4343 Tulip Lane page 3

4343 Tulip Lane page 3 by ric Gustafson


Roger turned onto Tulip Lane. He was curious how the new house was progressing. Tulip Lane was not his normal bike ride home.
The construction sign said ' stay out". He ignored the sign and got off his bike. He walked past the sign and noticed a man wearing a hard hat and orange vest. He was sketching on a portable easel.
" Hi" he said as he walked up to the man. " I was just curious about the building of this new house".
He looked at the easel. " This is going to be a large mansion". He smiled. " This mansion is going to have a lot of rooms".
Roger glanced at the easel. " That is a lot of rooms".
" My employer told me that he wants a lot of rooms".
" Why so many?".
" I don't know". He scratched his chin. " But that is what he wants".
" I better get going". He glanced at his watch. " Otherwise my wife will wonder where I am".
The foreman smiled. " Come back anytime".
Roger go back on his bike and pedaled away.


research help:  ' The Day Christ Died' by Jim Bishop


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4343 Tulip Lane page 2

4343 Tulip Lane page 2 by ric Gustafson


Roger Henkel kissed his wife as he put his work clothes into a small black duffel bag.
" Would you like me to make you some breakfast?" Carol Henkel asked as she opened the bedroom door.
" No thanks, I'm going to bike to work this morning". As she walked downstairs toward the kitchen, he put on his bike clothes.
She was preparing a school lunch for their son Luke.
" Have a good day and give Luke a big hug". He gave her a peck on the cheek. " I'll see you when I get home".
He opened the garage door and brought out his bike. He put on his helmet, his gloves and strapped the duffel bag down. He closed the garage door and then got on.
It was a beautiful Monday morning as he signaled left and turned onto Tulip Lane. New houses were being built and he was curious what was being done. He rode up to 4343 and noticed a Sold sign on the property.
" Somebody finally bought this huge lot" Roger muttered to himself. He noticed that construction barriers had already been put up. He smiled and took off knowing that he had to get to work.


research help: ' The Day Christ Died' by Jim Bishop


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4343 Tulip Lane page 1

4343 Tulip Lane page 1 by ric Gustafson


Peter, Philip and the other disciples became silent.
Jesus looked at them with affection and love. " My little children, I will be with you only a little while". His voice hesitated. " Where I go you cannot come".
All of them stared at each other perplexed.
" A new commandment I give you that you love one another as I have loved you".
He smiled. " Do not let your heart be troubled you have faith in God have faith in me also". Jesus could tell they were troubled. " In my Father's house are many rooms". He grinned. " If it were not so I would not have told you".
He put a hand on Peter's shoulder. " I am going for the purpose of preparing a place for you".
The disciples began to smile.
" And after I have prepared a place for you". His voice hesitated. " I will come back to take you home with me".
Thomas looked confused.
" Of course, you know the way I am going".
Thomas stared at Jesus. " Lord, we do not know where you are going". He kept staring. " How do we know the way?".
Jesus smiled at Thomas. " I am the Way, the Truth and the Life". He looked at the others. " No one comes to the Father except through me".


research help: ' The Day Christ Died' by Jim Bishop


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Luke page 14

Luke page 14 by ric Gustafson


Luke was shaking his head at what Paul had just told him. He walked into a room to check on a patient he had recently seen. The cot was empty. He turned to a man standing near. " Where is the wounded man who was resting here?".
He shook his head. " On duty I believe".
" He's wounded". His voice got louder. " He should not even be working".
Luke walked out and found the young man. He examined the wounded wrist. " How's the pain?".
The young man waved it around. " Totally gone".
He led the young man to a nearby bench. He unwrapped the bandage and began to study the wrist. " What happened?". Puzzlement came over Luke's face. " Earlier, your wrist was open tissue and bone".
" Your friend Paul came by and told me that if I believe in Jesus I would be healed". He smiled as he held up his wrist. " Jesus healed me". Grinning, he walked away.
At that moment, Luke got on his knees and gave his life to Jesus.
He was changed forever.

The End


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Luke page 13

Luke page 13 by ric Gustafson


Paul put a hand on Luke's shoulder. " I believe that Jesus was talking to me".
" Saul, this is hard to believe".
" Then my companions led me to a house in Damascus".
Luke shook his head. " You were blind".
" Yes, I could not see".
" Then what happened?".
" For three days, all I did was pray". His voice hesitated. " Then Jesus gave me a vision".
Luke shook his head again. " A vision?".
" A man named Ananias put his hands on my eyes and my sight came back".
" So you are not Saul any longer".
" Nope". Paul smiled. " My name is now Paul". He smiled. " And now I can perform miracles in Jesus's name".
" This whole thing is too much". Luke frowned. " Until I see a miracle, I will not believe".


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus the one and only: a man of marvels

Jesus the one and only:  a man of marvels by ric Gustafson


Jesus Christ is defined by the miraculous. He had a virgin birth, he was sinless and was resurrected. The resurrection of Jesus is the central miracle of the Christian faith. Jesus performed miracles to prove who he was. Jesus's miracles reveal who he is. Jesus's miracles glorified his Father. We need to be careful that miracles come from Jesus not Satan. Jesus wants to do miracles in our life.


research help: ' 52 weeks with Jesus' by James Merritt


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Luke page 12

Luke page 12 by ric Gustafson


" First of all, not only has my name changed but I am also a totally changed person".
Luke could not believe it. " What happened?".
" You know I was at the stoning of Stephen".
" Yes". His voice hesitated. " I heard you were watching their cloaks".
" Something beautiful happened their".
" What was that?".
" As they were stoning him, he asked Jesus to receive his spirit".
Luke scratched his chin. " That is hard to believe".
" Then something happened on my way to Damascus".
" Why were you going there?".
" To persecute those Jesus followers".
" Then what happened?".
Paul grinned. " Then a light shone around me from heaven".
" Saul, are you sure it wasn't the sun?".
" Then a voice said to me Saul Saul why are you persecuting me?".
" Saul, are you sure he said that?".


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Big Picture: Jesus with you

The Big Picture:  Jesus with you by ric Gustafson


Death came into the world through the sin of Adam and Eve. Their sin became a part of every human being's life. We are naturally separated from God by original sin. Someone had to come who was innocent and become our sacrifice so we could come before God as sinful beings. Ever since Genesis, Jesus had been predicted to be that person. Old Testament prophets who were God's spokesmen told the people that someone would come and save them. Starting with Isaiah and through all the prophets of old Jesus was foreshadowed to come. Jesus came and died on a cross so that we would be free and become one of God's own. We exist here because of Jesus. Jesus loves us and always will.


research help: ' The Big Picture' by Hayley and Michael Dimarco


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Luke page 11

Luke page 11 by ric Gustafson


At age 37, Luke had been helping people in Antioch for ten years. He had heard that his old friend Saul had been pursuing followers of that carpenter named Jesus. He was told that Saul was present when one of Jesus's followers was stoned.
One day, Luke went to the harbor to treat returning crew members. All of a sudden, he noticed two men walking off one of the ships. He noticed that one was his old friend.
" Saul of Tarsus".
The small wiry man ran over and hugged him. " Dr Luke, what are you doing here?".
Luke grinned. " I could say the same thing about you".
" Can you believe it". He smiled. " My name is Paul now".
" Paul?".
" I have so much to tell you". He pointed at his companion. " This is Barnabas".
" I'd like to talk to you".
" Me too". He smiled again. " I have so much to tell you".


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Big Picture: God with you

The Big Picture:  God with you by ric Gustafson


When God created man he knew that one day they would reject him, accuse him and kill him. God knows everything. He knows the past, present and future. John 1 says that in the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God. The Word is the story of God and his desire for a relationship with you. The Word is God himself. God Jesus and the Holy Spirit are three but they are also one. No one created God he has always been there. God is infinite he goes on forever.
God created to share himself with his creation. God wants to share his glory. We are designed in the image of God. God is perfect in holiness and sinlessness. God's nature is unchangeable.


research help: ' The Big Picture' by Hayley and Michael Dimarco


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Exit 41 page 9

Exit 41 page 9 by ric Gustafson


Frank Miller slowly opened the furnace door. Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego was standing in front of it bound by ropes.
Flames blew out the door. Mayor Lulah grinned. " Get in".
The three slowly walked through the furnace door. As they walked in, the three young man prayed to God for protection.
After a while, Mayor Lulah looked through a peephole. " Frank, didn't three young men just walk into the furnace".
" Yes Mayor".
The Mayor looked through the peephole again. " I see four men with no ropes on walking through the flames". He yelled through the door. " Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego". His voice hesitated. " Come out".
The three young men walked out of the furnace unsinged.
" Blessed be your God". The Mayor turned to Mr Adams. " See to it that their vehicle gets fixed right away so they can be on their way".
" Yes Sir".

The End


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Exit 41 page 8

Exit 41 page 8 by ric Gustafson


" We are not worried Mayor Lulah". Shadrach smiled. " If we are put into a hot furnace, our God will save us".
Abednego spoke up. " Mayor, we will not comply".
Mayor Lulah turned to a gentleman next to him. " Police Chief Lenza, arrest these men for non compliance of our new law". His voice hesitated. " Handcuff them and bring them over to Frank's plant".
Meshach spoke up as they were put into squad cars. " Mayor, we will not comply".
The squad cars left.
" Mr Adams".
" Yes Sir".
" Tell Frank to heat up that furnace seven times hotter than it is now".
" Yes Sir".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: Lazarus

people in the Bible:  Lazarus by ric Gustafson


In the life of Lazarus, there was the pain of death. Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus's. When Jesus heard that his friend had died, he delayed his returning. Nobody knew why. When he did come, Lazarus's two sisters wanted to know why he did not come sooner. Instead of death, Jesus had resurrection on his mind.
Sometimes events in our lives seem dark and menacing. In God's eyes, these same events are light and encouraging. In God's eyes, tragedy becomes triumph.
God wants us to choose purpose not tragedy.


research help: ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus the one and only: the root of the fruit

Jesus the one and only: the root of the fruit by ric Gustafson


One question asked by believers is " what is my purpose for being here?". According to John 15, Jesus is the true vine and God is the gardener. We are the branches and are pruned by Jesus to produce more fruit. Our purpose here on this earth is to produce fruit for God. When we are connected to the root of Jesus, we will bear fruit. God cares for us and wants us to be fruitful. Our character should reflect our fruit. To bear the fruit of Jesus we need to concentrate on Jesus.


research help: ' 52 weeks with Jesus' by James Merritt


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Exit 41 page 7

Exit 41 page 7 by ric Gustafson


Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego stood in front of the Mayor.
" Who are you?".
" My name is Meshach". The young man smiled. " These are my friends Shadrach and Abednego".
" Meshach, why did you and your friends not fall to the ground and worship my statue". His voice hesitated. " This time you will comply and worship it".
" No" yelled Abednego. " We will not".
Anger came over the Mayor's face. He turned toward a man next to him. " Frank, is your plant's furnace ready to go?".
" Yes Mayor". He clapped his hands. " Our furnace is at hot as we can get it".
The Mayor turned toward the three. " Gentlemen, you have one more chance to comply". His voice hesitated. " Or you will be thrown into Frank's furnace alive".


research help:  original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Luke page 10

Luke page 10 by ric Gustafson


Luke told Theophilus one day that he wanted to become a physician in Antioch. His master agreed to fill out the documents in order that he would become a free man.
One day, Luke was examining a ship's cook from Antioch Harbor.
He smiled. " I met the miracle worker".
Luke grinned. " You met this man Jesus".
" Yes".
Luke thought for a moment. " Did this man perform any miracles?".
" No". His voice hesitated. " But it seemed like he could of".
" Just by listening to him".
He was scratching his chin. " He was telling stories that I did not understand".
" What kind of stories?".
" Stories about losing things and then finding them".
Luke thought about Saul. " Did you see any scribes or Pharisees?".
" Yes, they were trying to argue with this Jesus".
" Was one of them short, thin and dark?".
" I don't remember".


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Exit 41 page 6

Exit 41 page 6 by ric Gustafson


Mr Adams watched as the three young men kept standing.
All of a sudden, Mayor Lulah walked up.
" Is everyone complying Mr Adams?".
" No Sir".
" What do you mean?".
" Didn't you make a recent law demanding that everyone must fall down and worship your new statue?".
" Yes Mr Adams, I did".
" And didn't your new law also say that if anyone refuses to worship your new statue that they would be thrown into a flaming furnace?".
" Yes".
He pointed toward the three young men. " Well Sir, those three young men standing over there did not worship your statue".
" Bring them over here Mr Adams".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: Jude

people in the Bible: Jude by ric Gustafson


According to Jude 1, Jude claimed to be the Lord's bondservant. This humble servant tried to warn his friends to contend earnestly for the faith. Jude was worried about those who drift away from the truth in dialogue, biblical teaching and in their prayers.
Truth drifters are common in every generation. If you know someone like this, don't avoid them but engage them. Talk to them about faith. Pray for them and don't give up on them.
God rescues truth drifters every day. Praise God.


research help: ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Exit 41 page 5

Exit 41 page 5 by ric Gustafson


" How tall is that statue? Abednego asked. The three of them were standing in a large crowd/
Shadrach shook his head. " I don't know".
All of a sudden, two men stepped up to a microphone. It was set up next to the covered marvel.
A large man spoke. " Citizens of Lulah". He pulled off the cover to reveal a large gold statue. " Here is your Mayor Richard Lulah".
The second man now spoke. " I am Troy Adams Mayor Lulah's Chief of Staff". His voice hesitated. " In just a few minutes, all of you must fall and worship Mayor Lulah's statue".
When the time came, everyone fell on their knees and worshiped the statue.
Everyone except Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego.


research help:  original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: Joshua

people in the Bible: Joshua by ric Gustafson


Right before the famous battle at Jericho, Joshua was surveying the city. The commander of the Lord's army gave him a strange order. He was to march his army around the city once every day for six days. Then on the seventh day, he was instructed to march around the city seven times. Then the priests would blow their trumpets, the people would shout and  then the walls of the city would come down. Joshua did exactly as God instructed him to do and the walls of Jericho did come down.
Sometimes God tells us to do something we don't understand. Sometimes these things do not make sense. But we need to be obedient to God. We need to obey God even if we do not understand what he is asking us to do. I pray that I will always obey God no matter what.


research help: ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus the one and only: a one way street

Jesus the one and only: a one way street by ric Gustafson


In John 14:6, Jesus proclaims that he is the way, truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Religion is not the way to God. Righteousness is not the way to God. Not all roads lead to God. The highway to God is not a freeway. Would our life change knowing that Jesus is the only way.


research help: ' 52 weeks with Jesus' by James Merritt


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Exit 41 page 4

Exit 41 page 4 by ric Gustafson


Abednego stared out a large glass window. " I wonder how long we'll have to stay here".
" I don't know" Shadrach replied as he sipped on a diet coke. " Hopefully not long".
They watched as Meshach appeared with the tow truck driver.
Meshach smiled. " He does have a replacement belt".
The old man looked at his watch. " The bad news is I can't put it on right now".
Abednego jumped off his chair. " Why not?".
" This afternoon, Mayor Lulah is going to reveal a gold statue of himself".
Shadrach frowned. " A gold statue?".
" Everyone in town is required to attend". He walked over and put on a coat. " Why don't you boys come along".
The three stared at each other.
" When it is over, I will replace your belt". He smiled. " Then you can continue on your way".
The three nodded. " Ok".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: Joseph Jesus's earthly father

people in the Bible: Joseph Jesus's earthly father by ric Gustafson


Jesus's earthly father was a carpenter in Nazareth. He was a humble man. He was in love with a woman named Mary. She was a humble woman and a virgin. Mary became pregnant. Joseph was certain he was not the father. While contemplating his options, an angel of the Lord appeared to him.
The angel told him that Mary was pure and faithful. He was told that her baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit. He was told that this baby would be the Messiah and the Savior of mankind.
If we are facing a difficult decision we need to do the right thing and in the right way.


research help: ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: Joseph of Arimathea

people in the Bible: Joseph of Arimathea by ric Gustafson


There was a man named Joseph. He was a wealthy man from Arimathea. This was a town northwest of Jerusalem. His life was shaped by his religion. He was selected to join the Sanhedrin. This was the religious court of Judaism. Somehow, he encountered Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus's crucifixion changed his life forever. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. He took his body and placed it in his family's tomb.
I pray that we can tell openly that we are followers of Jesus. Praise God.


research help: ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Exit 41 page 3

Exit 41 page 3 by ric Gustafson


Abednego waved his arms as he stood by the side of the road. A blue and white tow truck approached.
The vehicle stopped. An old man got out. " You boys having trouble".
" Yes". Shadrach opened the hood. " The car just stopped".
The old man peeked underneath. His head came up with a long face. " It's what I figured it was".
" What is that?" replied Meshach.
" It's one of the belts".
Abednego had a scared look on his face. " What do we do now?".
" You boys can come with me to the station". He closed the hood. " Hopefully we have that belt in stock".
" Meshach, we don't have much of a choice".
The young man scratched his chin. " Ok".
Abednego nodded his head in approval.
" What town is this?".
" Lulah".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: Joseph

people in the Bible: Joseph by ric Gustafson


When disasters strike in our lives, sometimes we wonder where was God?. Can good things come from disasters?. In the case of Joseph, the answer is yes. Joseph was resented by his brothers because he was his father's favorite. They sold Joseph to a Midianite caravan. In Egypt, Joseph was accused, imprisoned and forgotten. God did not forget Joseph. He became second to the Pharaoh himself. Joseph's whole family eventually joined him there. Good things came to Joseph amid disasters. The same thing can happen in our lives if we are faithful to God.


research help: ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Exit 41 page 2

Exit 41 page 2 by ric Gustafson


Meshach yawned as he tried to watch where he was driving.
Shadrach opened his eyes and stared out the passenger window. Cactus and open desert passed by him. " Where are we?".
Meshach glanced at the next sign. " Exit 41 five miles".
Four miles later.
" Meshach, I hear a strange noise" Abednego said with a concerned voice. " I think it's coming from the engine".
" We probably should check it out". Shadrach sighed. " Before it breaks down in the desert".
" Alright, I'll get off on Exit 41".
Abednego began to look at a map. " The nearest town is Lulah".


research help:  original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: Jonah

people in the Bible:  Jonah by ric Gustafson


Jonah needed a second chance. God instructed Jonah to go to Nineveh and cry out against the city's wickedness. Did Jonah obey God?. The answer was no. He tried to get away from God. God gave him a second chance. The second time he went to Nineveh and did what God wanted him to do.
God is a God of second chances. We need to confess our sins, forsake it and then ask God to help us start over. God is a God of second chances.


research help: ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Exit 41 page 1

Exit 41 page 1 by ric Gustafson


Shadrach watched as the seconds ticked down on the TV. He bit into a frito scoop as the game ended. He frowned. " My Super Bowl team lost again".
Meshach grinned as he took a sip from a bottle of Sunkist Orange. " My team won".
Shadrach looked at his friend. " Abednego, what are you doing?".
" Somebody just texted us". He stared at his cellphone. " Do you remember our friend Mesa?".
Shadrach stood up and began to clear the snack table. " Sure, he lives in California".
" He's getting married and is inviting us to the wedding".
Meshach grinned again. " California would be fun".
Shadrach wiped off the table with a wet rag. " We could see the Grand Canyon and then drive through the desert".
" Ok". Abednego smiled, " I'll text him and tell them that we will come".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4/14/1865 9:00 am

4/14/1865 9:00 am by ric Gustafson


President Lincoln put the newspaper aside. He signed two documents. Then he was ready for his first visitor. Speaker of the House Schuyler Colfax walked in. Lincoln liked him and respected him. They talked about Colfax's ambition to become a member of Lincoln's cabinet. Colfax wanted Lincoln's promise that he would consult Congress on postwar policy.
Next to come in was Congressman Cornelius Cole. It is not known what their discussion was. Not far from the White House was the War Department. General Grant was finishing up his war work. One issue he had to deal with was coming up with a plan to reduce the army to a peacetime level.
President Lincoln had asked if the General and his wife wanted to join them for the play that evening. Grant declined. He wanted to see his two children instead.


research help: ' The Day Lincoln Was Shot' by Jim Bishop


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: John the Baptist

people in the Bible: John the Baptist


John the Baptist was the voice for the coming of Jesus. Jesus himself testified that there was not a greater prophet than John the Baptist. John proclaimed that someone greater than he was coming. He paved the way for Jesus. He knew that he was not worthy. When John saw Jesus, he proclaimed ' behold the Lamb of God'.
God wants us to point people toward his Son. I pray that we will bold like John the Baptist.


research help: ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: John

people in the Bible: John by ric Gustafson


John and his brother James helped their father with the family fisherman business. John became a close friend of Jesus. When Jesus was suffering on the cross, he told his friend to take care of his mother. John and Mary settled in Ephesus. Domitian banished John to the isle of Patmos. There he received the Revelation. Praise God


research help: ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: Job

people in the Bible:  Job by ric Gustafson


Job was a man of great wealth, respect and personal property. He was blameless, upright and a man of integrity. Satan told God that Job only feared him because he had been good to him. God permitted Satan to take everything except Job's life. Satan cannot do more than God allows.
Satan cannot do more to us than God allows. God loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4/14/1865 8:00 am

4/14/1865  8:00 am by ric Gustafson


It was 8:00 am and President Lincoln was eating breakfast. He was enjoying his usual one egg and one cup of coffee. The President, Mrs Lincoln and Tad were listening to Robert. He was telling them stories about General Grant. Mary wanted to see a play that evening at Ford's Theatre.
Robert Lincoln was twenty one, handsome, had brown hair and a moustache. Mary Lincoln was ten years younger than the President. The President called her ' Mother'.
After breakfast, Lincoln walked back to his office. His office was in the southeast corner of the White House. Around an oak table, were cabinet meetings. The table was covered by a green tablecloth. Around the office were chairs  and two sofa's. On a nearby small table was a bible. Upstairs, a maid was cleaning rheir bedroom.


research help: ' The Day Lincoln Was Shot' by Jim Bishop


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric          

4/14/1865 7:00 am

4/14/1865  7:00 am by ric Gustafson


The President of the United States Abraham Lincoln walked out of his bedroom. It was 7:00 am. He was starting his day an hour later than usual. The tall lanky man walked down the hallway slowly. He was wearing a black suit. He was still tired. He had circles under his eyes. The scraggily black beard was thinned at the hairline. His bedroom was in the southwest corner of the White House.
From the hallway, he walked through a door to his office. It was large  and he sat down at a small table near the south window. He picked up a newspaper to read it. The morning was chilly and breezy. Even at this early hour, the street was already full of people. The business day usually started at 7:30.  At 7:30, President Lincoln was still reading the newspaper. He was frowning because Secretary of War Edwin Stanton had just informed him they could not attend the night's play.
On the other side of Washington, John Wilkes Booth was restless. He had hardly gotten any sleep. At twenty six, Booth was a fine horseman, a fencer and a crack shot.
A little while later, he checked out of the National Hotel.


research help: ' The Day Lincoln Was Shot' by Jim Bishop


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: Jeremiah

people in the Bible:  Jeremiah by ric Gustafson


The prophet Jeremiah was born in Anathoth. God sanctioned Jeremiah as a prophet even before he was born. During the decline and fall of the Southern Kingdom, Jeremiah was God's mouthpiece. Jeremiah is mentioned as the weeping prophet. Jeremiah predicted that Babylon would take the Israelites into captivity. This all came true.  Do we stay faithful in God's truth or be politically correct. I hope we choose the right path.


research help:  ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

people in the Bible: Jacob

people in the Bible:  Jacob by ric Gustafson


Jacob was one of the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Because he stole his brother's birthrite, he had to flee to Haran. In Bethel, Jacob received God's assurance. Twenty years later, God instructed Jacob to return to Bethel. Jacob listened and did what God wanted him to do.
According to I John 1:9, we need to confess our sins. God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins. Praise God.


research help: ' People in the Bible' by Woodrow Kroll


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4/14/1865 Prelude 2

4/14/1865  Prelude 2 by ric Gustafson


President Lincoln and Stanton were sitting in the carriage. All of a sudden, gun shots hit the carriage door.
Stanton turned toward Lincoln in fear. " Mr President?".
The carriage door opened slowly. A man with a moustache entered.
Stanton lunged at him.
Booth pushed him away. He raised the derringer at Lincoln.
Lincoln, being an ex wrestler, gripped Booth's wrist hard. He dropped the derringer. Lincoln hit booth twice in the head.
Booth pulled out a knife. He slashed at Lincoln.
Lincoln grabbed a finger. The knife fell onto the carriage floor.
Booth cried out in pain.
Lincoln hit him in the temple. Then he slammed his head against the carriage door.
Scared and badly hurt, Booth slid out the door and ran away.
Just then, a soldier with a carbine entered. " Are you alright Mr President?".
" Yes". Lincoln looked at Stanton. " Are you alright Mr Stanton?".
" Yes Mr President". He sighed. " I am".
" Sir, did you see who did this?".
" I did".
" Who was it Sir?".
" John Wilkes Booth".


research help: ' The Day After Gettysburg' by Robert Conroy and J R Dunn


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Luke page 9

Luke page 9 by ric Gustafson


Luke walked up to his cot. The large man on it was sleeping. He checked his bandaged throat. The slave's eyes opened. Luke studied the bandage. " How do you feel Diabolas?".
The slave tried to talk.
" Don't try to talk". He checked his bandage again. " You're lucky to be alive".
" Bandits" Diabolas squealed.
" I know". Luke grinned. " The other slaves and I righted your wagon out of the ditch".
Days later, Luke checked on the slave before he headed back to Tarsus.
He checked his bandage. " I've told the others how to change your bandage".
The big slave grasped Luke's hand. " Thank you for saving me".
" You are welcome".
" You saved my life". The big slave clasped Luke's hand. " I apologize for the way I treated you".
Luke smiled. " Apology accepted".


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

back to golf 2017

back to golf 2017 by ric Gustafson


I played golf this afternoon on a course for the first time this summer. I was happy with how I played for the first time this year. But the most important thing was that I played with my friend.
Friendship is a gift from God. In the Word, Jesus proclaims that he has called us friends. I enjoyed being out on a hot July Thursday afternoon playing golf. But what I enjoyed more than nature and the golf was playing with my friend.

The End


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

spiritual markers: the marker of wisdom

spiritual markers:  the marker of wisdom by ric Gustafson


Wisdom shines like a spotlight on the soul. The Holy Spirit directs us to what is wise and unwise. In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul commands us to be filled with the Spirit. There is a relationship between the Holy Spirit and wisdom. The Holy Spirit guides the believer in the way of wisdom. God wants us to ask for wisdom. When things come up we need help with, we need to ask God " what is the wise thing to do?". Wisdom operates beyond the realm of mere right and wrong.
The Holy Spirit uses wisdom to show us God's will for our lives. God expects us to walk wisely. Paul in Ephesians 5 also warns us to be careful and walk wisely. Wisdom is not optional, we must obey it.

The End


research help: ' The Spirit Filled Life' by Charles F Stanley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4/14/1865 Prelude 1

4/14/1865  Prelude 1 by ric Gustafson


John Wilkes Booth gazed up the street. President Lincoln's escort and carriage was approaching. He looked at Dean who was standing next to him. " Ready".
" Yes". He took a Colt Navy pistol out of a coat pocket.
Booth fingered the derringer that he had under his coat. He quietly walked past the carriage. He walked behind the escorts and then turned around. Booth pulled out the derringer and then shot one of the rear escorts. Then a man named Jessup pulled out a shotgun and then shot the other rear escort.
Dean pointed his pistol at the driver of the carriage. The man jumped off and then ran away. Dean pointed and shot the front escort.
Booth reloaded the derringer as he walked toward the carriage. He got up the steps and tried to open the door. It would not open. Upset, Booth tried to kick in the door twice. On the third try, the carriage door opened.
Booth raised his derringer.


research help:  ' The Day After Gettysburg' by Robert Conroy and J R Dunn


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Luke page 8

Luke page 8 by ric Gustafson


Before returning to Antioch, Luke wrote a note to Theophilus. He wrote that he valued and regarded him. His goal for writing it was that his master would be proud of him. Reaching Antioch, he was brought to the master's villa. He was ushered to the outside veranda. Luke noticed Theophilus and his wife sitting at a table.
Luke's master noticed him and stood up. " Here's the man of the hour".
Luke handed him the scroll he wrote. " Master, I wrote this for you".
He hugged his slave. " Thank you Luke".
Just then, a slave walked in and whispered something into his ear.
" Luke, do you remember Diabolos?".
" Yes Master". He scratched his chin in thought. " He is your driver".
" We sent him for a shipment by a different route to avoid bandits".
The slave whispered into his ear again.
" He has not returned". He stared at the slave. " Get two other slaves and torches". His voice hesitated. " Arm yourselves and go find him".


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

spiritual markers: the marker of the Word of God

spiritual markers: the marker of the Word of God by ric Gustafson


The Holy Spirit uses God's Word to reveal his will. The Bible is the Word of God. Everything in scripture is true. God's Word is the work of the Holy Spirit. Several points in God's Word points to the involvement of the Holy Spirit.
To learn about the Holy Spirit, read God's Word. How much time do we spend reading God's Word?. We must let God's Word judge our thoughts and feelings.


research help: ' The Spirit Filled Life' by Charles F Stanley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

spiritual markers: the marker of conscience

spiritual markers:  the marker of conscience by ric Gustafson


Our conscience has to do with decisions, thoughts, words and deeds. The Holy Spirit uses our conscience to communicate with us. The word conscience is used thirty times in the New Testament. The conscience is that inner capacity to discern right from wrong. According to Romans 2, everyone has a conscience. When we become children of God, our conscience takes on a new beginning. The Holy Spirit uses it to reveals the will of God to us. The conscience functions like a computer. The conscience responds to input it has been instructed to respond.


research help: ' The Spirit Filled Life' by Charles F Stanley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Luke page 7

Luke page 7 by ric Gustafson


Luke applied a warm compress to his legs and Saul's.
Saul smiled. " You seem to be a physician already".
Luke grinned. " What do you expect after twenty five miles of running and walking".
Saul's three roommates grinned.
" Do you think you can walk to the library to study?".
Saul wearily smiled yes.
At the library, they tried to study by torchlight and candlelight. Luke noticed that Saul;s roommates tolerated his opinions and comments. After their twenty five mile run, Luke felt terrible. His first classes and lectures were hard to get used to.
One night while studying, Saul frowned at Luke. " I don't know if I can spend time with you any longer".
Luke gave him a puzzled look. " Why not?".
" I am a Pharisee and you are a Gentile".
" So".
" According to the law, we should not be spending time together".


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I Will: I Will Give

I Will: I Will Give by ric Gustafson


Jesus went up a mountain and began to speak. This was called the Sermon on the Mount. Halfway through the sermon, Jesus begins to talk about money. Jesus told the people not to collect treasures here on earth. He said that where your treasure is, your heart will be also. Jesus was explaining that we should not focus on material worth. When we give, we are collecting treasures in heaven.
Jesus also tells us that we cannot have two masters. We cannot be slaves of money and of God.
God wants us to be a cheerful giver. I will give. Praise God.

The End


research help: ' I Will' by Thom Rainer


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Luke page 6

Luke page 6 by ric Gustafson


Luke was walking quietly around the large campus. He was trying to figure out where the orientation meeting was at. Just then, a short sharp nosed man with black eyes stopped him. " My name is Saul".
He shook his hand. " I'm Luke".
He smiled. " Are you a new student?".
" Yes". His voice hesitated. " Are you?".
" No, I'm a local".
They began to walk together.
" What do you plan to do with your education here?".
" I don't know". Saul scratched his chin. " Probably teach or become a rabbi".
At the orientation meeting, Luke and Saul sat together.
Luke looked at his new friend. " What is your family business?".
" Actually it's tentmaking".
" How about you Luke?".
He frowned. " Actually I'm a slave". His voice hesitated. " My master is paying for my education".
Saul grinned. " I like you Luke".


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric