Lydia page 5

Lydia page 5 by ric Gustafson


Because of Jason's mother's help, large orders began to come in. Eumenes gave her several pieces of purple wool to demonstrate. One day, Eumenes put a hand on Lydia's shoulder " One day you will be a great dye master". He grinned. " Hopefully, you will be happily married by then".
One day, Jason was watching Lydia work. " Why isn't Eryx helping you?".
She shook her head. " He doesn't know how father does his business".
One day, Dione surprised her.
" Mistress Dione". Her voiced hesitated. " I was not expecting you".
Jason's mother glanced around the house. " You live here".
" This house has known laughter and joy over many years". Lydia gave her a mean stare. " This house is perfect for father and I".
" Whatever". She walked off.
Even thought she did not like Jason's mother, because of her their income jumped in one month.
Father was pleased with that also.


research help: ' Bread of Angels' by Tessa Afshar


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: a compassionate servant

Grace: a compassionate servant by ric Gustafson


I Peter 3:8 tells us to have compassion for one another. God's Word commands us to be generous and compassionate towards others. God has richly blessed us and he wants us to share the blessings with others. Jesus taught that we should love others and show compassion. Jesus expects us to care for others. I pray that we will do that always every day.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: God wants to use you

Grace: God wants to use you by ric Gustafson


God has things that he wants us to do. The most important decision we will ever make is a decision to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Once our eternal destiny has been decided, we ask ourselves ok what do I do next?. God will show us his will for our life. God is planning to use us for great purposes. We need to listen for his signs, listen for his voice and then to obey where he tells us to go.
Praise God.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: Godless Judging

Grace: Godless Judging by ric Gustafson


According to Romans 2, as Christians we are not to judge others. In Chapter 2 of Romans, the /Apostle Paul addresses being a judgmental moralist. This person could be anyone. This person dilutes God's mercy with prejudice. We should not hold the gavel. God deals with sinners not us. God does not compare us with others. We don't know enough and we are unworthy to judge.


research help: ' In the Grip of Grace' by Max Lucado


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: seek and find

Grace: seek and find by ric Gustafson


According to Matthew 7: 7-8, we can ask and God will give it to us. We can search and we will find. We can knock and the door will be opened. Everyone who searches will find. Everyone who knocks will open a door.
When things are at their worst, sometimes we ask where is God?. At our worst, we might think that God is a long ways away from us. That is far away from the truth.
The truth is that God loves us more than anything else in the world. God has never left us. His loving arms are out for us to come back to him no matter how far away we are. God wants us back right now right here. Praise God.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: Godless living

Grace: Godless living by ric Gustafson


Romans 1: 23-25 talks about people who stop loving God and live and worship idols. The unbeliever thinks that life is the here and now. He refuses to acknowledge God. The Apostle Paul calls this godlessness. According to Paul, we lose three things. First, we lose our standard. With no moral absolutes, everything goes. Second, we lose our purpose. At some point in our life, we ponder the question of why are we here?. Are possessions why we are here?. Third, we lose our worship. Church becomes ho hum and boring after a while. We need to keep that sense of mystery of God to keep our interest. Paul points out that godlessness will destroy us. I pray that it will never happen to us.


research help: ' In the Grip of Grace' by Max Lucado



Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: a role model

Grace: a role model by ric Gustafson


Matthew 5: 14 -16 explains that we are a light in the world. God wants our light to shine before men. So that people will see our good deeds. We are a role model. God wants our lives here on this earth and the choices that we make will show people that we are God's.
Are we the role model that we want to be?. Because people are watching us. God wants us to be honorable role models for his Kingdom. I pray that we are.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: God's gracious anger

Grace: God's gracious anger by ric Gustafson


Romans 1: 18-20 says that God's anger is shown from heaven against all the evil and wrong things people do. Romans 1:18 reminds us that God is against all the evil and wrong things that people do. God is angry at evil. God is a holy God and hates evil. When we sin, we try to come up with excuses. Because God has revealed himself to us, we have no excuse.
God loves us more than anything else in the world.


research help: ' In the Grip of Grace' by Max Lucado


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: your bright future

Grace: your bright future by ric Gustafson


Are you excited about what goes on today?. Are you excited about what will happen tomorrow?. Do you expect God to lead you to peace, joy and abundance?. When our life on this earth is over, will we enjoy eternal life?. If we trust God and believe in his promises, we can believe in eternal life with him.
We must accept the past. We must trust God for our future. In God, we must dream that our future is bright.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lydia page 4

Lydia page 4 by ric Gustafson


Jason's home was a two story villa on the outskirts of town. He and Lydia sat down in the open courtyard. He told her stories of Hercules.
All of a sudden, Jason's mother walked in.
" My son tells me that you help in your father's business".
Lydia grinned. " Yes, my lady".
" He tells me that the business is purple dye".
" Yes, that is right".
" My son tells me that no one helps you".
Lydia frowned. " We cannot afford help".
She smiled. " I would be happy to help you with your business so you can hire some help".
" My father is stubborn". Lydia grinned. " I will ask him".


research help: ' Bread of Angels' by Tessa Afshar


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: count your blessings

Grace: count your blessings by ric Gustafson


Philippians 4:8 tells us to dwell on what is honorable, commendable and just. Or do we let negative thoughts dominate our life. Are we angry, worried or bored. Are we confused, pessimistic or bitter.
God wants us to experience abundance and joy. Every day, we need to celebrate the life that God has given us. Every day we need to count our blessings. We need to thank God for everything.


research help: ' Grace for every Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lydia page 3

Lydia page 3 by ric Gustafson


One day, a man walked in.
" I'm Jason". He smiled at Lydia. " I came in to look at your purple fabric".
She handed him a piece to look at.
He held the piece of linen. " Only a dye master could do such wonders with dye".
" I am not a dye master". Lydia frowned. " I just help my father".
He took her hands. " These hands are almost ruined by hard work".
" I have to work hard". She sighed. " It is our family business".
" My dear Lydia". He held her hand. " I have watched you from afar for weeks".
She gave him a puzzled look. " For weeks".
" I would like you to come to my home". He smiled. " To meet my mother".
" Your mother".
" She wants to meet the mystery woman I keep talking about".
Lydia grinned. " I will ask father".


research help: ' Bread of Angels' by Tessa Afshar


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: living by the book

Grace: living by the book by ric Gustafson


The Bible contains instructions which lead to fulfillment, salvation and righteousness. If we choose to ignore these instructions, the results are tragic.
A part of a righteous life is honesty, faith, love, kindness and gratitude. God wants us to live according to his commandments. God wants us to conduct our lives in such a way that we can be an example to others. Praise God.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lydia page 2

Lydia page 2 by ric Gustafson


Lydia's family roots were deep in Thyatira's history. The Greeks took over the land. Lydia's family started new traditions. Lydia's grandfather owned large amounts of land. Lydia's mother and only child inherited everything.
One day, the Physician and a friend came to visit Lydia's father. Helping her father with his dye business was dominating Lydia's life. She worked hard because she did not want to disappoint him. One day, a delivery was ready to be picked. Eumenes picked up a piece of the dyed linen. " My daughter". He smiled at her. " This is really good work".
" Thank you father".
He smiled. " I hope the one that you marry will understand your talent".
" Marry". She gave him a strange stare. " Who talks of marriage?".
" Your mother was your age when she married me".
" I help you with your business". She smiled. " That is my life".


research help: ' Bread of Angels' by Tessa Afshar


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Butterball turkey fitness class

the Butterball turkey fitness class by ric Gustafson


Anita Cobb nervously bit her finger nails as she walked up to the front desk. She smiled as a young woman entered carrying a blue workout bag. She shook Anita's hand.
" Hi, I'm Pamela Cross".
" Anita". She opened the door leading to a set of stairs. " We're glad you are here to teach the class at the last minute.
" I'm not sure what the class is". They walked down the steps. " But here I am".
They walked into a room off the stairs.
Pamela did not see anybody except for six loud gobbling turkeys. " Where's the fitness class?".
Anita pointed at the birds.
" They are turkeys" Pamela yelled. " What's going on here?".
" Butterball has a mystery to solve".
" What do you mean?".
" These turkeys do not get plump enough for Thanksgiving".
Pamela pointed at the birds. " They are turkeys".
Gobble Gobble.
" Keep your voice down" Anita replied quietly. " They are very self conscious".
" So Butterball is trying to find out why their turkeys are skinny".
Gobble Gobble
" Please keep your voice down".
" Great no turkey for Thanksgiving" was Pamela's retort as she picked up her gym bag. " I have to go change". When she returned, Anita had a mad look on her face. " Thanks to your loud remarks, all the turkeys left".
Pamela left the YMCA with a puzzled look on her face.

The End


research help: an MSN.com article


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: a confident Christian

Grace: a confident Christian by ric Gustafson


God wants us to always be confident. Jesus has risen. We are the sheep of his flock. God is in control. Even with all this hope, sometimes we still get discouraged. This is not God's plan for us. God wants us to be positive and not negative. Are you a confident Christian?. We should be. God's grace is eternal and his promises are plenty. We need to count our blessings every day not our hardships. God is the giver of all good things. So be confident.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

down at the Witches Brew page 3

down at the Witches Brew page 3 by ric Gustafson


Miss Mabel tried to put her tarot cards into a spread. She was frustrated because they kept falling onto the floor. She heard her cell phone ring. She looked annoyed at Jesus who was sitting across from her. " I need to take this call". She opened the phone and hit the enter button. " Witches Brew, this is Miss Mabel". She stared at the Son of Man. " Hi Martin". Jesus was wearing an all white outfit. " You're not coming". She looked annoyed. " A turkey" she exclaimed with a cackle. " Ok". She hit the stop button.
" Can you believe it" she cackled. " He wanted to go find out about a turkey that was spotted on Main Street". She cackled at Jesus. " I almost had him".
Jesus shook his head. " You can't have him".
" I thought I recognized you". She cackled louder. " You are the Nazarene".
Jesus put his scarred hands on the table. " He's confused". He smiled. " But he believes in me".
" Now I know why I couldn't shuffle my cards".
Jesus stared at the witch. " Do not tempt him any longer with your sorcery".
She shook her long black hair. " Suit yourself".
She heard the outside bell ring.
" There will always be someone else". She stood up and walked toward the door. She looked back and noticed that the Nazarene was gone.
She opened the door to reveal a young woman. She cackled. " Welcome to the Witches Brew".

The End.


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lydia page 1

Lydia page 1 by ric Gustafson


Lydia loved purple. Purple yarn spread over two stone benches. She dressed in parched clothing and had a perspired forehead. She was soaking the linen for her father. Her father Eumenes was the dye master. She was hurrying because someone was coming to pick up an order.
Lydia was sixteen years old. She was busy helping her father with his business. He returned that evening. She tucked him into bed. The dye she was using was called Purple in a Vat. Her father had never gotten rich from the dye business. She soaked the linen in a water bath. Then she put the wet linen on a branch to dry. That night, she woke up and screamed from the same nightmare.


research help: ' Bread of Angels' by Tessa Afshar


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: let God decide

Grace: let God decide by ric Gustafson


According to Proverbs 16:9, a man's heart plans his way but the Lord directs his steps. Are you facing a storm today?. If you are, God would like you to step back, not focus on the world but focus on him. The world wants to lead us astray. God will not do that. He will get us back on the right path.
We make decisions and choices every day. So are good some are not. We need to pray before making those decisions and choices. If we pray to God, he will guide us in the right path and decision. That is a promise from him to us.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

down at the Witches Brew page 2

down at the Witches Brew page 2 by ric Gustafson


Todd and Martin walked through the doorway. They felt cobwebs on their faces. Todd felt something rub against his left leg. He looked down. " A black cat".
" Felix" replied an older woman in black. She walked toward them. " Sorry about that". She picked up the black cat. " Welcome to the Witches Brew". She cackled. " What can I do for you?".
" We're lost" Martin exclaimed as he glanced around. " We're looking for Ridgewood Avenue".
" I'm not sure where that is" she replied. " You boys look like you are hungry". The cat jumped off and scampered into a dark corner. " You can be my last customers today".
" I am hungry" Todd replied. The two sat down in an empty booth.
She picked up a couple of menus and blew cob webs off of them. She handed them to the boys. " I recommend the Ghoul stew".
Todd stared at his friend. " No thanks". He stood up. " I'll wait for you outside".
" Sorry" He handed the menus back. " I guess we're not hungry after all".
" That's ok". She cackled. " Not only is this a café I also do tarot readings".
Martin grinned. " I don't know what tarot cards are".
" Come back tomorrow". She cackled again. " And I'll show you".
" Ok". He gave a weak smile. " What street is this?".
" Endor Lane".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: God's Assurance

Grace: God's Assurance by ric Gustafson


Are you a confident believer or do you live with uncertainty and doubt?. As a Christian, we should be confident. Jesus has risen, God is in heaven and we are filled with God's grace. But doubt does creep into our minds at some point. This happens from time to time to all believers. When we feel distant from God, we need to remember one thing. Jesus loves us more than anything in the world. He always has and he always will. That is a promise from God.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Word Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: Infinite Love

Grace:  Infinite Love by ric Gustafson


Jesus's love for us is personal. Jesus loves us so much he gave his life that we could spend eternity with him. Jesus's love for us is unbounded by time. Jesus is waiting for us to have an intimate relationship with him. Jesus is like a river that is always flowing. Jesus is an ever flowing fountain which supplies us with all we need. Jesus's love for us will never end.


research help: ' Grace for every Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

down at the Witches Brew page 1

down at the Witches Brew page 1 by ric Gustafson


Todd Reed slowly walked off the bus. He stared down the dark street.
Martin Gardner walked off the bus and now stood by a bus bench. He looked around. He pointed. " I think we need to go this way".
" Are you sure this is the quickest way home?". Todd had fear in his young face. " I don't know this area and this street looks spooky".
Martin smiled. " I'm sure". He pointed toward the west. " Follow me".
Leaves blew around them as they walked down a deserted street. Just then, Martin noticed a building with it's lights on. They crossed the street. They walked up to the front sign. It read ' The Witches Brew Café and Tarot readings'.
Todd shook his head. " I have a bad feeling about this place".
They walked in.


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the pumpkin patch page 3

the pumpkin patch page 3 by ric Gustafson


One day, Alex heard a noise. " Someone's coming".
" I hear him" Doreen replied with joy in her voice. " And he's carrying a basket".
The elderly man in white scooped down and picked up Miguel.
" He picked me" squealed the pumpkin.
The man picked up another pumpkin and put it into his basket.
" He picked me" Doreen screamed.
" He won't pick me" Alex sighed. " Nobody ever does".
The elderly man put the pumpkin in his basket. He began to walk away.
Alex yelled. " Yeah, he picked me".
God took the pumpkins home, washed them, cut off their tops and then scooped out their insides.
He carved out a happy face on each one. He put a light into each and put them by the front door.
Halloween night.
" Smile everyone" Doreen said with a joyful voice. " I hear the kids coming".

The End


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: Strength for Today

Grace: Strength for Today by ric Gustafson


Life is good days and bad days. On good days, sometimes we take our blessings for granted. On bad days, we discover what our faith is made of. Has our faith been put to the test?. With God's help, we can endure our bad days. Our faith will be put to the test. When our faith in God is challenged, we need God's strength and grace.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the fork in the road page 7

the fork in the road page 7 by ric Gustafson


Alvin heard the knock at the door. He opened his eyes. He realized that he had fallen asleep. He peeked at his cell phone. He had been asleep for over an hour. However it was was still knocking. He walked over and opened the front door. It revealed a middle aged man carrying a large manila folder.
Alvin's co worker Alexander Jacobs walked in and opened up the mini fridge. " How are you Alvin?". He stared at the messed up bed. " I hope I didn't wake you".
" Actually you did". Alvin yawned. " I fell asleep".
" Sorry about that". He sat down in an easy chair. " How do you like the room?".
Alvin sat down on the edge of the bed. " The room is ok".
" I just came from Mr Hanscom's room". He nervously fiddled with the folder. " He wants to have a short meeting before the dinner presentation tonight".
Alvin glanced at his cell phone. " What time does he want to meet?".
" In twenty minutes".
" What room is he in?".
" Room 315".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the pumpkin patch page 2

the pumpkin patch page 2 by ric Gustafson


Miguel heard the silence as the last of the families left. " Doreen, are you still here?"
" Yes". The voice hesitated. " They did not pick me".
" Alex, are you still here?".
" Yes, I'm still here". The voice got quieter. " I was not picked either".
" What's wrong with me?". Doreen muttered. " I'm a good looking pumpkin".
" I don't know". Miguel sighed. " I'm a good looking pumpkin also".
" I'm scared". Alex replied. " What will happen to us if we are not picked?".
" Let's not worry". Doreen replied in a reassuring voice. " God knows we are here".
" I sure hope you are right".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: Life Abundant

Grace: Life Abundant by ric Gustafson


According to John 10:10, Jesus came that they may have life and may have it more abundantly. Jesus came to earth so that our lives could have abundance. Did Jesus mean that we would have more possessions or financial wealth?. The answer is no. Jesus promises a spiritual richness that extends beyond our sinful world.
God will provide for our every need. According to Matthew 6, we need to trust God. As Jesus's followers, we need to claim Jesus's riches for our life. Then we need to share Jesus's blessings with all those who cross our path.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the pumpkin patch page 1

the pumpkin patch page 1 by ric Gustafson


Doreen wasn't sure who was there. " Miguel, are you there?".
" Yes, I am". " I'm over to your right".
" Are you there Alex?".
" Yes, I'm in the back".
" I sure hope we get picked today" Doreen muttered.
Miguel spoke up. " I hear something".
" The kids are coming" Alex shouted. " Everyone get ready".
All three pumpkins waited patiently and hoped that they would get picked.


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: grace for each day

Grace: grace for each day by ric Gustafson


Even though we sin daily and have shortcomings, God sent his Son so that we can be saved. God demonstrated his great love and mercy to us. God gives us daily countless gifts. The most important gift from God is the gift of salvation. The ultimate gift is the grace of God. We owe God many thanks for his daily blessings to us.
Jesus sacrificed his life so that we can have eternal life. Salvation comes when we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Jesus loves us here on earth and in eternity. Praise God.


research help: ' Grace for each Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: this is the day

Grace: this is the day by ric Gustafson


According to Psalm 118:24 which says that this is the day the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it. So what do we expect from today?. Are we expecting God to do great things for us today or do we have doubt and worries about what will happen today. For us as Christians, every day begins and ends with God's promises to us. God promises peace and abundance. We have the priceless gift of eternal life. Praise God.


research help: ' Grace for each /Day' by Worthy Inspired


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Devil's Food page 3

Devil's Food page 3 by ric Gustafson


Roy was reading the newspaper when he heard the doorbell ring. He got up from his brown rocker and walked to the front door. He picked up the two small wooden baskets. He opened the door to reveal a young boy dressed as a pirate and a young girl dressed as a princess.
The young pirate stuck out a small orange plastic pail. " Trick or Treat".
The young princess stuck out a pail. " Trick or Treat".
Roy put a candy bar and a Devil's Food zinger into their pails. " Here you are".
" Roy, what are you doing?".
He turned to see his wife at the top of the stairs with a scary look on her face. " Put down those zingers".. Her voice got higher. " Think of children's interests more than your own".
With a frown, Roy took out the zingers from the pails and put another candy bar into each.
" Thanks". The two ran off to their parents who were waiting for them.
The next morning, Roy was handing out Devil's Food zingers to his co workers.

The End


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: I have eternal life

Grace: I have eternal life by ric Gustafson


According to John 6:68-69, it is said Lord to whom would we go you have the words that give eternal life. Jesus Christ is the only person whose life and work will endure beyond time. He is the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever. Jesus asked his disciples if they wanted to leave him also. Peter answered where else are we going to go?. He replied that Jesus had the words that gave eternal life. Peter knew that Jesus was the Holy One of God.


research help: ' Amazing Grace' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings Love Ric

Devil's Food page 2

Devil's Food page 2 by ric Gustafson


Roy looked down at the wheels of the steel cart. He could hear the irritating noise it was making. " Oh great" he muttered to himself. " Out of all the carts here". He quickly walked past the fruits and vegetables. Then he entered the seasonal aisle. He saw a sign showing where the candy bars were. He walked up and began to put bags of the treats into the cart. He was about to leave when he noticed the white display. He smiled. " Hostess". He stopped the cart and looked at the crumb cakes, chocolate donuts and other treats. Then he smiled again. " Devil's Food zingers". He put one into his cart and began to push it. Then he stopped and held up a box. " I wonder if trick or treaters would like them too". He knew he was only supposed to bring home little candy bars. He loved the chocolate outside and the creamy filling inside. " I'll just take a few boxes to fill in with the candy bars". He put two boxes into his cart. He paid for the groceries and left the store.


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: a new life at a great cost

Grace: a new life at a great cost by ric Gustafson


According to I Corinthians 6:20, God bought us with a high price. I receive God's gifts through his mercy. Sometimes I ponder. Am I always thankful?. Do I ever consider the price that was paid for my life. The cost was expensive. Not in the sense of silver or gold. Those things can lose their value. According to I Peter, the cost was the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus was the sinless spotless Lamb of God. Knowing the full cost of our salvation, we should be truly thankful.


research help: ' Amazing Grace' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Devil's Food page 1

Devil's Food page 1 by ric Gustafson


Roy McReed pressed the white garage door button to shut the garage door. He opened the kitchen door and walked into the spacious newly remodeled kitchen. " Hi sweetie".
" Hi honey" Margaret McReed replied as she put down a carving knife. " I'm just finishing up our Halloween pumpkin.
He put his brown briefcase on their wooden hutch. " Work was really busy today". He walked over to the white refrigerator. He opened it and peered inside. " Have you seen my Hostess treats?".
She smiled. " Yes, on the side next to your cheese slices".
He noticed the familiar red, white and blue package. He took one out, tore it and took a big bite. " I love these things".
" What are they?".
" Hostess Devil's Food zingers".
" That reminds me". She smiled. " I need you to do something for me".
He gave her a peck on the cheek. " Anything".
" I need you to go to the store and purchase our Halloween candy for tomorrow".
" Ok".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus the one and only: the treasure principle

Jesus the one and only:  the treasure principle by ric Gustafson


The Bible talks about money more than 800 times. Jesus talked about money more than heaven or hell. Jesus talks about the ' Treasure Principle' in Matthew 6: 19-24. Jesus points out to us that we cannot manage our money until we master our money. Jesus is trying to teach us that our treasure is not ours at all. Jesus calls the eye the lamp of the body. Jesus said that we cannot serve both God and money.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: being humble

Grace:  being humble by ric Gustafson


According to James 4:6, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. During the Last Supper, Jesus washed the disciples feet. Humility involves serving and those being served. We need a cleansing by Jesus. We cannot be cleansed without being humble. God gives grace to the humble. We receive God's grace when we acknowledge the greatness of God.


research help: ' Amazing Grace' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Grace: God's gift to us

Grace: God's gift to us by ric Gustafson


Everyone deserves a penalty for breaking God's laws. Yet because of Jesus, we receive undeserved favor and grace. According to Ephesians 1:7, our freedom was purchased with the blood of Jesus and our sins were forgiven. The consequence of our sin should be death and eternal separation from God. Because grace is God's gift, we should share it with others.


research help: ' Amazing Grace' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric