Colossians 3:12: Chosen by ric Gustafson
At the start of this bible verse, it states that we are God's chosen people. Through Jesus, we are made holy before we are patient, loving, kind and forgiving. The Apostle Paul in this verse proclaims that God chose us. God created us to be chosen. God chose me after being searched and known. The fact is that God chose you and me to be his forever. Praise God.
research help: ' The Fitting Room' by Kelly Minter
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
I was there page 8
I was there page 8 by ric Gustafson
It was one in the afternoon on Tuesday April 4. I was at the Fish Gate making final preparations for Herod to arrive. Tether lines had to be inspected. I ordered one of my men to the stables at the Hippodrome. My thinking about this Jesus was that he was dangerous. Near the gate, I noticed the young boy whose leg was healed by that Jesus. He was running and jumping with joy.
Just then, one of my men reported in.
" Flavius Sir". His voice hesitated. " Herod is coming at four this afternoon".
I scratched my chin. " Which way is he coming?".
" Through the Fish Gate".
" Ok".
" One more thing Sir". He pointed toward the merchants crowded near the gate. " We have been ordered to clear these merchants away from this gate".
" Ok".
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It was one in the afternoon on Tuesday April 4. I was at the Fish Gate making final preparations for Herod to arrive. Tether lines had to be inspected. I ordered one of my men to the stables at the Hippodrome. My thinking about this Jesus was that he was dangerous. Near the gate, I noticed the young boy whose leg was healed by that Jesus. He was running and jumping with joy.
Just then, one of my men reported in.
" Flavius Sir". His voice hesitated. " Herod is coming at four this afternoon".
I scratched my chin. " Which way is he coming?".
" Through the Fish Gate".
" Ok".
" One more thing Sir". He pointed toward the merchants crowded near the gate. " We have been ordered to clear these merchants away from this gate".
" Ok".
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lent 2018 Feb 28
Lent 2018 Feb 28 by ric Gustafson
Peace is a gift from Jesus. It flows from his throne of grace. Jesus's peace never ends. Jesus's peace for us is sufficient. According to the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4, he says do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Praise God.
research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Peace is a gift from Jesus. It flows from his throne of grace. Jesus's peace never ends. Jesus's peace for us is sufficient. According to the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4, he says do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Praise God.
research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Lent 2018 Feb 27
Lent 2018 Feb 27 by ric Gustafson
Heaven is here and eternal. Jesus wants to hold our hand as we walk along our spiritual pathway. When Jesus holds our hand and walks with us, it is heaven right here. We can witness heaven here. Sunshine, birds, flowers, trees and skies show us God's beauty. At the end of our spiritual journey is heaven with God and Jesus. Only Jesus knows when our journey here is over. We can have peace and joy here. We will have peace and joy in heaven.
research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Heaven is here and eternal. Jesus wants to hold our hand as we walk along our spiritual pathway. When Jesus holds our hand and walks with us, it is heaven right here. We can witness heaven here. Sunshine, birds, flowers, trees and skies show us God's beauty. At the end of our spiritual journey is heaven with God and Jesus. Only Jesus knows when our journey here is over. We can have peace and joy here. We will have peace and joy in heaven.
research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I was there page 7
I was there page 7 by ric Gustafson
It was noon on Tuesday April 4. I had just arrived at the Antonia Fortress. I told the six men with me to make room for Herod's troops near the Serpent's Pool. I walked up a flight of stairs to see Pontius Pilate. He was eating a meal of cooked cheese. He saw me walk in.
" Ah Flavius". He waved me over to a nearby chair. " So tell me about this subversive you've been observing".
" He's a rabbi from Galilee". my voice lowered. " His name is Jesus of Nazareth".
Pilate kept eating. " So tell me about this rabbi?".
" He caused a huge stir Sunday when he entered the city".
" So what did you do?".
" I decided to have him followed".
Pilate kept eating. " So what has he been preaching?".
" A lot of people believe he is the Messiah".
" A Messiah!". He gave Flavius a strange stare. " I hope he will not interfere with Herod's visit".
" No". Flavius stood up. " Herod will be dining with you at the Praetorium later today".
" Good".
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It was noon on Tuesday April 4. I had just arrived at the Antonia Fortress. I told the six men with me to make room for Herod's troops near the Serpent's Pool. I walked up a flight of stairs to see Pontius Pilate. He was eating a meal of cooked cheese. He saw me walk in.
" Ah Flavius". He waved me over to a nearby chair. " So tell me about this subversive you've been observing".
" He's a rabbi from Galilee". my voice lowered. " His name is Jesus of Nazareth".
Pilate kept eating. " So tell me about this rabbi?".
" He caused a huge stir Sunday when he entered the city".
" So what did you do?".
" I decided to have him followed".
Pilate kept eating. " So what has he been preaching?".
" A lot of people believe he is the Messiah".
" A Messiah!". He gave Flavius a strange stare. " I hope he will not interfere with Herod's visit".
" No". Flavius stood up. " Herod will be dining with you at the Praetorium later today".
" Good".
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, February 25, 2018
He is Risen: Our Savior cares
He is Risen: Our Savior cares by ric Gustafson
John 16: 22 says that I will see you again then you will rejoice and no one can rob you of that joy. In our lives, we will have pain. Jesus told his disciples that we will weep and mourn but the world will rejoice. Then Jesus tells us that our grief will turn to joy. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming Messiah. Jesus knows our pain. He knows about it because he lived it. One day, our grief will be turned into joy. Praise God
research help: ' He is Risen' by Our Daily Bread
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
John 16: 22 says that I will see you again then you will rejoice and no one can rob you of that joy. In our lives, we will have pain. Jesus told his disciples that we will weep and mourn but the world will rejoice. Then Jesus tells us that our grief will turn to joy. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming Messiah. Jesus knows our pain. He knows about it because he lived it. One day, our grief will be turned into joy. Praise God
research help: ' He is Risen' by Our Daily Bread
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lent 2018 Feb 25
Lent 2018 Feb 25 by ric Gustafson
In Luke 11, Jesus explains that if our body is full of light and not darkness we will be illumined. Our human bodies fail over time and it can make us sad and depressed. Jesus does not want us to worry about being judged by others. What only matters is how God and Jesus see us. How they feel about us is eternal.
Jesus does not look at our bodies but our hearts. As the body falls apart, we are more beautiful to God. Jesus sees us for eternity not the here and now.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In Luke 11, Jesus explains that if our body is full of light and not darkness we will be illumined. Our human bodies fail over time and it can make us sad and depressed. Jesus does not want us to worry about being judged by others. What only matters is how God and Jesus see us. How they feel about us is eternal.
Jesus does not look at our bodies but our hearts. As the body falls apart, we are more beautiful to God. Jesus sees us for eternity not the here and now.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, February 23, 2018
Lent 2018 Feb 23
Lent 2018 Feb 23 by ric Gustafson
According to Mark 9:2, Jesus was transformed in front of Peter, James and John. Some people would call this a mountaintop moment. As they reached the summit of the mountain, Jesus changed before their eyes. His whole body radiated in glory. All of a sudden, Moses and Elijah are walking with Jesus. Then they are gone. The Transfiguration of Jesus is a turning point in his ministry. We are to live out our faith in action by listening to Jesus and see the glory of God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Mark 9:2, Jesus was transformed in front of Peter, James and John. Some people would call this a mountaintop moment. As they reached the summit of the mountain, Jesus changed before their eyes. His whole body radiated in glory. All of a sudden, Moses and Elijah are walking with Jesus. Then they are gone. The Transfiguration of Jesus is a turning point in his ministry. We are to live out our faith in action by listening to Jesus and see the glory of God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, February 22, 2018
He is Risen: Jesus sets us free
He is Risen: Jesus sets us free by ric Gustafson
According to John 8: 36, if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. We fight a daily battle. We are enslaved and unable to fight for ourselves. Our slavery is brokenness and sin. Everyone who sins is a slave to sin. By trusting Jesus, we can be free indeed. Praise God.
research help: ' He is Risen' by Our Daily Bread
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to John 8: 36, if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. We fight a daily battle. We are enslaved and unable to fight for ourselves. Our slavery is brokenness and sin. Everyone who sins is a slave to sin. By trusting Jesus, we can be free indeed. Praise God.
research help: ' He is Risen' by Our Daily Bread
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I was there page 6
I was there page 6 by ric Gustafson
It was five in the morning on Tuesday April 4. I had woken up from a dream. I dressed and then walked to the Gentile court of the temple. Eventually, Jesus came. Our eyes met and it was as if he could see right through me. I was still preparing for Herod to arrive that afternoon. Plans were being worked out for his ceremonial route. Normally, he would of been welcomed to the city by Pontius Pilate. Then Herod would go to his palace on the eastern edge of the city.
Normally, he would make his entrance to the city through the Gennath Gate. This time, he might enter through the Fish Gate. Midmorning, myself and my men checked out both routes. I rode north on the Caesarea highway and then stopped at a spot called Golgotha. It's nickname is ' The Skull'. I noticed three poles already in place. This was my assignment for Friday.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It was five in the morning on Tuesday April 4. I had woken up from a dream. I dressed and then walked to the Gentile court of the temple. Eventually, Jesus came. Our eyes met and it was as if he could see right through me. I was still preparing for Herod to arrive that afternoon. Plans were being worked out for his ceremonial route. Normally, he would of been welcomed to the city by Pontius Pilate. Then Herod would go to his palace on the eastern edge of the city.
Normally, he would make his entrance to the city through the Gennath Gate. This time, he might enter through the Fish Gate. Midmorning, myself and my men checked out both routes. I rode north on the Caesarea highway and then stopped at a spot called Golgotha. It's nickname is ' The Skull'. I noticed three poles already in place. This was my assignment for Friday.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lent 2018 Feb 22
Lent 2018 Feb 22 by ric Gustafson
In John 3:17, Jesus says he did not send his Son to condemn the world but to save it. The Holy Spirit renews and renovates us from the inside out. God sees us as a new self in him. God is not a punishing God. God is a saving God. Jesus is our Savior. Jesus wants to be with us always. All we have to do is ask him and he will spend time with us. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace February 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In John 3:17, Jesus says he did not send his Son to condemn the world but to save it. The Holy Spirit renews and renovates us from the inside out. God sees us as a new self in him. God is not a punishing God. God is a saving God. Jesus is our Savior. Jesus wants to be with us always. All we have to do is ask him and he will spend time with us. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace February 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
I was there page 5
I was there page 5 by ric Gustafson
It was one in the afternoon on Monday April 3. I knew that the blind boy who was healed in front of me begged at the Fish Gate. By observing this Jesus, I could tell he was not who I thought he was. I was worried what this Jesus would do after the miracles that I witnessed first hand. I knew that more troops were coming when Herod came to visit. Right now, all I could do was watch his every move.
I spent the afternoon preparing for Herod to arrive. He was coming with two hundred foot soldiers, a hundred spear men and other troops.
Luckily, I was able to get to sleep later that night.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It was one in the afternoon on Monday April 3. I knew that the blind boy who was healed in front of me begged at the Fish Gate. By observing this Jesus, I could tell he was not who I thought he was. I was worried what this Jesus would do after the miracles that I witnessed first hand. I knew that more troops were coming when Herod came to visit. Right now, all I could do was watch his every move.
I spent the afternoon preparing for Herod to arrive. He was coming with two hundred foot soldiers, a hundred spear men and other troops.
Luckily, I was able to get to sleep later that night.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lent 2018 Feb 21
Lent 2018 Feb 21 by ric Gustafson
Sometimes transition in our lives can be discomforting. The Israelites went through that for forty years. They grumbled, complained and refused to let go of their old ways. We do the same during transition in our lives. We refuse to let go of sin, anger and hatred. We get scared, fearful and consumed by our past. We need to ask Jesus for the chance to open up and change.
Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary For Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sometimes transition in our lives can be discomforting. The Israelites went through that for forty years. They grumbled, complained and refused to let go of their old ways. We do the same during transition in our lives. We refuse to let go of sin, anger and hatred. We get scared, fearful and consumed by our past. We need to ask Jesus for the chance to open up and change.
Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary For Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
He is Risen: a gift from Jesus
He is Risen: a gift from Jesus by ric Gustafson
After their last supper together, Jesus promises his disciples a gift. In John 14:27, he proclaims that he is leaving them a gift peace of mind and heart. Jesus was preparing them for his death and resurrection. He told them they would have trouble in the world. Jesus promised them the Spirit of truth. The Spirit of truth would live in them and be in them. The Spirit would comfort them and he would give them his peace. He told them not to be afraid. He promised them that the Spirit would never leave them. Praise God.
research help: ' He is Risen' by Our Daily Bread
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
After their last supper together, Jesus promises his disciples a gift. In John 14:27, he proclaims that he is leaving them a gift peace of mind and heart. Jesus was preparing them for his death and resurrection. He told them they would have trouble in the world. Jesus promised them the Spirit of truth. The Spirit of truth would live in them and be in them. The Spirit would comfort them and he would give them his peace. He told them not to be afraid. He promised them that the Spirit would never leave them. Praise God.
research help: ' He is Risen' by Our Daily Bread
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lent 2018 Feb 20
Lent 2018 Feb 20 by ric Gustafson
After Jesus's baptism in the Jordan River, he was in the wilderness. Luke 4:1 says that he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. For Jesus it was forty days of discomfort, waiting, fasting and transformation. For Jesus it was forty days of trial and temptation. The wilderness was to show Jesus how he had to prepare for his ministry. He had to wrestle with his calling. Jesus had to focus on his Father's presence and power. Have we prepared for what's coming next in our spiritual journey?.
Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
After Jesus's baptism in the Jordan River, he was in the wilderness. Luke 4:1 says that he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. For Jesus it was forty days of discomfort, waiting, fasting and transformation. For Jesus it was forty days of trial and temptation. The wilderness was to show Jesus how he had to prepare for his ministry. He had to wrestle with his calling. Jesus had to focus on his Father's presence and power. Have we prepared for what's coming next in our spiritual journey?.
Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, February 19, 2018
He is Risen: Jesus the lamb of God
He is Risen: Jesus the lamb of God by ric Gustafson
Jesus is righteous. When Jesus came into this world, John the Baptist called him the Lamb of God. According to John 1:29, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Our sin separates us from God. Because he loves us so much, he sent his only son to be an offering for us. Jesus the Lamb sacrificed himself and shed his blood. He makes us righteous which puts us in a right relationship with God. Jesus's gift to us is to be right with God.
Praise God.
research help: ' He is Risen' by Our Daily Bread
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus is righteous. When Jesus came into this world, John the Baptist called him the Lamb of God. According to John 1:29, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Our sin separates us from God. Because he loves us so much, he sent his only son to be an offering for us. Jesus the Lamb sacrificed himself and shed his blood. He makes us righteous which puts us in a right relationship with God. Jesus's gift to us is to be right with God.
Praise God.
research help: ' He is Risen' by Our Daily Bread
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I was there page 4
I was there page 4 by ric Gustafson
I walked up to the temple grounds. I entered the Court of the Gentiles. This was as far as I could go at the risk of death. This Jesus was there with a large group of people. Looking at him, I could tell he was not happy. He yelled at the money changers that his Father's house had been turned into a den of thieves. Then he walked over and began to turn over their tables. Then he walked over and toppled the dove cages. Frightened merchants ran for the exit. Temple guards were dumbfounded. Then he exclaimed that the temple should be used as a house of prayer.
Jesus noticed a young boy walking with a crutch. Jesus walked over and put his hands on his leg. It healed instantly. Then a young blind boy came to Jesus. His family told Jesus that he had been that way since age 5. Jesus put his hand over the empty socket and restored the eye.
Just then, a delegation from the high priest arrived. They had heard about the commotion and came to investigate. The crowd dispersed along with Jesus.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I walked up to the temple grounds. I entered the Court of the Gentiles. This was as far as I could go at the risk of death. This Jesus was there with a large group of people. Looking at him, I could tell he was not happy. He yelled at the money changers that his Father's house had been turned into a den of thieves. Then he walked over and began to turn over their tables. Then he walked over and toppled the dove cages. Frightened merchants ran for the exit. Temple guards were dumbfounded. Then he exclaimed that the temple should be used as a house of prayer.
Jesus noticed a young boy walking with a crutch. Jesus walked over and put his hands on his leg. It healed instantly. Then a young blind boy came to Jesus. His family told Jesus that he had been that way since age 5. Jesus put his hand over the empty socket and restored the eye.
Just then, a delegation from the high priest arrived. They had heard about the commotion and came to investigate. The crowd dispersed along with Jesus.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lent 2018 Feb 19
Lent 2018 Feb 19 by ric Gustafson
There are times and places in our lives when we have silent solitary moments. There is a thin barrier between the human and the divine. Jesus had that experience at the River Jordan. This was a time for healing and transformation. When Jesus comes out of the water, the skies burst open and the Holy Spirit will descend on him like a dove. Is there a place where you have experienced God's presence?. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide my life. Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
There are times and places in our lives when we have silent solitary moments. There is a thin barrier between the human and the divine. Jesus had that experience at the River Jordan. This was a time for healing and transformation. When Jesus comes out of the water, the skies burst open and the Holy Spirit will descend on him like a dove. Is there a place where you have experienced God's presence?. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide my life. Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Lent 2018 Feb 18
Lent 2018 Feb 18 by ric Gustafson
Before Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days, he was baptized by John in the Jordan river. As a Christian, we think about death and new life. According to Romans 6:4, we were buried with him through baptism into his death. Jesus wants us to dying to ourselves and rising to a new life in Jesus.
Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Before Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days, he was baptized by John in the Jordan river. As a Christian, we think about death and new life. According to Romans 6:4, we were buried with him through baptism into his death. Jesus wants us to dying to ourselves and rising to a new life in Jesus.
Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Lent 2018 Feb 17
Lent 2018 Feb 17 by ric Gustafson
According to Joel chapter 2, it says to gather the people and prepare a holy meeting. The land at this time was being ravaged by locusts. These insects were destroying trees, vines, crops and grasses. But the prophet Joel hears from the Lord. All the people young and old were to gather together in an act of communal repentance.
All of us need forgiveness and redemption. We all are dust and will return that way. We need to repent together. We need to express to Jesus our need for salvation. Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Joel chapter 2, it says to gather the people and prepare a holy meeting. The land at this time was being ravaged by locusts. These insects were destroying trees, vines, crops and grasses. But the prophet Joel hears from the Lord. All the people young and old were to gather together in an act of communal repentance.
All of us need forgiveness and redemption. We all are dust and will return that way. We need to repent together. We need to express to Jesus our need for salvation. Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, February 16, 2018
I was there page 3
I was there page 3 by ric Gustafson
It was eight in the morning on Monday April 3. My men and I were in charge of the Golden Gate. This gate is also called the Messiah Gate. According to prophecy, the Jewish Messiah would one day arrive and make his entry there. It was the start of a busy market day. The tax collectors booth was already busy. People were flocking near the entrance to the gate to greet family and friends.
My sentries were in place and I had a foot patrol near the Kidron Valley. I wondered if this Jesus was coming back?.
All of a sudden, I noticed a young man in a white robe approach the gate. He was followed by several young men in beards and some women and children. They quickly walked through the gate and then began to walk toward the temple. I asked a passerby " Why all the excitement about one man?".
He smiled. " I was in Jericho and watched him heal a blind beggar".
Flavius looked stunned. " He healed him on the spot?".
The man smiled again. " Hosanna to the Son of David'.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It was eight in the morning on Monday April 3. My men and I were in charge of the Golden Gate. This gate is also called the Messiah Gate. According to prophecy, the Jewish Messiah would one day arrive and make his entry there. It was the start of a busy market day. The tax collectors booth was already busy. People were flocking near the entrance to the gate to greet family and friends.
My sentries were in place and I had a foot patrol near the Kidron Valley. I wondered if this Jesus was coming back?.
All of a sudden, I noticed a young man in a white robe approach the gate. He was followed by several young men in beards and some women and children. They quickly walked through the gate and then began to walk toward the temple. I asked a passerby " Why all the excitement about one man?".
He smiled. " I was in Jericho and watched him heal a blind beggar".
Flavius looked stunned. " He healed him on the spot?".
The man smiled again. " Hosanna to the Son of David'.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lent 2018 Feb 16
Lent 2018 Feb 16 by ric Gustafson
According to Matthew 6:5, when we pray we are not to be like hypocrites. Jesus in this passage is asking us to stop pretending to be religious just because we are in public. Jesus is calling us to repent of our outward trappings of religion that demonstrate little or no faith.
Jesus proclaims that we are dust, sinful and that we need help. My prayer is that Jesus will teach us how to live our faith in this sinful world. Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Matthew 6:5, when we pray we are not to be like hypocrites. Jesus in this passage is asking us to stop pretending to be religious just because we are in public. Jesus is calling us to repent of our outward trappings of religion that demonstrate little or no faith.
Jesus proclaims that we are dust, sinful and that we need help. My prayer is that Jesus will teach us how to live our faith in this sinful world. Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary for Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, February 15, 2018
I was there page 2
I was there page 2 by ric Gustafson
It was one in the morning on Monday April 3. I could not sleep. I had found out that this donkey King was Jesus of Nazareth. This Jesus seemed like a man with a purpose. I was restless because I was wondering what his next move was. I had doubled my men on duty. I had noticed that he had already left the city. I had heard that he was going to visit friends in nearby Bethany. I figured that an overnight coup was not in his plans. I was upset because some of my men had been killed by a terrorist named Barabbas.
Wide awake, I went out onto the balcony. All I could hear was the chirping of crickets. I decided to go back in. Finally later, I went back to sleep.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It was one in the morning on Monday April 3. I could not sleep. I had found out that this donkey King was Jesus of Nazareth. This Jesus seemed like a man with a purpose. I was restless because I was wondering what his next move was. I had doubled my men on duty. I had noticed that he had already left the city. I had heard that he was going to visit friends in nearby Bethany. I figured that an overnight coup was not in his plans. I was upset because some of my men had been killed by a terrorist named Barabbas.
Wide awake, I went out onto the balcony. All I could hear was the chirping of crickets. I decided to go back in. Finally later, I went back to sleep.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
He is Risen: the price of love
He is Risen: the price of love by ric Gustafson
We feel the pain of being separated from loved ones. The one who felt the ultimate separation was Jesus. He paid the price of love on the cross. Jesus was both human and God. Because of love, Jesus came to earth and was born as a little baby. He was abused by teachers, soldiers and the crowds. Because of love, he died as a perfect sacrifice for us on the cross. He stood in our place in front of his Father. Jesus loves us that much. Praise God.
research help: ' He is Risen' from Our Daily Bread
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We feel the pain of being separated from loved ones. The one who felt the ultimate separation was Jesus. He paid the price of love on the cross. Jesus was both human and God. Because of love, Jesus came to earth and was born as a little baby. He was abused by teachers, soldiers and the crowds. Because of love, he died as a perfect sacrifice for us on the cross. He stood in our place in front of his Father. Jesus loves us that much. Praise God.
research help: ' He is Risen' from Our Daily Bread
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lent 2018 Feb 15
Lent 2018 Feb 15 by ric Gustafson
Jesus exclaims in Luke 6 love your enemies and do good and lend expecting nothing in return and your reward will be great. Jesus knows that some people will not appreciate our help or charity. Then it is easy to feel hurt and dejected. Jesus understands our hurt and pain. Jesus's love for us is eternal and forever. While we care for someone we love, Jesus's love will flow through us. Because of Jesus, we will have joy and peace. The love from Jesus goes out from us to people we love and he loves.
Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus exclaims in Luke 6 love your enemies and do good and lend expecting nothing in return and your reward will be great. Jesus knows that some people will not appreciate our help or charity. Then it is easy to feel hurt and dejected. Jesus understands our hurt and pain. Jesus's love for us is eternal and forever. While we care for someone we love, Jesus's love will flow through us. Because of Jesus, we will have joy and peace. The love from Jesus goes out from us to people we love and he loves.
Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
I was there page 1
I was there page 1 by ric Gustafson
My name is Flavius Artemis. I am a centurion. It was four in the afternoon on Sunday April 2. I was witnessing something I had never seen before. Normally on this day, Passover pilgrims would be entering the city in caravans. This year was different.
I was standing on a wall watching as people were laying palm branches in front of someone coming into the city. He was sitting on a donkey and people were laying cloaks in front of him. The people were chanting " Hosanna to the Son of David". At that point, I figured I was witnessing the entry of a King.
I had extra soldiers posted all over the city. I wondered what to do next. I noticed that nobody in the large crowd was carrying any weapons. I watched the man the people were praising. There was something different about him. As he passed, a strange feeling came over me. I decided to do nothing and let everyone enter the city.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
My name is Flavius Artemis. I am a centurion. It was four in the afternoon on Sunday April 2. I was witnessing something I had never seen before. Normally on this day, Passover pilgrims would be entering the city in caravans. This year was different.
I was standing on a wall watching as people were laying palm branches in front of someone coming into the city. He was sitting on a donkey and people were laying cloaks in front of him. The people were chanting " Hosanna to the Son of David". At that point, I figured I was witnessing the entry of a King.
I had extra soldiers posted all over the city. I wondered what to do next. I noticed that nobody in the large crowd was carrying any weapons. I watched the man the people were praising. There was something different about him. As he passed, a strange feeling came over me. I decided to do nothing and let everyone enter the city.
research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
40 days with Jesus 1
40 days with Jesus 1 by ric Gustafson
Jesus says taste and see that I am good. Jesus is the living one who sees you and wants to be active in your life. Jesus wants to be a presence in our life. Sometimes his blessings come to us through trouble and pain. We need to trust Jesus. He will nor fail us.
We need to thank Jesus for his peace. Jesus uses peace to calm our fears and clear our minds. So we need to listen for Jesus. He will give us his peace. Praise God.
research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus says taste and see that I am good. Jesus is the living one who sees you and wants to be active in your life. Jesus wants to be a presence in our life. Sometimes his blessings come to us through trouble and pain. We need to trust Jesus. He will nor fail us.
We need to thank Jesus for his peace. Jesus uses peace to calm our fears and clear our minds. So we need to listen for Jesus. He will give us his peace. Praise God.
research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lent 2018 Feb 14
Lent 2018 Feb 14 by ric Gustafson
According to Matthew 18, where two or three are gathered in my name I'm there with them. This Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine's Day. Repentance is based on one on one encounters. God's love seeks the lost sheep. As we reflect on God's love in our life, we need to ask ourselves one question. Whom are we called to be in a relationship today?. Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary For Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Matthew 18, where two or three are gathered in my name I'm there with them. This Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine's Day. Repentance is based on one on one encounters. God's love seeks the lost sheep. As we reflect on God's love in our life, we need to ask ourselves one question. Whom are we called to be in a relationship today?. Praise God.
research help: ' The Sanctuary For Lent 2018' by Katie Dawson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Line 1 page 10
Line 1 page 10 by ric Gustafson
Jesse noticed that calls were coming in. " I would like to ask one more thing".
The voice cackled. " Sure".
Jesse took a sip of his coffee. " What are your plans for the future?".
" Well Jesse". The voice hesitated. " My goal is to try to fool everyone in the world to put their faith in me instead of that moron you call God".
" It would be your crowning moment".
" It would be my greatest victory against the Creator of the universe".
Jesse fingered his bible for strength. " And how would you accomplish that?".
" I will stamp the number 666 on all those who follow me".
" The mark".
" Yes". The voice hesitated. " And those who refuse it will die".
Jesse took a sip of coffee. " You do know that your end is coming".
" I know". The voice hesitated. " Until then I plan to spend my time hating and opposing your moronic God in any way that I can".
" So you will not change".
" Jesse, I refuse to change".
" Thank you for your time this morning".
" Thank you Jesse".
Line 1 went dead.
The End
research help: ' Interview with the Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesse noticed that calls were coming in. " I would like to ask one more thing".
The voice cackled. " Sure".
Jesse took a sip of his coffee. " What are your plans for the future?".
" Well Jesse". The voice hesitated. " My goal is to try to fool everyone in the world to put their faith in me instead of that moron you call God".
" It would be your crowning moment".
" It would be my greatest victory against the Creator of the universe".
Jesse fingered his bible for strength. " And how would you accomplish that?".
" I will stamp the number 666 on all those who follow me".
" The mark".
" Yes". The voice hesitated. " And those who refuse it will die".
Jesse took a sip of coffee. " You do know that your end is coming".
" I know". The voice hesitated. " Until then I plan to spend my time hating and opposing your moronic God in any way that I can".
" So you will not change".
" Jesse, I refuse to change".
" Thank you for your time this morning".
" Thank you Jesse".
Line 1 went dead.
The End
research help: ' Interview with the Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, February 12, 2018
Line 1 page 9
Line 1 page 9 by ric Gustafson
Jesse noticed that no calls were coming in. " Can you tell us how you snare Christians into sinning?".
" Sure". The voice cackled. " I ask three simple questions".
Jesse took a sip of his coffee. " And what are those?".
" The first question I ask is did God really say that?".
" You question God's Word".
" That's right".
" What's the second question?".
" Did God really mean that?".
" So you question God's judgment".
The voice cackled. " Very good Jesse".
" What's the third question?".
" Did God really want that?".
" You question God's love".
" That's right Jesse". The voice cackled loudly. " Works every time".
research help: ' Interview with the Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesse noticed that no calls were coming in. " Can you tell us how you snare Christians into sinning?".
" Sure". The voice cackled. " I ask three simple questions".
Jesse took a sip of his coffee. " And what are those?".
" The first question I ask is did God really say that?".
" You question God's Word".
" That's right".
" What's the second question?".
" Did God really mean that?".
" So you question God's judgment".
The voice cackled. " Very good Jesse".
" What's the third question?".
" Did God really want that?".
" You question God's love".
" That's right Jesse". The voice cackled loudly. " Works every time".
research help: ' Interview with the Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gratitude Feb 12
Gratitude Feb 12 by ric Gustafson
According to Colossians 3:13, the Apostle Paul says forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone forgive as the Lord forgave you. We are to forgive others even if they do not do the same. When we do not forgive, our Christian hearts grieve and lose joy. When we don't forgive someone, we hurt ourselves. We need Jesus for our troubled hearts. Jesus will mend our broken hearts and put us right again. We need to give Jesus thanks in gratitude for coming and mending our sinful broken hearts. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Colossians 3:13, the Apostle Paul says forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone forgive as the Lord forgave you. We are to forgive others even if they do not do the same. When we do not forgive, our Christian hearts grieve and lose joy. When we don't forgive someone, we hurt ourselves. We need Jesus for our troubled hearts. Jesus will mend our broken hearts and put us right again. We need to give Jesus thanks in gratitude for coming and mending our sinful broken hearts. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Line 1 page 8
Line 1 page 8 by ric Gustafson
Jesse yawned. He took a sip of coffee. " What were your observations of the disciples?".
" The first one I studied was Simon".
" Who later became Peter". He took another sip of coffee. " Why was he first?".
" He was quick with his opinion and to me wanted to be the leader of the group".
" Who else did you study?".
" I studied a tax collector named Matthew and someone named Thomas".
" Doubting Thomas".
He cackled. " Because of his pessimism, I had high hopes for him".
" Anyone else?".
The voice cackled again. " The others were content to just follow that moron".
Jesse took a sip of his coffee. " How did you happen to choose Judas Iscariot?".
" He was quiet and seemed disturbed about events going on".
" He was in charge of the group's money purse".
" Because he loved money". The voice hesitated. " I was able to put the idea into his troubled mind of selling his Master for a price".
" Which he did".
" Yes".
research help: ' Interview with the Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesse yawned. He took a sip of coffee. " What were your observations of the disciples?".
" The first one I studied was Simon".
" Who later became Peter". He took another sip of coffee. " Why was he first?".
" He was quick with his opinion and to me wanted to be the leader of the group".
" Who else did you study?".
" I studied a tax collector named Matthew and someone named Thomas".
" Doubting Thomas".
He cackled. " Because of his pessimism, I had high hopes for him".
" Anyone else?".
The voice cackled again. " The others were content to just follow that moron".
Jesse took a sip of his coffee. " How did you happen to choose Judas Iscariot?".
" He was quiet and seemed disturbed about events going on".
" He was in charge of the group's money purse".
" Because he loved money". The voice hesitated. " I was able to put the idea into his troubled mind of selling his Master for a price".
" Which he did".
" Yes".
research help: ' Interview with the Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gratitude Feb 10
Gratitude Feb 10 by ric Gustafson
According to Philippians 4:6, the Apostle Paul says do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. It is natural to worry and fret about the future. Jesus says to knock at his door. He will answer and fill our heart with his love. Anxious thoughts can consume us. Jesus says abide with me and I will solve your worries. We need to thank Jesus with gratitude for easing our troubled minds and hearts. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Philippians 4:6, the Apostle Paul says do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. It is natural to worry and fret about the future. Jesus says to knock at his door. He will answer and fill our heart with his love. Anxious thoughts can consume us. Jesus says abide with me and I will solve your worries. We need to thank Jesus with gratitude for easing our troubled minds and hearts. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Line 1 page 7
Line 1 page 7 by ric Gustafson
Jesse fingered his bible. " Can you tell our listening audience about tempting Jesus in the wilderness?".
The voice cackled. " First off, I tried to kill him when he was a young child".
" Which did nor work".
" No". The voice hesitated. " They had already escaped".
" How did Jesus meet you in the Wilderness?".
" I watched him for forty days and then approached him".
" How was he at that time?".
" Very tired and hungry".
" How did you try to tempt him?".
" I told him to tell some stones to turn into bread".
" How did he react?".
" He quoted from that stupid book called a bible".
" Then what did you do?".
" I took him to the most elevated point of the Temple Mount".
Jesse took a sip of coffee. " Why did you take him there for?".
" I knew the rejection he was going to be facing".
" What did you tell him?".
" I told him to jump that angels would protect him".
" What was his reaction?".
" He quoted from that stupid book again".
" Then what happened?".
" I simply asked him to just bow on his knee one time to me".
" Then what happened?".
" He quoted a third time from that stupid book".
" Then what?".
" I got frustrated and then left".
research help: ' Interview with the Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesse fingered his bible. " Can you tell our listening audience about tempting Jesus in the wilderness?".
The voice cackled. " First off, I tried to kill him when he was a young child".
" Which did nor work".
" No". The voice hesitated. " They had already escaped".
" How did Jesus meet you in the Wilderness?".
" I watched him for forty days and then approached him".
" How was he at that time?".
" Very tired and hungry".
" How did you try to tempt him?".
" I told him to tell some stones to turn into bread".
" How did he react?".
" He quoted from that stupid book called a bible".
" Then what did you do?".
" I took him to the most elevated point of the Temple Mount".
Jesse took a sip of coffee. " Why did you take him there for?".
" I knew the rejection he was going to be facing".
" What did you tell him?".
" I told him to jump that angels would protect him".
" What was his reaction?".
" He quoted from that stupid book again".
" Then what happened?".
" I simply asked him to just bow on his knee one time to me".
" Then what happened?".
" He quoted a third time from that stupid book".
" Then what?".
" I got frustrated and then left".
research help: ' Interview with the Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gratitude Feb 8
Gratitude Feb 8 by ric Gustafson
In Luke 6:38, Jesus says give and it will be given to you. A heart in Jesus flows love through it. You get from Jesus what you give to others. When we give love to others, love from Jesus flows into us. Jesus says with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. We need to thank Jesus with gratitude for his love to us that never ends.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In Luke 6:38, Jesus says give and it will be given to you. A heart in Jesus flows love through it. You get from Jesus what you give to others. When we give love to others, love from Jesus flows into us. Jesus says with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. We need to thank Jesus with gratitude for his love to us that never ends.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Line 1 page 6
Line 1 page 6 by ric Gustafson
" So what happened?".
" One day, your crazy God tells me about a person named Job".
" Did you know him?".
" Of course". The voice cackled. " I'd been observing his life for decades".
" Then what?".
" I told your God that the reason he loves you is because his life is perfect".
" What did God do?".
" He told me I was wrong". His voice hesitated. " To prove it he took away his protection".
" Then what did you do?".
" I destroyed his family, his farm, his livestock and his wealth".
" He did not give in".
" That's true". He sighed. " I was stunned that this two legged moron kept worshiping your God".
" What did you do?".
" I told your God that the reason he stilled loved him was because of his health".
Jesse took another sip of coffee. " What did God do?".
" He let me have his body up to a point".
" What do you mean by up to a point?".
" I could not take his life".
" Still he never gave in".
" After all that I did". The voice hesitated. " I knew that I had lost this one".
" Interesting".
research help: ' Interview with the Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" So what happened?".
" One day, your crazy God tells me about a person named Job".
" Did you know him?".
" Of course". The voice cackled. " I'd been observing his life for decades".
" Then what?".
" I told your God that the reason he loves you is because his life is perfect".
" What did God do?".
" He told me I was wrong". His voice hesitated. " To prove it he took away his protection".
" Then what did you do?".
" I destroyed his family, his farm, his livestock and his wealth".
" He did not give in".
" That's true". He sighed. " I was stunned that this two legged moron kept worshiping your God".
" What did you do?".
" I told your God that the reason he stilled loved him was because of his health".
Jesse took another sip of coffee. " What did God do?".
" He let me have his body up to a point".
" What do you mean by up to a point?".
" I could not take his life".
" Still he never gave in".
" After all that I did". The voice hesitated. " I knew that I had lost this one".
" Interesting".
research help: ' Interview with the Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gratitude Feb 7
Gratitude Feb 7 by ric Gustafson
It is easy to regret the past and worry about the future. In John 16:33, Jesus says in the world you will have tribulation but take heart I have overcome the world. Jesus is the cornerstone of peace. Jesus is the bedrock of love. The good news is that in Jesus we are safe. In Jesus we are warm, fed and with him always. In gratitude we need to thank Jesus for always being there with us no matter what.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It is easy to regret the past and worry about the future. In John 16:33, Jesus says in the world you will have tribulation but take heart I have overcome the world. Jesus is the cornerstone of peace. Jesus is the bedrock of love. The good news is that in Jesus we are safe. In Jesus we are warm, fed and with him always. In gratitude we need to thank Jesus for always being there with us no matter what.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Psalms: Psalm 26:8-9
Psalms: Psalm 26: 8-9 by ric Gustafson
Sometimes our anger flares up. We have a quick temper and take it out on others. Jesus does not want us to be that way. Jesus wants us to have peace in our hearts. He wants our minds to have peace. He wants us to have healing in our hearts. With peace in our hearts, we can love others just like Jesus loves us. Praise God.
research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sometimes our anger flares up. We have a quick temper and take it out on others. Jesus does not want us to be that way. Jesus wants us to have peace in our hearts. He wants our minds to have peace. He wants us to have healing in our hearts. With peace in our hearts, we can love others just like Jesus loves us. Praise God.
research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gratitude Feb 6
Gratitude Feb 6 by ric Gustafson
According to Mark 10:15, Jesus says that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. In this sinful world, it is easy to feel anger, resentment and judgment. Jesus does not want our heart to feel that way. Jesus wants us to serve him and to serve others. When we do that, we will have a pure heart. We need to have gratitude and give thanks to Jesus for the gift of a pure heart. We need to protect and defend it. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Mark 10:15, Jesus says that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. In this sinful world, it is easy to feel anger, resentment and judgment. Jesus does not want our heart to feel that way. Jesus wants us to serve him and to serve others. When we do that, we will have a pure heart. We need to have gratitude and give thanks to Jesus for the gift of a pure heart. We need to protect and defend it. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, February 5, 2018
Psalms: Psalm 23:2
Psalms: Psalm 23:2 by ric Gustafson
The shepherd in this Psalm is leading his flock to a green pasture and cool water. The meadows and the streams refresh the body and the spirit. The shepherd is always watching his sheep. Life is always pulling us in different directions. Work, family, church and friends want all of our attention. Jesus as our Shepherd wants to bring us to a quiet safe place. There we can focus on Jesus our Savior.
Praise God.
research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The shepherd in this Psalm is leading his flock to a green pasture and cool water. The meadows and the streams refresh the body and the spirit. The shepherd is always watching his sheep. Life is always pulling us in different directions. Work, family, church and friends want all of our attention. Jesus as our Shepherd wants to bring us to a quiet safe place. There we can focus on Jesus our Savior.
Praise God.
research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gratitude Feb 5
Gratitude Feb 5 by ric Gustafson
We are humans and we sin every day. We get mad and angry at ourselves for committing the same sins day after day. Being negative with ourselves all the time can keep Jesus from our heart. The joyful fact is that Jesus loves us and gives us daily grace. We need to accept his grace and be freed from our shame. We need to spend more time with Jesus. All we need is Jesus. We need his love and we need it always. We need to have gratitude and give thanks for his grace to us sinners.
Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We are humans and we sin every day. We get mad and angry at ourselves for committing the same sins day after day. Being negative with ourselves all the time can keep Jesus from our heart. The joyful fact is that Jesus loves us and gives us daily grace. We need to accept his grace and be freed from our shame. We need to spend more time with Jesus. All we need is Jesus. We need his love and we need it always. We need to have gratitude and give thanks for his grace to us sinners.
Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Gratitude Feb 4
Gratitude Feb 4 by ric Gustafson
According to John 13:8, Peter refused for Jesus to wash his feet. Jesus replied " If I do not wash you, you have no part with me". Sometimes our doubts, fears and failings will create a wall between us and Jesus. Sometimes our pride can prevent a full relationship with Jesus. We need to thank Jesus with gratitude for his great love for us even when we fail all the time. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to John 13:8, Peter refused for Jesus to wash his feet. Jesus replied " If I do not wash you, you have no part with me". Sometimes our doubts, fears and failings will create a wall between us and Jesus. Sometimes our pride can prevent a full relationship with Jesus. We need to thank Jesus with gratitude for his great love for us even when we fail all the time. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Line 1 page 5
Line 1 page 5 by ric Gustafson
Jesse fingered his bible. " How about Job?".
The voice cackled. " That pathetic little man".
" There is an entire book written about him alone".
" Jesse". The voice hesitated. " Do your listeners really want to know about him?".
Jesse smiled. " I know I would".
" First of all, I have an army of spirits who do my bidding".
" Demons".
" That's right". The voice hesitated. " They were reporting to me about this pathetic man".
" You mean Job".
" When I hear that someone is really following your moronic God, I return to my former home".
" You mean Heaven".
The voice cackled. " That is what you call it".
" Why do you go there if you hate God?".
" Because I have to report my activities to your stupid God".
Jesse took a sip of coffee. " And what do you tell God?".
" I tell him I'm going to try and destroy all those who love and serve him".
" And that's when Job came into the picture".
" Yes".
research help: ' Interview With The Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesse fingered his bible. " How about Job?".
The voice cackled. " That pathetic little man".
" There is an entire book written about him alone".
" Jesse". The voice hesitated. " Do your listeners really want to know about him?".
Jesse smiled. " I know I would".
" First of all, I have an army of spirits who do my bidding".
" Demons".
" That's right". The voice hesitated. " They were reporting to me about this pathetic man".
" You mean Job".
" When I hear that someone is really following your moronic God, I return to my former home".
" You mean Heaven".
The voice cackled. " That is what you call it".
" Why do you go there if you hate God?".
" Because I have to report my activities to your stupid God".
Jesse took a sip of coffee. " And what do you tell God?".
" I tell him I'm going to try and destroy all those who love and serve him".
" And that's when Job came into the picture".
" Yes".
research help: ' Interview With The Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gratitude Feb 3
Gratitude Feb 3 by ric Gustafson
The thinking of this sinful world is to have status and to accumulate as much as possible. But to God, none of this matters. Things of this world will pass away and our bodies will fail. Our treasure should be eternal and not temporal. What is most important to God is our heart and how we treat others. We need to thank God with gratitude that he loves us more than anything else. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The thinking of this sinful world is to have status and to accumulate as much as possible. But to God, none of this matters. Things of this world will pass away and our bodies will fail. Our treasure should be eternal and not temporal. What is most important to God is our heart and how we treat others. We need to thank God with gratitude that he loves us more than anything else. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, February 2, 2018
Line 1 page 4
Line 1 page 4 by ric Gustafson
" Your pathetic God formed a man out of mud and stuck him in a perfect garden".
" The Garden of Eden".
" And then guess what he did next?".
" Formed a woman from the man".
" That is one of the most stupid things I have ever heard of".
" How did Eve's temptation come about?".
" Your stupid God told the man he could eat from any tree except from the tree of good and evil".
Jesse palmed his bible. " So how were you able to deceive Eve?".
The voice cackled. " I simply said did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden".
" So how did she give in to the temptation?".
" I told her you will certainly not die". The voice cackled. " For your God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God".
" That's why she gave in".
" Jesse, do you know what happened next?".
He took a sip of coffee. " What?".
" They ate and then their pathetic eyes were opened".
" They realized they were naked".
" And then they tried to hide from their pathetic God".
" With fig leaves on".
" Yes, can we talk about something else now".
" Sure".
research help: ' Interview With The Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" Your pathetic God formed a man out of mud and stuck him in a perfect garden".
" The Garden of Eden".
" And then guess what he did next?".
" Formed a woman from the man".
" That is one of the most stupid things I have ever heard of".
" How did Eve's temptation come about?".
" Your stupid God told the man he could eat from any tree except from the tree of good and evil".
Jesse palmed his bible. " So how were you able to deceive Eve?".
The voice cackled. " I simply said did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden".
" So how did she give in to the temptation?".
" I told her you will certainly not die". The voice cackled. " For your God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God".
" That's why she gave in".
" Jesse, do you know what happened next?".
He took a sip of coffee. " What?".
" They ate and then their pathetic eyes were opened".
" They realized they were naked".
" And then they tried to hide from their pathetic God".
" With fig leaves on".
" Yes, can we talk about something else now".
" Sure".
research help: ' Interview With The Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gratitude Feb 2
Gratitude Feb 2 by ric Gustafson
We have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We know that he paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. We know that we have been forgiven, cleansed and are now righteous in God's eyes. Yet, temptation will come. And sometimes we cave in at a moment in weakness. We are not alone. The Apostle Paul laments about this in Roman 7:19.
What is the solution?. We must see that sin as a recurring sin. It is an offense against God. Only the blood of Jesus can remove it. Confess it to Jesus and you will be forgiven. We need to thank Jesus with gratitude for forgiving us of our sins and making us white again. Praise God.
research help: ' On Holy Ground' by Charles Stanley
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We know that he paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. We know that we have been forgiven, cleansed and are now righteous in God's eyes. Yet, temptation will come. And sometimes we cave in at a moment in weakness. We are not alone. The Apostle Paul laments about this in Roman 7:19.
What is the solution?. We must see that sin as a recurring sin. It is an offense against God. Only the blood of Jesus can remove it. Confess it to Jesus and you will be forgiven. We need to thank Jesus with gratitude for forgiving us of our sins and making us white again. Praise God.
research help: ' On Holy Ground' by Charles Stanley
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Line 1 page 3
Line 1 page 3 by ric Gustafson
" Thank you". The voice hesitated. " First of all, I hate you pathetic God created humans".
Jesse stared at Marci. " I beg your pardon".
" I despise all of you and the God who created you".
Jesse took a sip of coffee. " Why is that?".
" My goal is to make your life miserable and that you will follow me instead".
Jesse touched his bible. " I am happy to say that I am a believer in Jesus".
" Happy". The voice cackled. " Give me a break".
" It's true".
" I don't know why".
" Because I have peace in my heart".
" Peace". The voice cackled. " I give you temptations and you fall for them all the time".
" True". Jesse sighed. " But then I pray and repent of all of them".
" Pray". The voice cackled. " Prayer is a stupid ritual that was started by your pathetic God".
" I pray to God and read my bible every day".
" Like a roaring lion, I try to keep you away from that stupid book".
" I read that you were once a beautiful and respected angel".
" That's true". The voice got quiet. " My name was once Lucifer".
" And now your name means adversary".
" I am God's adversary and proud of it".
A thought came to Jesse. " Could you explain to my audience about the Garden of Eden?".
" Sure".
research help: ' Interview With The Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" Thank you". The voice hesitated. " First of all, I hate you pathetic God created humans".
Jesse stared at Marci. " I beg your pardon".
" I despise all of you and the God who created you".
Jesse took a sip of coffee. " Why is that?".
" My goal is to make your life miserable and that you will follow me instead".
Jesse touched his bible. " I am happy to say that I am a believer in Jesus".
" Happy". The voice cackled. " Give me a break".
" It's true".
" I don't know why".
" Because I have peace in my heart".
" Peace". The voice cackled. " I give you temptations and you fall for them all the time".
" True". Jesse sighed. " But then I pray and repent of all of them".
" Pray". The voice cackled. " Prayer is a stupid ritual that was started by your pathetic God".
" I pray to God and read my bible every day".
" Like a roaring lion, I try to keep you away from that stupid book".
" I read that you were once a beautiful and respected angel".
" That's true". The voice got quiet. " My name was once Lucifer".
" And now your name means adversary".
" I am God's adversary and proud of it".
A thought came to Jesse. " Could you explain to my audience about the Garden of Eden?".
" Sure".
research help: ' Interview With The Devil' by Russell Wight
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gratitude Feb 1
Gratitude Feb 1 by ric Gustafson
Jesus is our answer. Jesus is our way out and our escape to God's Kingdom. Jesus did not come to judge the world but to save it. On this sinful earth we are living in the dark. There seems to be no way out. Jesus came to liberate us from this darkness. Jesus wants us to relax in his love. We need to give Jesus thanks in gratitude for saving us from the darkness of sin. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus is our answer. Jesus is our way out and our escape to God's Kingdom. Jesus did not come to judge the world but to save it. On this sinful earth we are living in the dark. There seems to be no way out. Jesus came to liberate us from this darkness. Jesus wants us to relax in his love. We need to give Jesus thanks in gratitude for saving us from the darkness of sin. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace Feb 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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