reflections from God: Genesis 1:1

reflections from God: Genesis 1:1 by ric Gustafson


According to Genesis 1:1, in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. This is the start of the greatest book the world has ever known. There is a God and he is real. The Bible is the story of God and us. The word Bible means ' book'. This book tells the story of God and his people. The Bible proclaims that life has meaning and purpose. God speaks to us through the Bible. God wants to have a daily relationship with us. I pray that we will do that.


research help: ' A story of God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett


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I was there page 24

I was there page 24 by ric Gustafson


I stood next to a naked bloodied Jesus.
Pilate turned to the angry crowd. " Here is the man".
The entire crowd yelled. " Crucify Crucify".
" You take him and crucify him". There was anger in his voice. " As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him".
Annas spoke up. " We have a law". He looked at Jesus. " He must die because he claimed to be the Son of God".
Pilate sighed. " Bring him back in".
The three of us walked into the hall.
Pilate looked at Jesus. " Where do you come from?".
Jesus was silent.
Anger came over Pilate's face. " Do you refuse to speak to me?".
Jesus was still silent.
" Don't you realize I have the power to free you or crucify you?".
Jesus stared at Pilate. " You would have no power over me if it were not given to you". His tired voice hesitated. " The one who handed me to you is guilty of a greater sin".
Pilate thought about that statement for a moment. Then he decided what to do.
" Stay here, I will have you released".


research help: ' the soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


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I was there page 23

I was there page 23 by ric Gustafson


Pilate motioned for Caiaphas and Annas. " You brought me this man and I have examined him". He stared at the two men. " I find no basis for charges neither does Herod". His voice hesitated. " He has done nothing to deserve death".
A murmur rose from the crowd.
" Therefore, I will punish him and then release him".
Caiaphas clutched his beard. Annas stamped his foot hard.
Protest erupted from the crowd.
Pilate noticed soldiers approaching with Barabbas and the two thieves.
" But it is your custom to release one prisoner at the time of Passover". He pointed at Jesus. " Do you want me to release  the ' king of the Jews?".
Caiaphas screamed. " No, not him". He pointed at the criminal. " We want Barabbas".
Pilate looked at me. " Have him flogged". His tired voice hesitated. " Then bring him back here".


research help: ' the soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


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I was there page 22

I was there page 22 by ric Gustafson


I entered the hall. Pilate was going over ledgers with his chief financial officer.
He looked up at me. " So what did the tetrarch say?".
" He heard the charges against him". I hesitated. " He sent him back to you".
Pilate sighed. " Did he provide a written judgment?".
" No!". I hesitated again. " He simply dismissed us".
Pilate sighed again. " Dismissed is dismissed". He walked to the window and stared at the unruly crowd. Just then, a messenger ran in.
" Your Excellency, a message from the first lady".
Pilate threw up his hands in disgust. " What is it?".
The young messenger opened the small parchment. " Because of a troubling dream that I had". His voice hesitated. " Have nothing to do with this man". He handed it to Pilate.
Pilate walked outside and sat down on the judgment seat. He read Claudia's message. In frustration. he threw the parchment on the ground. It blew away.


research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


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I was there page 21

I was there page 21 by ric Gustafson


I knocked on the door. It opened to reveal Herod in an open purple robe.
He growled. " You have a prisoner".
" Yes, Jesus of Nazareth". I handed him a rolled parchment. " Here are the charges against him".
He ignored them. " Bring him in". He adjusted his robe. " Herodias, we have a guest".
He looked at Jesus. " Untie him". It was done. He studied Jesus for a moment. " Jesus of Nazareth, I've longed to see you". He walked around Jesus. " I hear that you perform miracles".
Jesus was silent.
He walked over and put a chalice to Jesus's face. " Change this water into wine".
Jesus remained silent.
He yelled into Jesus's face. " You are a fraud".
Herod yelled at me. " Take him away".
I led Jesus away.


research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


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I was there page 20

I was there page 20 by ric Gustafson


Pilate grabbed the charges from the table. He walked outside.
I led Jesus behind him.
Pilate sat down. " I find no basis for charges against him".
Caiaphas began yelling accusations at Jesus.
Pilate looked at Jesus. " Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you".
Jesus did not answer.
" I find no basis for a charge against him".
Annas spoke up. " He stirs up the people by his teaching".
Pilate stared at the former high priest. " Is he a Galilean?".
Caiaphas nodded his head. " Yes".
Pilate smiled. " Send him to Herod".
He rose from the judgment seat. He walked back into the hall.


research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

thieves of happiness: Comfort

thieves of happiness: Comfort by ric Gustafson


As human beings we love order. We like to make order out of chaos. Our minds are hardwired for routine but excited by change. The neuros in our brains are programmed for habit. Most of our decisions are made by our subconscious brain. We are prone to routine but excited by change.
Jesus does not want our lives to be routine. To be happy we need new experiences and Jesus can provide that. Jesus does not want us to get stuck in a life pattern. We like to stick with old patterns.
So how do we stop this thief?. We must recognize our old patterns of thinking. Second, we must say no to old patterns and choose a new path. Third, we can change our thought patterns at any age.
Praise God.

The End.


research help: ' The five thieves of happiness' by John Izzo


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thieves of happiness: Consumption

thieves of happiness: Consumption by ric Gustafson


Consumption is a thief that tells us that something outside ourselves that we need to have happiness. This thief tells us that there is something we need out there and we need to go get it. Consumption is at the heart of our consumer society. Consumption tells us we need something to be happy and content. Our mind says I will be happy if. Consumption robs us in the present and the future. Consumption says if we have this we will have the good life.
So how do we tame this thief?. First, we need to ask ourselves if this thing we want will bring me happiness?. Second, we need to choose contentment over consumption. Third, we need to buy less and share more.


research help: ' The five thieves of happiness' by John Izzo


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 24

Lent 2018 Mar 24 by ric Gustafson


Jesus is with us in all that we do. He is concerned with every detail of our lives. Nothing escapes his notice. When we think of Jesus often, we feel safe and complete. When problems and troubles fill our mind, we feel incomplete and empty.
Even though the world is unstable, we are aware of Jesus's presence. We need to fix our gaze on Jesus and never let our eyes slip.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


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I was there page 19

I was there page 19 by ric Gustafson


Jesus stared at Pilate. " You have said so".
Pilate thought about that answer for a moment.
" Is that your own idea or did others talk to you about me".
" Am I a Jew?". Pilate frowned. " Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me". He looked closely at Jesus. " What is it you have done?".
" My kingdom is not of this world". His voice hesitated. " If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest". He stared at Pilate. " My kingdom is from another place".
Pilate heard the word kingdom. " You are a king then?".
" You say that I am a king". His voice hesitated. " The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth".
Pilate shrugged his shoulders. " What is truth?".


research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 23

Lent 2018 Mar 23 by ric Gustafson


When we seek Jesus's face, he is always there. He is closer than we think. Jesus knows our every thought before we think it. He knows every word before we say it. We cannot hide anything from Jesus. We cannot deceive him. He knows us better than anyone else.
Many people deny Jesus and run away from him. But we are Jesus's children. We have been cleansed by his blood. We have been clothed in his righteousness, We are blessed by his presence. Because Jesus lives in us, we are a light in the darkness. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I was there page 18

I was there page 18 by ric Gustafson


Pilate raised the scroll. " What charges are you bringing against this man?".
Caiaphas grinned. " If he were not a criminal, we would not have handed him to you".
Pilate stared at the chief priest. " Take him yourself and judge him by your own law".
Annas raised his voice. " We have no right to execute anyone".
" We have found this man subverting our nation". Caiaphas pointed a finger at Jesus. " He claims to be the Messiah a King".
Pilate pointed at me. " Bring him inside". He walked back into the hall.
As I brought Jesus through the doors, I noticed Claudia watching through a second floor window. As we entered the hall, Pilate threw the scroll of charges on a table.
" That Caiaphas has me trapped". He walked toward Jesus. " Are you the King of the Jews?".


research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 22

Lent 2018 Mar 22 by ric Gustafson


Jesus is always taking care of us. Jesus is not limited by time or space. His presence is a forever promise. We do not need to fear the future. Our future is in his hands. Jesus says do not worry about tomorrow.
Jesus wants us to live each day abundantly. He says leave your concerns to me. Each day is a gift. Jesus says focus not on yesterday or tomorrow but today. We need to focus on Jesus at all times.
Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I was there page 17

I was there page 17 by ric Gustafson


I quietly walked through the merchants and traders. They were angry and thirsty for blood. I approached the stairs with my men. Standing there was Annas, Jonathan and Caiaphas. Jonathan was chief of the temple guards. Annas was Caiaphas's father in law.
As I reached the cedar doors, they opened. Pilate walked out followed by a lawyer. This lawyer was familiar with Roman law. Pilate was dressed in robes of judgment. In his left hand was a wrapped scroll.
He stopped on the fourth step. He cleared his throat. " Where is the man?". Jonathan clapped his hands. Three guards brought in the prisoner. I took a long look at Jesus of Nazareth. I barely recognized him. There were red welts on his neck and face. There was a gash above his left eye. It looked like he had been spat upon.
Pilate waved his hand. " Loose him".
Two of the guards unfastened the straps binding Jesus's arms.


research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

thieves of happiness: Covet

thieves of happiness: Covet by ric Gustafson


To covet is a desire with envy to have something for yourself that you do not have. When we want something that somebody else has that is to covet. It is a thief of our happiness. Envy and covet are linked together. When we have resentful longing for something, we want to covet. This desire to envy and then covet could be many things. It could be money or higher status. The thief asks us a question how do I compare?.
To covet takes away our capacity to be grateful to ourselves and others. To covet takes us our happiness away and affects our relationship with others. We resent the happiness of others. Instead of coveting, Jesus wants us to feel gratitude. Gratitude will increase our sense of well being and happiness. It will help our health and our relationships with others. We need to be aware that the thief is there. Next, we must stop the thief. We must refuse the thief. Then we must replace the thief with a new thought pattern. Jesus wants to be that new thought pattern. Praise God.


research help: ' The five thieves of happiness' by John Izzo


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 21

Lent 2018 Mar 21 by ric Gustafson


Jesus Christ is the gift that has no strings attached. Jesus gives us unconditional love. No matter what happens in our life, Jesus will not stop loving us. Jesus's love for us is perfect and will never change.
Sometimes we feel as if we are unworthy of Jesus's love. Then we distance ourselves away from our Lord. Then we try to earn his approval. At this point, Jesus is aching to hold us again in his scarred hands. Jesus's love for us is unfailing. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 20

Lent 2018 Mar 20 by ric Gustafson


Jesus wants us to be his sheep. Jesus wants us to hear his voice and follow him. He is constantly speaking to us most of all through his Word. Jesus is our Shepherd King. He leads us every day of our life. Jesus is the King of eternity.
Our physical body will decline and then die. We will never perish. One day, we will become absent from our physical body. Right away, we will be with Jesus. No one can snatch us out of Jesus's hand. We need not fear death because we know our eternal destiny. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I was there page 16

I was there page 16 by ric Gustafson


It was five forty five in the morning on Friday April 7. I was finishing dressing when there was a knock on my door. I opened it to reveal one of my men.
" Morning Sir". He grinned. " You have been summoned by Pilate to the Praetorium immediately".
I strapped on my sword. " Did the messenger explain why?".
" Yes". His voice hesitated. " Jesus of Nazareth has been arrested".
I gave him a puzzled look. " The Galilean?".
" Yes". He sighed. " Caiaphas has brought him before Pilate to be judged".
I took the pouch of spikes off of a peg and put them on my belt. " Pilate asked for me personally".
" Yes Sir he did". He walked out the door. " Please hurry".
I sighed as I followed him out. I had not even had breakfast yet.


research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

thieves of happiness: Conceit

thieves of happiness: Conceit by ric Gustafson


This thief keeps us from contentment and social well being. This thief is the ego. This thief makes us wonder about our status, rank and am I important?.
We need to change our thinking. Instead of me and I being most important, we need to help others. So how do we stop this thief?. Conceit is well disguised, so we need to notice it and catch it. This thief is a liar and tries to make us feel alone. Stop means to arrest the thief or it will damage us. Then we need to replace out thinking and be concerned for those around us.


research help: ' The five thieves of happiness' by John Izzo


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 19

Lent 2018 Mar 19 by ric Gustafson


When we are thankful, windows of heaven open. Through these heavenly windows blessings fall. Through these windows we get glimpses of glory. We can get glimpses of heaven here on this earth. Thankfulness opens opportunities to be grateful. Then our spiritual journey will be full of gladness.
Thankfulness is the language of love. Thankfulness rejoices in Jesus. Jesus is our refuge, our strength and our help in trouble. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

thieves of happiness: Control

thieves of happiness: Control by ric Gustafson


Instead of accepting life  on it's terms, we want to control our life. Many things are out of our control. Our craving for control keeps us from happiness. Happiness is knowing what we can control  and accepting what we cannot. Jesus talked about the desire of control which keeps us from happiness and peace.
We try to control the past and the future. Regret and worry keep us from happiness. We try to control our daily relationships. The opposite of control is surrender. Jesus wants to notice, stop and replace our control with his power and grace. Praise God.


research help: ' The five thieves of happiness' by John Izzo


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I was there page 15

I was there page 15 by ric Gustafson


It was seven in the evening on Thursday April 6. Lantern in hand, I walked up the stairs to the prison section of the Fortress. The jailer smiled. He knew why I had come.
I grinned as he unlocked a heavy plank door. " Are you going to join me at the Skull tomorrow?".
" Of course". He swung open the heavy door. " I'll bring my expert crew to help".
" Good". I entered the dank cell. The stench of sweat and urine hit me. Barabbas was sitting against a far wall. His feet were in wooden stocks.
I stared at the zealot who had killed two of my men. " Do you know who I am?".
He looked up at me. He slowly shook his head yes.
I smiled. " I'll see you in the morning". As I walked out of the cell, I could hear him cursing my name.


research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 17

Lent 2018 Mar 17 by ric Gustafson


Jesus wants us to experience his love with our mind and heart. He wants us to receive his love. Faith is believing and then receiving. Jesus wants us to trust him and then to come close to him.
Satan is the father of lies. He wants to undermine our confidence in Jesus's love. We need to fight Satan's lies. We need to resist Satan's lies in Jesus's name. We need to draw near to Jesus's presence.
Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I was there page 14

I was there page 14 by ric Gustafson


It was eleven thirty in the morning on Thursday April 6. I had just been informed that Herod wanted to travel to the temple through the Golden Gate. I was relieved at his intended route. The streets were not crowded and he could enter the temple through the back side compound. Our involvement in this spectacle would be minimal.
I was asked to inspect the intended route. Other than heavy traffic, I noticed no security concerns. Then I was informed that Pilate would meet Herod at the gate. Later, Caiaphas joined us. At the gate, Pilate read a proclamation and then greeted Herod. In the litter, Claudia and Herodias began conversing with each other. Myself and six men escorted the procession to Pilate's residence.


research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 15

Lent 2018 Mar 15 by ric Gustafson


The door to Jesus's presence is thankfulness. Even though Jesus is always with us, we have a choice. There is a door between Jesus and us. We have the choice of opening that door or keeping it closed. Jesus wants us to open it.
There is trust in thankfulness. In Jesus, there is a foundation of trust. When thankfulness flows from us, we draw closer to Jesus. We need to thank Jesus daily. When we do this, Jesus's blessings to us will flow. Jesus will cushion the impact of trials in our life. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I was there page 13

I was there page 13 by ric Gustafson


It was one in the morning on Thurs April 6. I had just woken up from a bad dream. I fell back asleep until five thirty. It was a normal morning with breakfast. The rain had finally stopped. Today was the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It was the day to slaughter the Passover lamb. I had heard that Timaeus had gone before Herod complaining about this Jesus disrupting his merchant business.
Herod had been hearing about this Jesus's activities. He was from his jurisdiction. His desire to meet this Jesus was becoming greater and greater. I had spoken to the head tax collector. This Jesus had not opposed paying taxes to Caesar. He also had not publicly spoken against him. I thanked him for his help catching a murderer named Barabbas. He had killed two of my men. He was going to get his due tomorrow at the Skull.


research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 14

Lent 2018 Mar 14 by ric Gustafson


Jesus wants us to wear his robe of righteousness. It is custom made for us and will cover us from head to toe. This robe was paid for by Jesus's own blood. This robe from Jesus is a gift.
Jesus wants us to relax in this robe. Jesus wants us to keep our eyes on him. When our behavior goes off path, Jesus wants us to keep wearing this robe. We need to thank Jesus for this robe because it was made for us before the foundation of the world. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Titanic 2018 page 4

Titanic 2018 page 4 by ric Gustafson


Here are a few of some notable passengers on the Titanic. Major Archibald Butt was a military aide to President Taft. John Jacob Astor was one of the world's wealthiest men. He built the Astor Hotel in New York. Benjamin Guggenheim was involved in his family's interests. Isidor Straus was active in L Straus and Sons. George Widener was well known as a financier from Philadelphia. Colonel Washington Roebling was President of a iron and steel company. William Stead was a journalist and an author. J Bruce Ismay was a founder of the International Mercantile Marine. Jacques Futrelle was an author whose work appeared in the Saturday Evening Post. Henry Harris was a theater manager. Henry Harper was related to the Harper publishing business. Francis Millet was an American painter. Charles Hays was President of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. Margaret Brown and her husband had hit it big in mining. Thomas Andrews was the ship's architect. Frederick Fleet was one of the ship's lookouts. Stuart Collett helped with religious services on the ship. Algernon Barkworth survived on Collapsible B. Millvina Dean was the youngest survivor and the last to pass away. Charlotte and Marjorie Collyer started a new life in Idaho. Captain Arthur Rostron became a hero for rescuing the survivors the next morning. Young Douglas Spedden was photographed several times playing on board the ship. He survived. Reverend John Harper made sure his niece and daughter survived. Eva Hart was a famous survivor who died in 1996. Anna Kincaid was one of the few steerage passengers who survived.


research help: ' Life Titanic' by Time Inc


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I was there page 12

I was there page 12 by ric Gustafson


It was seven in the evening on Wednesday April 5. Because it was evening, I was at the Roman bath house. One of my men approached me.
" Flavius Sir". He put his hand over his heart. " I have new information on Jesus of Nazareth".
" Yes". I stood up and dried myself off with a towel.
" He confronted the priests". The young soldier smiled. " He called them a brood of vipers".
" Really". I put on a robe handed to me by a slave.
" I think his days are numbered".
I scratched my chin. " And why do you think that?".
He smiled. " He causes trouble by kicking out merchants and money changers out of the temple".
I grinned. " That's true he did".
" He won't get away from calling the Pharisees a brood of vipers".
" That's true". I sighed. " Caiaphas won't stand for it".
" Do you want me to keep tabs on him?".
I grinned again. " Yes".


research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 12

Lent 2018 Mar 12 by ric Gustafson


The truth is nothing can separate us from Jesus's love. This assurance needs to totally occupy our heart and soul. When we feel anxious or fearful, we need  to reassure ourselves that nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus.
A lot of people in this sinful world feel unloved. They feel that love has left them. Sometimes we can feel that love has passed us by. The truth is Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. Jesus watches over us at all times. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Titanic 2018 page 3

Titanic 2018 page 3 by ric Gustafson


The Titanic was not only the largest ship afloat, it also was the most luxurious. Cabins were elaborately furnished. Some of these cabins had private promenades with the best suites. One of the suites was $ 4,350 for the voyage. Suites without the private promenade decks were $ 2,300. The Titanic's staterooms were larger than the Olympic. The sitting rooms of some of the suites were 15 by 15 feet.
Not only were the rooms luxurious but the ship was built for stability, Their were fifteen watertight compartments installed. If the ship struck an iceberg, even if half got flooded the ship would still float. The bulkheads of the ship were of heavy sheet steel. The compartment doors were held in place by friction clutches. By the turn of a switch, the doors would close in a second.
Next, we will look at some of the passengers on the ship of dreams.


research help: ' On Board the Titanic' by Dover Publications


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 11

Lent 2018 Mar 11 by ric Gustafson


What connects us to heaven is hope. When trials come our way, hope keeps our head up. Jesus never leaves our side. Jesus never lets go of our hand. Without hope, we slide back down. Hope lifts us from our weary feet to a beautiful view. Our spiritual path here is a highway to heaven. Our destination is radiant and beautiful. Jesus is our presence here and our hope for heaven.
Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I was there page 11

I was there page 11 by ric Gustafson


It was seven in the evening on Tuesday April 4. I was sitting around a large table with the other centurions. We were eating a meal of roasted lamb. Later, I went back to my villa to check on my two sons. I fell asleep easily.
I woke up two hours before sunrise. It had been raining. Some of my men came  and ate breakfast with me. Because of the steady rain, I had my men sharpen their swords and oil their shields. The majority of the day was quiet  because of the rain. I worked on the bridle of my horse.


research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 9

Lent 2018 Mar 9 by ric Gustafson


Jesus knows the plans for us. Plans to prosper, hope and a bright future. These plans are to encourage us. Jesus promises hope, prosperity and a blessed future. This world is full of pain and after a while people begin to feel hopeless. Satan wants us to feel that way.
Jesus died on the cross so that we can spend eternity with him. Jesus wants us to be in the present. Jesus wants us to enjoy his presence. Come to the table and enjoy the spoon of thankfulness. Jesus says enjoy being with him. That's what he desires the most, our companionship.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Titanic 2018 page 2

Titanic 2018 page 2 by ric Gustafson


It was early in 1908 that officials of the White Star Company announced that they were going to build a ship of staggering dimensions. The ship was called the Titanic. In the summer of 1909, the keel was laid at the Harland and Wolff yards in Belfast Ireland. The designer was Lord Pirrie.
It was to be the sister ship of the Olympic. The Titanic measured 45,328 tons. It was to be commanded by Captain E J Smith. He was a White Star admiral. The Titanic was 882 and a half feet long. It had four funnels and eleven decks. She was able to accommodate 2500 passengers.
The crew size was 860. Her hull plates were 36 feet long. The rudder weighed 100 tons and the anchors weighed fifteen and a half tons each. Three million rivets held the ship together. The double bottom extended the full length of the ship. It was the ship of dreams.


research help: ' On Board the Titanic' by Dover Publications


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 8

Lent 2018 Mar 8 by ric Gustafson


We are weak and we stumble. Jesus wants to hold our hand. Even though we stumble in life, our salvation is secure in Jesus. Before his Father, Jesus can present us as blameless, unblemished and perfect. Jesus has clothed us with garments of salvation. Our salvation is secure through the righteousness of Jesus. We will experience pure joy in heaven with Jesus. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 7

Lent 2018 Mar 7 by ric Gustafson


Jesus is our risen living Savior. No matter what happens in our life, Jesus wants us to remain hopeful. We could put our hope in power, wealth and health. These things can quickly pass away. Jesus needs to be our only source of hope and joy. Jesus wants to be the anchor for our soul.
Jesus wants to transform our life. He wants to help us at all times. There is no limit to Jesus's power or glory. I pray that we will always trust Jesus in all things. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Titanic 2018 page 1

Titanic 2018 page 1 by ric Gustafson


The 1997 movie Titanic lived up to it's name. It was up for a record tying 14 nominations. It won a record tying 11 Oscars including Best Picture. 57.3 million people watched the show the largest television audience ever for the Oscars. Director James Cameron spent 200 million dollars to make the movie. It became the most expensive film to make in history.
The movie Titanic spent 15 straight weeks as the number one movie another record. It is a beautiful film with great effects, cinematography, production design and visual effects. The film asks the question what would you do if you had a short time to live?.
Let's take a look again at a story filled with majesty, tragedy and life.


research help: ' Titanic the tragedy that shook the world' by Time Inc


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Colossians 3:12: Loved

Colossians 3:12:  Loved by ric Gustafson


The Apostle Paul writes in this verse that we are dearly loved by God. Jesus loved us so much that he died on the cross so we could be with him forever. We are cared for and our well being is important to God. God loves us so much that we are dearly loved by him. If we are not loved, we cannot love others. Unless we trust Jesus, it would be hard to love others. God wants us to trust him. I pray that I can always trust and love God the Father and Jesus the Son. Praise God.


research help: ' The Fitting Room' by Kelly Minter


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I was there page 10

I was there page 10 by ric Gustafson


It was six in the evening on Tuesday April 4. I was at the Golden Gate. One of my men ran up to me.
" Flavius Sir". His voice hesitated. " That rabble rouser is at it again".
I knew who he was talking about. " What is he up to now?".
" He was teaching in the temple compound".
" Then what happened?".
" Then the high priest and other officials arrived". His voice hesitated again. " They asked him by what authority he was doing these things?".
I scratched my chin. " What was his response?".
" He asked them by what authority did John baptize?".
" What was their response?".
" They said we don't know".
I shook my head.
The soldier gave me a puzzled stare. " Who was this John any way?".
I thought for a moment. " A few years back, he caused quite a stir".
" Today, it was as if they were trying to trap him".
I shook my head. " You are probably right".


research help: ' The Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 6

Lent 2018 Mar 6 by ric Gustafson


Jesus wants us to trust him and let him control our lives. This is Jesus's world, he made it and he control's it. We all have a gift in our heart. Jesus wants us to nurture it with the light of his presence.
Jesus wants to hear our prayer requests. He wants us to lay out our concerns before him. He wants us to pour out our hearts to him. Then he will give us the answers. We need to thank him for his answers to our prayers. Jesus wants our thankful prayers. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I was there page 9

I was there page 9 by ric Gustafson


It was four in the afternoon on Tuesday April 4. I was on my steed along the side of the street. There were three hundred foot soldiers waiting for Herod. I rode out the gate and eventually stopped at the Skull. After a while, I noticed Herod's standard bearer approaching from a nearby ridge. Behind him were foot soldiers six abreast. Behind them were more foot soldiers four abreast. After the foot soldiers came men on horseback four abreast. Then Herod's legion commander rode up to me.
" Greetings centurion".
" Greetings Commander" I smiled. " The route has been secured".
He looked around. " Where's Pilate?".
" Awaiting Herod's arrival".
I watched as the procession eventually went through the Fish Gate. Herod's litter was on two fourteen foot poles. It was lifted by twelve slaves. On top was a cobra crown. It was decorated by gold fringed and tasseled drapes.
Pilate and his wife Claudia awaited the arrival of Herod and Herodias.


research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 5

Lent 2018 Mar 5 by ric Gustafson


Jesus wants us to seek his face. He wants our heart to be intimate with him. We are designed to desire Jesus. In his presence, he wants us to be still. We are made in Jesus's image. We are homesick to be with Jesus in heaven.
Jesus calls us to be different than other people. Our spiritual path was laid out for us long ago. Jesus wants to develop our gifts. Jesus will bless us so we can go out and bless others.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

He is Risen: God is always near

He is Risen: God is always near by ric Gustafson


Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He needed comfort from his Father. He knew what he was about to face. He faced betrayal, arrest and death. He asked Peter, James and John to pray for him. But the three kept falling asleep. In Hebrews 13:5, God proclaims that he will never fail or abandon us. God did not leave his Son. God will not leave us.


research help: ' He is Risen' by Our Daily Bread


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 4

Lent 2018 Mar4 by ric Gustafson


Jesus in our lives is life and light. In Jesus's presence, we are lightened and energized. Jesus wants our heavy burdens to put onto his shoulders.
Satan opposes our time with Jesus. He tries to distract us from our time with Jesus. Jesus wants us to delight in him. We are the desire of Jesus's heart. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 3

Lent 2018 Mar 3 by ric Gustafson


Jesus loves us with an everlasting love. Jesus knew us before time began. In the light of Jesus's presence, he puts on us the robe of righteousness. Our beginning and end are veiled in eternity. Jesus wants us to have harmony in our hearts. Jesus wants us to be in his light not darkness.
Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 2

Lent 2018 Mar 2 by ric Gustafson


Jesus is always with us and watches over us constantly. Jesus is Immanuel which is God with you. Jesus enfolds us with his love. Nothing can separate us from Jesus's love. When we give Jesus thanksgiving and praise, his presence comes near. We need to look forward each day for what Jesus has in store for us. Jesus does not want us to reject his gifts. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Colossians 3:12: Holy

Colossians 3:12: Holy by ric Gustafson


In Jesus, we are justified and made righteous. Through justification, we are righteous through Jesus Christ. God thinks of our sins as forgiven and God's righteousness belongs to us. According to Romans 6:11, the Apostle Paul says to reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. To be holy is to be set apart. We are set apart for God as his saints. Because we have been made holy in God's eyes, we are called to live in a way that is set apart.
God wants us to be worthy of saints. Praise God.


research help: ' The Fitting Room' by Kelly Minter


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lent 2018 Mar 1

Lent 2018 Mar 1 by ric Gustafson


Jesus wants us to wait, hope and trust him. Jesus wants us to always trust him. He also wants us to wait and to hope in him. We wait for Jesus to work in our lives. Jesus does not want us to have false trust in him. We hope for a future in heaven. We have an inheritance in heaven. In the present, we have hope in Jesus. Praise God.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric