Ben Hur page 4

Ben Hur page 4 by ric Gustafson


Judah watched  the scarlet and gold flag which was attached to a long spear. The soldiers walked behind the flag bearer. The soldiers were marching quickly shoulder to shoulder. Judah watched the shiny helmets and large breastplates. Following the soldiers were the men on horseback. Judah noticed one man who wore purple body armor and a laurel wreath instead of a helmet. It was Valerius Gratus the new procurator.
Judah reached over the roof to watch the procession. His hand moved a loose tile. It fell and hit Gratus in the head. Blood spewed from his head.
He pointed up. " Find that assassin".
Soldiers rushed into the house. They ran up to the roof.
" It was an accident". Judah yelled. " A tile just fell off by accident".
" He did it on purpose".
Judah turned to see Massala standing by the other soldiers.
" Massala, it was an accident".
" Arrest him" yelled an officer.
They put ropes around his hands. As they led him away, Judah noticed Massala grinning.


research help: ' Ben Hur a tale of the Christ' by Carol Wallace


Happy New Year and thank you for reading my writing. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 95:8

Psalms: Psalm 95:8 by ric Gustafson


The psalmist reminds people not to test God. I have to admit that I am hard hearted. Sometimes I am unwilling to forgive people. Why can't I wait until people agree to my viewpoint. Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes I expect too much from others. Please God help me to be less hard hearted and more soft hearted toward others.


research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas


Happy New Year and thank you for reading my writing. Love Ric

Ben Hur page 3

Ben Hur page 3 by ric Gustafson


Naomi heard the footsteps of her son. " Good evening Judah". She smiled. " Where were you today?".
He grinned as he sat down on a cushion next to her. " I saw Messala today".
" That Roman boy".
" He is not a boy any longer". His voice hesitated. " He is a Roman soldier now".
" I see".
He smiled at his mother. " What can I do for a profession?".
" Some day you can take over your father's business".
" I just want to be useful".
She hugged her son. " I know".
" Can I watch Messala and the cohort march by our home tomorrow?".
" Yes you may".
Judah gave his mother a big hug.


research help: ' Ben Hur a tale of the Christ' by Carol Wallace


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 14:6

Psalms: Psalm 14:6 by ric Gustafson


The psalmist is reminding us to be mindful of the poor. We are not to shame them or to abuse them. We are to be generous to them and to help them. If we help them and take care of them, we will be paid back in God's love.
It pains us as God's followers, to see people down on their luck. We need to pray for these people that God will protect them and help them. God is the refuge for the poor.


research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 31: 13-14

Psalms: Psalm 31: 13-14 by ric Gustafson


The psalmist struggled with brutal enemies and false friends. Because of foes, the Hebrews were afraid and mistrustful. They had to remember to put their trust in God.
Do we react to gossip from others?. I should not care but I do. When people say things about us we need to keep our eyes on God. We can put our complete trust in him.


research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Thankful Christians: Thankful Christians forgive

Thankful Christians: Thankful Christians forgive by ric Gustafson


According to Colossians 3:13, we are to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. We are also to forgive as the Lord forgave you. God always forgives us. Therefore we need to forgive others because God first forgave us.
Praise God.


research help:  A Pastor Lewis sermon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ben Hur page 2

Ben Hur page 2 by ric Gustafson


Judah heard a noise. He stood up from the marble bench to see his friend. He had not seen him in five years.
Messala smiled at Judah. " Please, let's sit". He hugged his friend. " I'm sorry to hear about your father's death".
He frowned. " I miss him".
" How did it happen?".
" A storm at sea".
Messala grinned. " And how old is your sister now?".
" Fifteen". Judah's voice hesitated. " And how is your father the tax collector?".
" Fine". He smiled at Judah. " He got me into the Roman army".
" Are you enjoying it?".
" Yes". He smiled. " We have real weapons, drilling and officers".
" I'm happy here".
" Here". He looked around. " In a land of a nameless god and lunatic prophets"
" Why did you come back?".
" My father sent for me". He smiled. " Judah, come back with me".
" Messala, I'm staying".


