifebelt more than he did. He took off his lifebelt and put it around her. " You need it more than I do".
" Bless you".
He closed his eyes to pray for her. He heard a splash. The young woman could not hold on any longer.
David heard a strange grinding noise. He noticed that the bow of the liner had broken apart from the stern and fell quietly into the icy water. He tried to hang onto the railing as the stern began to sink under the water.
" Lord" David exclaimed as he knew his arms could not hold on much longer. " Remember me your servant".
When he could not hold on to the railing any longer, he let go.
He fell into the icy dark cold water.



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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Matthew page 8

Matthew page 8 by ric Gustafson


Knight Leontius stared at Levi. " So how are the Pharisees treating you?".
Levi grinned. " They hate us as usual".
" So Levi". The Knight's voice hesitated. " How is the job treating you?".
" I am the Chief Publican". He smiled. " I lead the way in Judea in profits, calculating and recording".
" Levi, I will be frank". He frowned. " I am not happy with the deal you made with the fishermen".
" A wise investment now will pay deep dividends later".
" Just be careful my friend".
Levi clapped for a servant. " Will you be staying for the feast?".
" I'm afraid not". His voice hesitated. " I'm investigating a new rabble rouser".
" What has he done?".
" He's ranting about Herod Antipas and Herodias". He shakes Levi's hand. " Just be careful Levi".
" What's the name of this new rabble rouser?".
" He goes by the name of John".


research help: ' Matthew's Story' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Philippians: Philippians 1: 3-5

Philippians:  Philippians 1: 3-5 by ric gustafson




The Apostle Paul begins these verses by saying that he thanks his God every time he remembers us. Paul promises to pray for his friends through abounding love, insight, pure and blameless living and the fruit of righteousness. He also promises to pray with joy. Prayer is a spiritual discipline that leads to joy.
We can follow Paul's example by praying for our fellow Christians and non believers. When we think of others whoever they are, we can say thanks for and pray for them.


research help: ' Stand Firm' by Dave Branon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 38

the miracle on Titanic page 38 by ric Gustafson


David held onto Charlene's hand as he led her and his mother toward the lifeboats. They walked past the ship's orchestra that were playing some lively songs. They joined a crowd that was surrounding one of the lifeboats.
An officer was waving a revolver. " Women and children only". Chaos ensued as women and children were crying for their fathers and husbands.
David led the two up to the lifeboat. " You both need to get in".
Charlene began to cry. " David, what happened to my brother?".
" I'll look for him". He helped them get into the small wooden boat.
" I don't want to leave without you". After the boat was filled, an officer motioned for the ropes to be lowered.
David began to cry. " We'll be together soon".
The boat was lowered toward the frigid water.
" David, remember your promise to Jesus".
He waved. " I will".
He walked toward the stern of the ship looking for Charlene's brother. He noticed that the bow of the ship was tipping down into the icy water. Somebody ran by him screaming that the majority of the third class passengers were still trapped down below. David found a bench near the stern. He sat down and began to pray.



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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Philippians: Philippians 1:1-2

Philippians: Philippians 1: 1-2 by ric Gustafson


The writer of this book was in prison when he wrote this letter. The Apostle Paul was trying to get the Gospel of Jesus to anyone who would listen. Paul knew that he was in chains for Jesus. Was Paul a servant or a saint?. One must be a saint to be a leader. Paul was a servant leader and he was offering grace and peace. God wants us to be humble servants. Leaders or lay people we must be servants no matter what. Jesus in Mark 10:45 says it is better to serve than to be served. We are saints and servants and we glow in God's grace and peace. Not in the spotlight of human attention.


research: ' Stand Firm' by Dave Branon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus's last words: Into your hands I commit my spirit

Jesus's last words: Into your hands I commit my spirit by ric Gustafson


These last words by Jesus on the cross is a prayer. These last words spoken by Jesus were from Psalm 31:5. These final words were Jesus's dying words. Jesus is praying a prayer of absolute trust in his Father.
All seven of these last words of Jesus on the cross Jesus has used to teach us how to live and how to pray. Jesus thank you that the cross was for me. Thank you that it was for me. May my daily prayer be ' Jesus into your hands I commit my spirit'. Amen

The End


research help: ' Final Words' by Adam Hamilton


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 37

the miracle on Titanic page 37 by ric Gustafson


Fifty eight miles away, Harold Cottam, who was the only wireless operator on the liner Carpathia, was ready to turn off his set for the night. He had been trying to talk to the Titanic for a while. He decided to give them one more chance. All of a sudden, a crackle came on his headphones. He quickly wrote down the message. He quickly tapped back. ' Are you sure'. Then he tapped back again. ' Do you require assistance?'.
An answer was tapped back. ' Yes, come quickly'.
Cottam knew that their liner had basically stopped because of all the ice. He took off his headphones and quickly ran to tell his Captain the news.
Just then, an officer banged on David's door.
He opened it. " Yes".
" Please put your lifebelt on and follow me".
He closed the door and walked up to the Boat Deck. Officers were starting to take the tarps off the lifeboats. He noticed Mr Boxhall shooting a distress rocket into the cold night sky.
He ran back downstairs. He knocked on his mother's door.
She opened it with a hesitant look. " David, what is going on?".
" Mother, you need to put on your lifebelt and follow me".
" David, I'm not properly dressed".
He noticed that the hallway was getting more noisy and more chaotic. " Mother, we need to go now".
She put on a fur and her lifebelt. She followed her son.
David banged on Charlene's door. Her brother opened it.
" What's going on David?".
" You and your sister need to follow us up to the Boat Deck".



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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus's last words: It is finished

Jesus's last words: It is finished by ric Gustafson


Jesus at this point made two last statements while on the cross. The first is recorded in John's Gospel. Jesus cries out " it is finished". Jesus was not crying out defeat. He was doing what he was doing for a reason. When Jesus uttered these words, what did it mean?. What did he accomplish?. What purpose did dying on the cross mean?.
Jesus's death is an atoning sacrifice to save us. Jesus was a substitute sacrifice to save us from death. Jesus was a sign of God's ultimate triumph over death. Jesus is our Redeemer, Savior, High Priest and Atoning Lamb. Jesus is the Word made flesh. After Jesus said these words, the Temple curtain was torn in two.
Praise God.



research help: ' Final Words' by Adam Hamilton


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 36

the miracle on Titanic page 36 by ric Gustafson


" Mr Murdoch, have you already closed the watertight doors?".
" Aye Sir".
" Mr Boxhall". Captain Smith petted the head of his hound. " I want you to go below starboard and report to me as far as damage".
A short time later, he came back. " The Orlop Deck is flooded forward of number 4 bulkhead". His voice hesitated. " The mail clerks are moving the mail to G Deck".
The Captain scratched his chin. " What is our position right now?".
The young officer picked up a chart and began to look at it. " I believe it is 41' 46 North and 50' 14' West".
Wireless Operator Phillips walked in. " What's going on Captain?".
" We have struck an iceberg". He had a worried look on his face. " Send out a CQD with our position on it".
Just then, Thomas Andrews ran in. " Captain, I have bad news".
" How bad is it Mr Andrews?".
" Water will rise to E Deck and then start to fill the watertight compartments one by one".
" Then what?".
" If it fills up five or more compartments, the ship will not float".
" Mr Andrews, how much time do we have?".
He shook his head. " One hour possibly two at the most".


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus's last words: I thirst

Jesus's last words: I thirst by ric Gustafson


This exchange of last words is only recorded in the book of John. In Mark 15: 22-23, Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh. Jesus did not take it. According to the gospel of Matthew, Jesus was offered the wine to drink. He tasted it and then would not drink it. According to this, Jesus was intentionally choosing to suffer. Nearly everyone who is dying at some point will exclaim that they are thirsty. Jesus was human and he was thirsty. Jesus was willing to drink the cup of suffering for us. He also finished it. We can live weeks without food but only three to five days without water.
Jesus is the Living Water. With that water, we will never be thirsty again. Praise God.


research help: ' Final Words' by Adam Hamilton


Peace be with you all. Love Ric

Matthew page 7

Matthew page 7 by ric Gustafson


Levi arrived at his tax office. Efah handed him a sealed message from Rome. He opened it. " It is telling me that Knight Leontius and his entourage are coming to talk about my deal with Simon and the fishermen".
" I need to close the markets" Efah replied as he put his cloak on. " Do you want me to be here when they come?".
" I'll let you know".
Levi gave his partner a serious stare. " Efah, am I going to be replaced?".
" Of course not". He put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. " You just renewed your contract". He looked at him. " Levi, there is one thing that disturbs me".
He sighed. " What is that my friend?".
" Are you eager to give this up?". His voice hesitated. " You seem to be getting soft".
" Why, do you want to replace me?".
He grinned. " Not yet".
Levi did not tell his partner that his attitude about his profession had been changing.


research help: ' Matthew's Story' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins


Happy Maundy Thursday. Love Ric

Jesus's last words: My God My God why have you forsaken me?

Jesus's last words: My God My God why have you forsaken me? by ric Gustafson


These last words from Jesus on the cross were recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and Mark. These words reflect the darkness of what Jesus was going through but also the darkness at the foot of the cross. There were people at the foot of Jesus's cross humiliating him. People were trying to crush his spirit. They were trying to silence him and see him dead. Religious leaders and people passing by were throwing insults at him.
It was not Jesus on trial but humanity. At the moment that Jesus said those words, he felt abandoned and forsaken by his Father. At times in our lives, sometimes we feel as if God has abandoned us. Jesus teaches us to suffer and sacrifice for others. Jesus at the time of feeling abandoned prayed and worshiped for us. The truth is that God will never abandon us or leave us. He is always with us, loving us and protecting us always. That is the truth.


research help: ' Final Words' by Adam Hamilton


Happy Maundy Thursday. Love Ric

Jesus's last words: Behold your Son Behold your Mother

Jesus's last words: Behold your Son Behold your Mother by ric Gustafson


No mother should have to watch her son die by crucifixion. In the third of Jesus's last words, he speaks to his mother and his closest disciple. Mary carried the Son of Man in her womb. Even while he suffered on the cross, he was thinking about his mother. He asked John while on the cross to take care of his mother.
Women were a big part of Jesus's ministry. Jesus's mother played a large part in God's redemptive work through his Son.
Praise God for women like the three Mary's at the cross and John whom Jesus loved.


research help: ' Final Words' by Adam Hamilton


Happy Holy Week. Love Ric

Jesus's last words: Today you will be with me in paradise

Jesus's last words: Today you will be with me in paradise by ric Gustafson


In life and death, Jesus associated with sinners. This troubled the religious leaders. The Pharisees and the scribes grumbled about Jesus welcoming sinners and eating with them. He asked tax collectors and sinners to be his disciples. He touched lepers and other unclean people. He did this throughout his ministry. When Jesus was around nonreligious people, they felt important. According to Luke 19: 10, The Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.
Jesus did not die alone. His final conversation was with a criminal and thug. The response of both criminals tells us how people will react to Jesus. Some people will say Yes Jesus save me. And some people will reject Jesus and tell him to go away. Jesus told the criminal that today he will be with him. He also told the man that he would be with him. He also promised the man that he would be in paradise with him. Praise God that us as God's followers will be with him in paradise. Praise Jesus.


research help: ' Final Words from the Cross' by Adam Hamilton


Happy Holy Week. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 35

the miracle on Titanic page 35 by ric Gustafson

Sun April 14 1912  11:35 pm


Sixth Officer Moody heard the bell ring three times. He picked up the Crow's Nest phone.
Fleet's voice was clear and to the point. " Iceberg right ahead".
He hung up the phone. " Mr Murdoch, iceberg right ahead".
First Officer Murdoch yelled to the helmsman: " Hard astarboard".
The yeoman swung the wheel to the right.
Murdoch yelled to Moody. " All stop, full speed astern".
Moody swung the handle of the telegraph to all stop. Then he moved the handle to full astern.
Both officers knew they could not avoid the iceberg.
Mr Murdoch pressed a red button and closed all the watertight doors.
David heard a strange scraping noise on the starboard side. He walked over to his cabin window and looked out. He noticed a dark mass go by. Ice chunks were dropping onto the Forward Well Deck.
" Hard aport" Murdoch yelled.
A tired looking Captain Smith appeared on the bridge. " Mr Murdoch, what have we struck?".
" An iceberg Sir!".


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


Happy Holy Week. Love Ric

Jesus's final words: Father forgive them

Jesus's final words: Father forgive them by ric Gustafson


When one is being crucified, speaking is painful and requires exertion. Death comes from a combination of exhaustion, shock and a build up of fluid around the heart and lungs. To speak on a cross a person would have to pull themselves up by the nails in their wrists in order to expand their diaphragm. The Gospels record seven statements from Jesus while on the cross. The first words come from Luke 23:34. These first words were a prayer. Jesus was praying for the soldiers below his cross. He was also praying for the crowd who were verbally assaulting him. He was also praying for the religious leaders who were spiritually blind. Jesus was praying for you and I also. Jesus was offering himself to his Father as an offering of atonement. We need forgiveness. God's grace is a gift. Jesus modeled forgiveness.
We need to pray that God will forgive us and that then we can forgive others. Amen.


research help: ' Final words from the cross' by Adam Hamilton


Happy Holy Week. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 34

the miracle on Titanic page 34 by ric Gustafson


Sun April 14 1912  9:30 pm


Bride took off his headphones and rested his eyes for a moment. Just then, another warning came in. He looked at it. It read ' From Mesaba to Titanic heavy pack ice heavy ice bergs and field ice latitude 42' North to 41' 25' North, longitude 49' West to 50' 30' West'.
Frustrated, he ripped off the warning and put it on top of the other incoming messages.
David and his mother were walking along the Boat Deck. They noticed how quiet it was. The water was calm.
David's mother noticed that it had become much colder out than earlier.
" I'm proud of you David". She kissed his cheek.
" Why is that?".
She began to shiver. " For giving your life to Jesus".
He smiled. " It seems as if my life has totally changed since this morning".
" That's the Holy Spirit working in your heart". The cold air was really starting to bother her. " David, I'm getting really cold out here".
" I am too". He put his arm around his mother. They walked back toward the first class lounge.


11:00  pm


Jack Phillips was sending out more personal messages. Just then, his headphones crackled. " Now what". It was a warning from the Californian ' We are stopped and surrounded by ice'.
Angrily, he wired back. ' Shut up, you are jamming my signal'. He wired back again. ' I'm busy right now'.
He got no response back.



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


Happy Lent. Love Ric

Matthew page 6

Matthew page 6 by ric Gustafson


James shouted " Simon, don't let them take advantage of us".
The big burly fisherman stared at his brother. " Please take your brother out for a walk".
The two left.
" Sorry Efah and Levi". Simon's voice hesitated. " The Sons of Zebedee share a short temper".
Levi studied the big burly fisherman. " Please get to the point of your visit".
" I'm speaking on behalf of the area fishermen".
" We are listening".
" We are asking for a short break on paying our taxes".
Efah stood up and yelled " That is impossible!".
Levi raised a finger for his assistant to be quiet. " Continue".
" If we had a break and could spend the money to fix our equipment". He looked at Levi. " We could be more productive".
Levi smiled. " Which means more business for you".
Efah grinned. " Which means more taxes for us".
" That is correct".
Efah and Levi smiled at each other.
" Ok".


research help: ' Matthew's Story' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins


Happy Lent. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 33

the miracle on Titanic page 33 by ric Gustafson


Sun April 14 1912  2:00 pm

Charlene and David were walking along the chilly deck.
Bruce Ismay walked up. " Good afternoon you two". He tipped his bowler hat. " We seem to be making good time".
Charlene buttoned the blue coat she was wearing. " It feels really cold out here".
" We are in icy waters". He buttoned his own coat. " Captain Smith has already given me some ice warnings". He showed them one of the warnings.
David looked at it. " It says that we will be among some icebergs".
Ismay smiled. " We are going to keep a special watch for those".
Later that afternoon.
Second Officer Lightoller stepped onto the bridge. He knew that his watch was going to last until 10:00. The only other officer on the bridge was Sixth Officer James Moody.
" Moody, do you know when we will reach 42' North to 49' to 51' degrees West?".
The young officer walked over and glanced at some charts. " I believe around 11 Sir".
The navigational lights were turned on.
" Moody, could you please close the blinds?".
Later at 7:20 pm
A signal came over the wire. Harold Bride jumped in his chair. He put on the headphones. He quickly wrote down the message. He quickly walked up to the bridge. He handed the message to Officer Lightoller. " Sir". His voice hesitated. " A report from the Californian".
The Officer looked at the warning.
" It reports large icebergs ahead of us latitude 42' 3' North longitude 49' 9' West".
" Thank you Mr Bride". He handed the warning to the young officer. " Mr Moody, could you please go and hand this warning to Captain Smith". He left.
" Mr Bride, if you receive any more ice warnings". His voice hesitated. " Please give them to me immediately".
" Aye Sir".


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


Happy Lent. Love Ric

Lent 2017: Romans 1: 16-17

Lent 2017: Romans 1: 16-17 by ric Gustafson


Today's bible reading says that the righteous person will live by faith. In 1738, a young man named John Wesley attended a meeting in London. That night, he gave his life to Jesus. His conversion happened because he trusted Jesus for salvation. From Jesus, he received the assurance that his sins were forgiven. Today's bible reading also said that God's righteousness is being revealed in the gospel from faithfulness for faith. Praise God.


research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent' by Donald McKim


Happy Lent. Love Ric

Matthew page 5

Matthew page 5 by ric Gustafson


Twenty three years later, Levi was now in his forties. He was now one of the wealthiest men in Judea. Efah became his right hand man and supervised his staff. Levi lived in an estate with guest residences and banquet halls. He had not married. His brother James had become a priest  at the temple in Jerusalem. He had become a lonely bitter man and his fury was unleashed on fellow Jews and his staff.
One night, Levi finished his daily records. Then he doused his lamp. " Efah, would you like to share fresh lamb with me tonight?".
" I'm sorry Levi". His voice hesitated. " I have to be back tomorrow to speak with four fishermen".
" And who are they?".
" The sons of Zebedee". He sighed. " Their names are James and John".
Levi thought for a moment. " And who are the other two?".
" Andrew and Simon".
" I have nothing to do tomorrow". He smiled. " Do you mind if I come along?".
" Sure".


research help: ' Matthew's Story' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins


Happy Lent. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 32

the miracle on Titanic page 32 by ric Gustafson

Sun April 14 1912  1:30 pm
Bride and Phillips were working hard on personal messages. Just then, a wire came in.
Bride listened to it. Then he wrote it down on a pad. " From the Baltic, Greek steamer Athinai reports passing icebergs and lots of field ice in latitude 41' 51' North, longitude 49' 52' West". Bride tore off the message and handed it to Phillips. " You better give it to Captain Smith".
The senior operator walked up and handed it to the Captain. " Captain, here is another ice warning".
" Thank you Phillips". He put it into one of his shirt pockets. " That will be all".
He went back into the wireless room.
Bride was writing out another warning. " This warning is from the German liner Amerika". His voice hesitated. " It passed by large icebergs at latitude 41' 51' North  longitude 50' 8' West". He stared at the senior operator. " Should we give this one to the Captain?".
" No!". He stared at the warning. " I'm already in enough trouble".


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


Happy Lent. Love Ric

Matthew page 4

Matthew page 4 by ric Gustafson


Levi became good at his work. Because of that, he became the youngest tax collector in Capernaum. His parents did not approve of his life's work. His fellow tax collectors did not care for him either.
One day, he traveled to Bethany. He wanted to track down his old friend Efah.
Efah was surprised to see him. " Levi, what do you want?".
He smiled. " I am proposing that you and I join forces and collect taxes where the trade routes intersect".
" Why would I want to do that?".
" Because my dear friend Efah". His voice hesitated. " From collecting taxes in every direction we will both become very rich".
Efah grinned. " Ok Levi".
For the next twenty three years, Levi worked hard as a tax collector in Judea. He was aggressive in his tactics. Because of that, Levi became a very wealthy man.


research help: ' Matthew's Story' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins


Happy Lent. Love Ric

Lent 2017: Galatians 5: 22-26

Lent 2017: Galatians 5: 22-26 by ric Gustafson


Life on this sinful earth can be sad and depressing. We need assurance that everything will be alright. God gives the assurance of Joy. According to today's bible reading, Joy is one of the fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings joy to us. This joy from the Holy Spirit brings deep and abiding love. The Holy Spirit points us to Jesus. In the midst of our storms in life, the Holy Spirit will help us to rejoice and be cheerful.


research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2017' by Donald McKim


Happy Lent. Love Ric

Lent 2017: John 14: 1-7

Lent 2017:  John 14: 1-7 by ric Gustafson


During Lent, we concentrate on our relationship with God and our service to others. We also look forward to eternity. In today's bible reading, Jesus tells us that he is preparing a place for us. He tells us that he will come back and take us to be with him. According to John 5, we have the promise of eternal life. This is life forever with God and his Son Jesus.
Right now, we live in anticipation of that happening. Our death here is the gateway to eternal life in heaven. In heaven, we will have a perfect union with God. We will also have perfect communion and community with all the saints of God. Praise God.


research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2017' by Donald McKim


Happy Lent. Love Ric

Matthew page 3

Matthew page 3 by ric Gustafson


Efah studied Levi. " So you are the new man?".
Levi grinned at the man ten years his senior. " When will I get my own quarters?".
He frowned. " I have seniority here".
Levi nodded his head. " How long have you been here?".
" Two years already".
Levi looked at the older man. " I don't plan on doing this that long".
Efah studied the young man. " I'm going to assign you an internship in Lod".
" Where's Lod?".
The older man sighed. " It is twice as far west of Jerusalem as Bethany is east".
" I'll find it".
He smiled. " You are to report to the chief tax man of Lod".
Levi did such a good job in Lod that he became one of the main tax collectors in Judea. He accomplished this before he turned seventeen. He was eager to tell his parents.


research help: ' Matthew's Story' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins


Happy Lent. Love Ric