research help: ' Ben Hur a tale of the Christ' by Carol Wallace


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 121: 1-2

Psalms: Psalm 121: 1-2 by ric Gustafson


The psalmist asks ' Where does my help come from?'. The help comes from Yahweh who made heaven and earth. We on this sinful earth are on a pilgrimage. We are trying to obtain a more kinder and open heart. We get jealous and we fear. We get greedy and we envy. Our life's journey is a test. We pray that we will pass this test and then go home to be with God and Jesus forever.
Psalm 121 is a song of Ascent.


research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 107: 28-30

Psalms: Psalm 107: 28-30 by ric Gustafson


Sometimes in life storms come our way. We feel like we are in danger and feel stress. We feel as if we are being tossed around like in a sea. We cry out to God because emotionally we feel as if we are going to drown.
When we cry out to God, he calms the storm and the storm waters are still. God wants us to call out to him and he will calm our storms. We will have peace. Praise God.


research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ben Hur page 1

Ben Hur page 1 by ric Gustafson


Judah Ben Hur ran past the former nurse maid
Amrah gave him a concerned look. " Where are you going Judah?".
" Messala is back". He smiled as he ran past Shadrach the gatekeeper. " I'll be gone all day".
He ran to a marble bench near the palace gardens. He could not wait to see his friend again.
Messala was nineteen and a Roman. His family was powerful and rich. His father was a tax collector in Jerusalem. Judah's father was a trader with a fleet of ships  and warehouses. The two fathers were friends. The two young boys did everything together.
At fourteen, Messala was sent back to finish his education. After five years apart, the two friends had arranged to meet again. Judah was seventeen and could not wait to see his friend again.


research help: ' Ben Hur a tale of the Christ' by Carol Wallace


Merry Christmas to all. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 7:14

Psalms: Psalm 7:14 by ric Gustafson


According to the psalmist, lies are being told about him. But he knows that God will judge him wisely as far as his life. The psalmist knows that God loves him and that encourages him. It is believed that King Saul and his friends were spreading lies about David. King Saul did not like David. God loved David.


research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas


Merry Christmas to all. Love Ric

Prophecy Fulfilled

Prophecy Fulfilled by ric Gustafson


According to Micah 5, the prophet told about someone coming who would be a ruler over Israel. Someone whose origins are from old from ancient times. He will shepherd his flock in the name of the Lord his God. This person was Jesus born in the little town of Bethlehem.
At this time of year, some ask themselves why should I celebrate?. The reason is because God loves us. Jesus came to us. God is with us and Jesus is our peace. Later, Jesus went to the cross to give us the chance to be with him forever. That is the best gift we could ever receive.

The End.


research help: a Pastor Tyler sermon


Merry Christmas to all. Love Ric

Thankful Christians: Thankful Christians are humble

Thankful Christians: Thankful Christians are humble by ric Gustafson


According to Matthew 11:29, we are to put our yoke on Jesus and learn from him. Jesus is humble and gentle in heart. Jesus says that we can find rest for our souls. Jesus also says in verse 30 that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. I love you Jesus more than anything else.


research help: ' a Pastor Lewis sermon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 130: 3-4

Psalms: Psalm 130: 3-4 by ric Gustafson


All of us are sinners. We sing our prayers to God. We approach God knowing that he will forgive us. We can call out God's name with ease. God, I am ashamed. I gossip about my neighbors. Guilt consumes me. I know that you will forgive me of my sins. I repent of those sins O Lord. I come to you and ask for your forgiveness O Lord. I love you Jesus more than anything else.


research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ben Hur Prelude: Gladiator Games

Ben Hur Prelude: Gladiator Games by ric Gustafson


Roman games were like big league sports of today. Tens of thousands came and the games were like religious ceremonies. There were dozens of holidays on the Roman calendar. The Romans had many gods and goddesses that they prayed and celebrated to. Chariot races, stage plays and gladiator fights were part of the official games. People in chariot races risked death by having rickety chariots which were as light as possible. The people wanted blood and death. They got both.

The End


research help: ' The World of Ben Hur' by Mike Aquilina


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 104:24

Psalms: Psalm 104:24 by ric Gustafson


Sometimes creation terrifies us. Hurricanes, tornadoes and floods sometimes make us question our faith and we cry out to God. Sometimes we are at the mercy of nature. Sometimes creation takes us by surprise and leaves us unprepared. We cry to God to spare us and to save us. We need to have faith in God's great design. We need to trust always in God's wisdom and protective arms.
Psalm 104 was written with creation on the psalmist's mind.


research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ben Hur Prelude: The Unclean

Ben Hur Prelude:  The Unclean by ric Gustafson


The ancient world feared one disease more than any other. This disease was leprosy. Anybody caught with this disease was driven out of the city with stones. Leviticus 13 talked about how priests determined who had this disease and who did not. A person considered unclean had to wear torn clothes and had to yell ' unclean unclean' if approached. An unclean person had to live somewhere else away from the main camp. To the ancient world, leprosy was a death sentence. It was to everyone except Jesus of Nazareth. He loved everyone including lepers equally.


research help: ' The World of Ben Hur' by ric Gustafson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 143:2

Psalms: Psalm 143:2 by ric Gustafson


The psalmist explains that no one can escape God's judgment because no one is without blemish. No sinner can justify themselves to God. The psalmist hopes that he can fall back on God's mercy. The psalmist says not to enter into judgment with they servant for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. Early Christians believed that King David wrote all the psalms based on his own personal trials.


research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Thankful Christians: Philippians 4: 12-13

Thankful Christians: Philippians 4:12-13 by ric Gustafson


According to Philippians 4:12-13, thankful Christians are content. Christians know what it is to be in need and to have plenty. Christians have learned to be content whatever life brings their way. Christians can do anything through Jesus who gives them strength.


research help: A Pastor Lewis sermon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ben Hur Prelude: Roman Slavery

Ben Hur Prelude: Roman Slavery by ric Gustafson


Compared to American slavery, slaves could earn enough money to buy their freedom. It was also common for a free man to become a slave. Slavery was common throughout the ancient world. The Romans did not invent slavery. The Israelites in Egypt were slaves. A slave could be released after six years unless they decide to stay. A large part of the Roman world were slaves.
Freed slaves could not hold certain offices and could not become Senators. Their children would be free citizens. The upper class looked down on freed slaves. Roman slavery changed for the better when Christian Emperor Theodosius took over.


research help: ' The World of Ben Hur' by Mike Aquilina


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Hope: The Best Gift Ever

Christmas Hope: The Best Gift Ever by ric Gustafson


According to John 3:16, everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. The best Christmas gift of all is the good news that Jesus is for everyone. Jesus invites everyone to believe in him. And if someone does repent and give his life to Jesus, the promise of John 3:16 takes place. Jesus in John 3:16 promises eternal life to all those who believe in him. That is the hope of Christmas and that is why we celebrate the birth of Jesus right now. Praise God.

The End


research help: ' The Hope of Christmas' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ben Hur Prelude: Judea's Political World

Ben Hur Prelude:  Judea's Political World by ric Gustafson


One province gave Rome a lot of trouble. This province was Judea. Judeans thought of the Romans as an occupying power. The central city of Judea was Jerusalem the ancient city of David. Romans in Jerusalem felt out of place with it's hills and streets that wandered in all directions. To Rome, the Middle East was trouble. To Romans, Judea was full of religious extremists who wanted to kill them or themselves.
There were two major parties in Judea. The Sadducees were the party of the priests. They denied the resurrection. The Pharisees used the Law of Moses as a strict code of behavior and fashion. They believed that God's Law was the only true Law and followed it to the letter. These two groups hated each other. A man named Herod became King of Judea. He was an evil man.


research help: ' The World of Ben Hur' by Mike Aquilina


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Hope: The Rescue

Christmas Hope: The Rescue by ric Gustafson


According to Luke 19:10, the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. After the sin of Adam and Eve, God lamented the loss of fellowship with his people. There was only one solution to restore that relationship. God sent his only Son to seek and save those who are lost. Without the birth of Jesus and his death on the cross, we would be eternally lost. We need to be thankful that God loved us so much he sent his Son to save us.


research help: ' The Hope of Christmas' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ben Hur prelude: the Roman World

Ben Hur prelude: the Roman world by ric Gustafson


The Senate in Rome threw out King Tarquin in 509 BC. The Senate made up of aristocrats would begin to govern Rome. Rome became a Roman Republic. The Republic conquered cities all over Italy. In time, Rome would control most of the Mediterranean. A man named Julius Caesar became dictator for life. Octavian, Caesar's son, became the first Roman emperor. During the reign of Caesar Augustus, Jesus Christ was born.
When the Romans conquered an area, sometimes they left the current ruler in charge. Judea, where Jesus was born, was ruled by King Herod.


research help: ' The World of Ben Hur' by Mike Aquilina


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Hope: A Fragile Gift

Christmas Hope: A Fragile Gift by ric Gustafson


If we give a fragile gift, we mark on the box ' Fragile'. God sent us a fragile gift. This gift was his son Jesus. According to Luke 2, Mary was probably tired and insecure. This was her first child and he was born in unsanitary conditions. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.
Why did God choose such a way for his son to be born here?. Jesus had to be like us. His son had to be born fragile in order to save us. God loves us and took the risk. Praise God.


research help: ' The Hope of Christmas' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Hope: The Perfect Gift

Christmas Hope: The Perfect Gift by ric Gustafson


According to Psalm 96:8, we are to give to the Lord the glory he deserves. Everything that we have comes from God. According to Romans 12:1, we are to give back to God what he has given to us. God has given all of us special abilities. When we give back to God what he has given to us, we give God the perfect gift. This gift is ourselves.


research help: ' The Hope of Christmas' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Carols: Away In a Manger

Christmas Carols: Away In a Manger by ric Gustafson


At first, it was thought that this timeless Christmas carol was written by Martin Luther himself.  A different theory is that the carol was originated among German Lutherans in Pennsylvania around 1885. A modern version was printed by Herbert Werneke in 1934. This carol has been sung by all ages at Christmas for a long time. Praise God.

The End


research help: ' Christmas School' by Miranda Sherman


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Hope: God is at work

Christmas Hope:  God is at work by ric Gustafson


According to Acts 17:23, the Apostle Paul is addressing the council in Athens. He is talking about a shrine dedicated to an Unknown God. He says ' this God whom you worship without knowing is the one I'm telling you about'. Paul explains that God is at work among people of all nations. That people would feel their way toward him. That people would find God, live, move and exist. We need to be alert for Jesus's presence when we least expect it. Praise God.


research help:  ' The Hope of Christmas' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Carols: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Christmas Carols: Hark the Herald Angels Sing by ric Gustafson


This timeless Christmas carol was composed by Charles Wesley. Wesley was born in 1707 and died in 1788. He wrote over 8000 hymns. At the age of 13, he started formal school and eventually graduated with a Master's degree from Oxford. Wesley wrote more hymns than any other person in history. Wesley and his brother started the Methodist Church. Praise God.


research help: ' Christmas School' by Miranda Sherman


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Hope: Great Joy

Christmas Hope: Great Joy by ric Gustafson


Luke 2:10 says I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. According to Luke 2, the time came for her baby to be born. Mary gave birth to her first born son. She wrapped him in strips of cloth. He was laid in a manger because there was no lodging available for them. One day, we will be with Jesus in heaven forever. Praise God.


research help: ' The Hope of Christmas' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Roman Road: Romans 6:23

the Roman Road: Romans 6:23 by ric Gustafson


Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. This verse explains that the wages of sin is death. It also explains that the gift of God is eternal life. Wages is what we get for what we do. Because of sin, we deserve eternal death. God gives is a gift, eternal life. This gift comes in the form of Jesus Christ our Lord.


research help: ' 100 Bible Verses' by Robert J Morgan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Carols: Joy to the World

Christmas Carols: Joy to the World by ric Gustafson


In 1719, Isaac Watts of England penned the words to a classic Christmas carol. Isaac became a pastor and wrote many hymns and carols. The music for this timeless carol was composed by Handel. At age 24, Isaac Watts became an ordained minister. Because of illness, Watts lived with Sir Thomas Abney and his wife for the rest of his life. His published works were from 1707 to 1732.


research help: ' Christmas School' by Miranda Sherman


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Hope: Father Christmas

Christmas Hope: Father Christmas by ric Gustafson


There is a Father who is timeless. According to Colossians 1:15, he existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation. This is God the Father. According to John 10:30, the Father and Jesus are one. This is the real truth of the Christmas story. Jesus is Lord over everything because everything was created through him and for him. Praise God.


research help: ' The Hope of Christmas' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmss Carols: O Come All Ye Faithful

Christmas Carols: O Come All Ye Faithful by ric Gustafson


John Wade was born in 1710. He was a composer and was forced to flee a rebellion in 1745. He moved to France and taught music. One day, he wrote some lyrics and titled his song ' Adeste Fideles'. This was Latin for ' O Come All Ye Faithful'. One day, John Reading wrote the music for the song. ' O Come All Ye Faithful' was published in 1751. In the 1840's, the words to this classic Christmas song was reworked one last time.


research help:  ' Christmas School' by Miranda Sherman


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Roman Road: Romans 3:23

the Roman Road: Romans 3:23 by ric Gustafson


There are five verses in the Book of Romans which give an outline of God's plan of salvation for us. The first verse is Romans 3:23.  This verse says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. All of us have sinned and have fallen short of the expectations of God. Because of our many sins, we are separated from God. Because of Jesus, we have the good news of salvation.
Praise God.


research help: ' 100 Bible Verses' by Robert J Morgan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Hope: celebrating a birthday

Christmas Hope: celebrating a birthday by ric Gustafson


Luke 2:11 says that the Savior yes the Messiah the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem the city of David. Instead of a normal birthday, we celebrate Jesus's birth as a child. The birth of Jesus was the greatest event in human history. This tiny baby was God in human form. We need to stand in awe of this beautiful baby who later on in life died for our sins so we could live in heaven forever.
Praise God.


research help: ' The Hope of Christmas' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the birth of Jesus page 18

the birth of Jesus page 18 by ric Gustafson


One day, an angel tells Joseph that King Herod had died. The angel informs them that they could come home. Normally, they would have returned to Bethlehem. But Joseph hears that Herod Archelaus was to inherit the throne. Because of this, Joseph decides to bring his family to Nazareth. They travel over three hundred miles through Gaza, Ashkelon, Joppa and Megiddo. The entire walk to Nazareth lasted a couple of weeks. Once they reached their destination, it was home for the rest of Jesus's childhood and into his adulthood. Praise God.

The End


research help: ' The Birth of Jesus' by Centennial Media


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Hope: Jesus saves us

Christmas Hope: Jesus saves us by ric Gustafson


According to Matthew 1:21, an angel of the Lord told Joseph that Mary was to have a son and to name him Jesus. Jesus means ' Joshua' which means ' the Lord saves'. The angel said that Jesus would save his people from their sins. Jesus came to turn our darkness into light and bring us salvation.
Praise God.


research help: ' The Hope of Christmas' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the birth of Jesus page 17

the birth of Jesus page 17 by ric Gustafson


King Herod waited for the Magi to return. When he found out that they had had gone back a different way, he flew into a rage. At the same time, an angel tells Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and their son. They leave that same evening. A spy for Herod finds out that the Magi had already left the village. Still fuming, Herod orders that all male children under two years of age are murdered. This is called the ' Massacre of the Innocents'. The journey was about two hundred miles on a route south to Hebron, west and then south into Egypt.


research help: ' The Birth of Jesus' by Centennial Media


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas Hope: God welcomes us

Christmas Hope:  God welcomes us by ric Gustafson


Romans 15:13 says that God is the source of hope. As an outsider, we hope that someone will welcome us in. God invites us in as part of his family. God's hospitality gives us a new home. Because of Jesus, anyone is welcome into God's family. God gladly invites us and everyone to join his family with confident hope.


research help: ' The hope of Christmas' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: 2nd Timothy 3:16

bible verses: 2 Timothy 3:16 by ric Gustafson


This verse talks about the inspiration and authority of God's Word. John 3:16 and 2 Timothy 3:16 talk about God's Word. This bible verse talks about God's written Word. God's Word is unique and is like no other book in the world. Jesus was both human and divine. God's Word is without error. God's Word is Jesus. Jesus is the fulfillment of God's Word. Praise God.


research help: ' 100 Bible Verses' by Robert J Morgan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the birth of Jesus page 16

the birth of Jesus page 16 by ric Gustafson


Bethlehem means ' House of Bread'. The history of this village is filled with different religions and regimes. John 7:42 says that Jesus Christ came from the offspring of David and came from Bethlehem. This small place six miles south of Jerusalem is the city of David. In Micah 5:1-4, it was prophesied that a Messiah would come from this small village.
Today, Bethlehem is under Palestinian control. But the importance of the birth of the Lamb of God will never change. Praise God.


research help: Portals of Prayer December 2017


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: John 3:16

bible verses: John 3:16 by ric Gustafson


John 3:16 says ' for God loved the world in this way, he gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. It is the most well known passage in God's Word. The message is plain and simple. If we believe in God and his Son we will have eternal life. If we don't, we perish. I am a believer in God and Jesus. I will have eternal life. Will you?
Praise God.


research help: ' 100 Bible Verses' by Robert J Morgan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the birth of Jesus page 15

the birth of Jesus page 15 by ric Gustafson


A star went before the Magi until it came and stood over where Jesus was. When they entered where Jesus and his mother were, they fell down and worshiped him. Jesus is now a young child. Jesus is wrapped in a blanket. They opened their treasures. The three gave gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus. They gave gold to symbolize kingship and worth. In frankincense, Jesus is recognized in a priestly order. Myrrh was given to show what would happen to Jesus later in life. The Magi leave. In a dream, God warns them not to return to Herod. They travel home on a different route.


research help: ' The Birth of Jesus' by Centennial Media


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: John 1:14

bible verses: John 1:14 by ric Gustafson


We live in the tents of our bodies and wait for resurrection day. When Jesus took on flesh, he pitched his tent along with ours. The term ' took up residence' refers to tenting. John 1:14 refers to incarnation.  God the Son became flesh and took up residence in us. Jesus is the God who made us. Jesus is the one who sustains us. Jesus is our Savior and redeemed us. Jesus dwells among us. Jesus is the one who blesses us.


research help: ' 100 Bible Verses' by Robert J Morgan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the birth of Jesus page 14

the birth of Jesus page 14 by ric Gustafson


After returning from Jerusalem with Jesus, Mary and Joseph have surprise visitors from a foreign land. These wise men from the east were called Magi. Three to possibly twelve men on camels came. They were following the Star of Bethlehem and it settled right where they needed to go. There were soldiers and slaves with them. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they caused quite a stir. When they arrived, King Herod was troubled. They asked " where is the child who was born King of the Jews?". Herod found out it was Bethlehem. They tell Herod that they have seen the child's star and have come to worship him. Herod asks the Magi to report back to him after they have found the child. Herod had a different motive in mind. The Magi leave.


research help: ' The Birth of Jesus' by Centennial Media


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: John 1:1

bible verses:  John 1:1 by ric Gustafson


John 1:1 says in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. This verse proclaims that Jesus Christ is the Word was God. Also, Jesus was with God in the beginning. In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God. The Word was God.
Praise God.


research help: ' 100 bible verses' by Robert J Morgan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the birth of Jesus page 13

the birth of Jesus page 13 by ric Gustafson


On the eighth day of a Jewish boy's life, he is circumcised and named. It was likely performed by Joseph or a village rabbi. After the boy's thirty first day, he would be declared a firstborn by a priest. After forty days, the boy would go through the rite of purification.
At the Temple, the parents and Jesus were greeted by someone named Simeon. He was a just and devout man. He spent a lot of time in the Temple. He was influenced by the Holy Spirit. He was patiently waiting for the promised Messiah.
A woman named Anna was also at the Temple. She was a prophetess and descended from the tribe of Asher. Both knew that Jesus was the Messiah they were waiting for.


research help: ' The Birth of Jesus' by Centennial Media


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Genesis 1:1

bible verses:  Genesis 1:1 by ric Gustafson


In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The Holy Bible begins with these ten words. This is the foundation of God's Word. God creates, he speaks and gives hope. This bible verse gives us hope for our Christian faith. This bible verse gives us a route for our faith. It shows us where we are going. God has a purpose for our lives here on this sinful earth. Without God and his Word, we are lost and adrift. Praise God for Genesis 1:1 and his mighty Word.


research help: ' 100 Bible Verses' by Robert J Morgan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the birth of Jesus page 12

the birth of Jesus page 12 by ric Gustafson


When Jesus was born, shepherds were out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks. An angel appeared to them. It was a dark night when the angel appeared. The shepherds were fearful, dazzled and confused. They were asking themselves Who is it? and What is this?.
The angel replied " fear not". The angel said that ' for onto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord". All of human history had been waiting for this moment. God had promised him and prophets had predicted him. The Shepherds were told that the baby would be in swaddling clothes. After observing a host of angels, the shepherds left to find this miracle.


research help: ' The Birth of Jesus' by Centennial Media


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the birth of Jesus page 11

the birth of Jesus page 11 by ric Gustafson


Many people helped Mary as she gave birth to Jesus. If a midwife was not present, older women would of helped with the birth. Joseph likely was by Mary's side. He would of waited until Jesus was cleaned off to hold him. Jesus was Joseph's first born son. News would of traveled quickly through the town. Angels were waiting patiently for the birth.
A battle and cosmic story was taking place which would affect mankind forever.


research help: ' The Birth of Jesus' by Centennial Media


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the birth of Jesus page 10

the birth of Jesus page 10 by ric Gustafson


According to historical records, it is likely that there was a census at the time of Jesus's birth. Questions have risen about the governorship of Quirinius at this time. According to Luke, he was at this time.
There are several reasons for a Roman census. One motive is to ensure taxation through a poll tax. Another reason is to be able to allocate military conscription based om population. A third reason is that God wanted Joseph and Mary to register in Bethlehem because of prophecy. Scholars are not sure which route the couple traveled. One route bypassed Samaria and they would have traveled east, south and then west. The more likely route was straight south . The path was called ' the Way of the Patriarchs'. This route was well traveled by caravans and large groups of people.


research help: ' The Birth of Jesus' by Centennial Media


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the birth of Jesus page 9

the birth of Jesus page 9 by ric Gustafson


Joseph was waiting for his betrothed. He was working and preparing a home for them. Then the worst news he could of gotten happened. Mary was pregnant. Joseph had to make a quick decision. He could give her a public divorce with horrible consequences for Mary. Joseph decided to give her a quiet divorce and save her from pain and humiliation.
One night while dreaming, an angel comes to him. The angel comforts Joseph and tells him not to worry. He explains to Joseph that Mary's pregnancy was done by the Holy Spirit. The angel tells Joseph that his new son shall be called Jesus. God had planned this since the foundation of the world.
Joseph was convinced. He took Mary to be his wife.


research help: ' The Birth of Jesus' by Centennial Media


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Merry Christmas from the Birds of the Bible Museum page 3

Merry Christmas from the Birds of the Bible Museum page 3 by ric Gustafson


" Right this way". The group stopped in front of a large display. It was a large majestic bird in flight.
One of the girls squealed. " What kind of bird is that?".
The father grinned. " An eagle".
" That's correct". Betty smiled. " The eagle represents authority and strength". She pointed at the bird's talons. " The talons of a crown eagle  can exert 480 pounds per square inch?".
The wife smiled. " Are there any bible verses talking about an eagle?".
" Yes Isaiah 40:31 talks about waiting on the Lord and mounting up on wings like eagles".
The father grinned. " Are there any other bible references?".
" Exodus 19:4 says that God bore us up on eagle's wings".


research help: thebibleandanimals.org


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the birth of Jesus page 8

the birth of Jesus page 8 by ric Gustafson


After her encounter with the angel Gabriel, Mary walks about eighty miles to visit Elizabeth. When she arrives, Zacharias is still mute. She walks up to Elizabeth and greets her. The baby leaped in Elizabeth's womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth declares Mary to be blessed among all women and the mother of my Lord. Mary spends three months with Zacharias and Elizabeth.


research help: ' The Birth of Jesus' by Centennial Media


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric