Let's Sing: singing with heart and mind by ric Gustafson
Singing songs are food for the soul. What we sing on Sunday hopefully will fill our heart the rest of the week. During the week hopefully we think about the worship songs we sang on Sunday. Singing songs can help us through all the seasons of our lives. Singing songs reminds us what God has done in our life. Lastly, singing songs keeps our mind on eternity. Praise God.
research help: ' Sing' by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, April 30, 2018
grace April 30
grace April 30 by ric Gustafson
Suffering is painful and hard to deal with. We have suffering in our lives to keep us from being self focused. Suffering makes us angry and we feel that God has abandoned us. What are we holding onto?. God says let it go and the suffering will go away. God knows our suffering and promises that we will not go through it alone. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Suffering is painful and hard to deal with. We have suffering in our lives to keep us from being self focused. Suffering makes us angry and we feel that God has abandoned us. What are we holding onto?. God says let it go and the suffering will go away. God knows our suffering and promises that we will not go through it alone. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Let's Sing: we are compelled to sing
Let's Sing: we are compelled to sing by ric Gustafson
God compels us to sing. We love God and are compelled to sing a praise of love to him. God stirs us to sing. Worship is a response to revelation. We sing because we are free in Jesus. We were slaves to sin. Jesus came and died for us. We are free from sin. We say thank you to God by singing to him. We sing and say thank you to God for sending his Son to die for us and set us free.
Praise God.
research help: ' Sing' by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
God compels us to sing. We love God and are compelled to sing a praise of love to him. God stirs us to sing. Worship is a response to revelation. We sing because we are free in Jesus. We were slaves to sin. Jesus came and died for us. We are free from sin. We say thank you to God by singing to him. We sing and say thank you to God for sending his Son to die for us and set us free.
Praise God.
research help: ' Sing' by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 28
grace April 28 by ric Gustafson
It is painful to be rejected. Jesus knows about rejection. People have been rejecting him for centuries. Jesus knows what is in our hearts. When someone rejects us, Jesus tells us to think about our inner beauty. Jesus loves us completely and fully. Even if we reject him, Jesus still loves us more than anything else in this sinful world. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It is painful to be rejected. Jesus knows about rejection. People have been rejecting him for centuries. Jesus knows what is in our hearts. When someone rejects us, Jesus tells us to think about our inner beauty. Jesus loves us completely and fully. Even if we reject him, Jesus still loves us more than anything else in this sinful world. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, April 27, 2018
Wallenberg page 6
Wallenberg page 6 by ric Gustafson
On October 15 1944, Miklas Horthy Jr was kidnapped by the SS. This was led by SS Major Otto Skorzeny. Later that afternoon, Admiral Horthy was arrested by the Gestapo. He was forced to leave office. Ferenc Szalasi became Prime Minister. Szalasi was head of the dreaded Hungarian Arrow Cross. Soon after, Jews were being murdered all over Budapest and their bodies dumped into the Danube River. Horthy survived the war and died in 1957.
On October 17 1944, Adolf Eichmann stood in front of representatives of the Jewish Council. " I'm back".
The Jewish leaders were dumbfounded.
" I need my trains for other reasons". He grinned. " The remaining Jews will be deported on foot".
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
On October 15 1944, Miklas Horthy Jr was kidnapped by the SS. This was led by SS Major Otto Skorzeny. Later that afternoon, Admiral Horthy was arrested by the Gestapo. He was forced to leave office. Ferenc Szalasi became Prime Minister. Szalasi was head of the dreaded Hungarian Arrow Cross. Soon after, Jews were being murdered all over Budapest and their bodies dumped into the Danube River. Horthy survived the war and died in 1957.
On October 17 1944, Adolf Eichmann stood in front of representatives of the Jewish Council. " I'm back".
The Jewish leaders were dumbfounded.
" I need my trains for other reasons". He grinned. " The remaining Jews will be deported on foot".
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Let's Sing: we are commanded to sing
Let's Sing: we are commanded to sing by ric Gustafson
We have been commanded to sing by God. According to Psalm 149:1, it says sing to the Lord a new song his praise in the assembly of the saints. Throughout God's Word, we are commanded to be a singing people. There are more than 400 references to singing in God's Word.
We can sing to ourselves and by ourselves if we want to. God also wants us to sing with other believers. He wants us to sing with others as an assembly of saints. Christians all over the world sing different styles and sounds all to please God. Whatever we sing to God it must be from the heart in thankfulness to him. Jesus sang. God wants us to sing to him also.
research help: ' Sing' by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We have been commanded to sing by God. According to Psalm 149:1, it says sing to the Lord a new song his praise in the assembly of the saints. Throughout God's Word, we are commanded to be a singing people. There are more than 400 references to singing in God's Word.
We can sing to ourselves and by ourselves if we want to. God also wants us to sing with other believers. He wants us to sing with others as an assembly of saints. Christians all over the world sing different styles and sounds all to please God. Whatever we sing to God it must be from the heart in thankfulness to him. Jesus sang. God wants us to sing to him also.
research help: ' Sing' by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 27
grace April 27 by ric Gustafson
It's easy to be concerned and worried about our outward appearance as we get older. God does not look at us that way. God studies the inside of us our heart. I Samuel 16:7 explains that God sees our heart not our outward appearance. God does not want us to worry about that. God wants us to love him and love others. I pray that we will concentrate on that. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It's easy to be concerned and worried about our outward appearance as we get older. God does not look at us that way. God studies the inside of us our heart. I Samuel 16:7 explains that God sees our heart not our outward appearance. God does not want us to worry about that. God wants us to love him and love others. I pray that we will concentrate on that. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Let's Sing: We were created to sing
Let's Sing: we were created to sing by ric Gustafson
God created us to sing. We may not be very good at it, but we were created to sing. Singing is part of God's design for us. In God's Word, people sang to praise God. God has given us everything we need to sing. God is happy when a body of believers sing together. We were created to enjoy God's beauty. We sing in God's image. We were created to sing to praise God for everything he has done for us.
Praise God.
research help: ' Sing' by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
God created us to sing. We may not be very good at it, but we were created to sing. Singing is part of God's design for us. In God's Word, people sang to praise God. God has given us everything we need to sing. God is happy when a body of believers sing together. We were created to enjoy God's beauty. We sing in God's image. We were created to sing to praise God for everything he has done for us.
Praise God.
research help: ' Sing' by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 26
grace April 26 by ric Gustafson
Jesus wants us to have clean hearts. Sin sullies our hearts. We need to avoid temptation at all cost. When temptations come, Jesus says come to me. Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to clean up our dirty hearts. The Holy Spirit will clean out our dirty filthy hearts. We just need to ask Jesus. He will do that for us when we ask. I pray that we will do that. Praise God
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus wants us to have clean hearts. Sin sullies our hearts. We need to avoid temptation at all cost. When temptations come, Jesus says come to me. Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to clean up our dirty hearts. The Holy Spirit will clean out our dirty filthy hearts. We just need to ask Jesus. He will do that for us when we ask. I pray that we will do that. Praise God
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Psalms: Psalm 6: 2-3
Psalms: Psalm 6: 2-3 by ric Gustafson
The psalmist has feelings that God has abandoned him. He wonders if God is punishing him with an illness. He wonders why God is silent and may not help or heal him.
It's easy to worry and sometimes prayer does not help. The truth is that God has not abandoned us. He is always with us and will help us with problems in our life. God always hears us and we can always feel his presence. Praise God.
research help: ' Living the Ancient Psalms' by Judith Galas
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Lord's Prayer: but deliver us from evil
The Lord's Prayer: but deliver us from evil by ric Gustafson
There is evil in this world. And his name is Satan. He is very cunning. He comes with his demons and his seductions. We must be aware of him and his evil ways. He is the Father of lies and is more intelligent than we are. We must not try to fight him but tell him to be gone. With God's help we can defeat Satan and his evil ways.
This concludes the Lord's Prayer.
The End
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
There is evil in this world. And his name is Satan. He is very cunning. He comes with his demons and his seductions. We must be aware of him and his evil ways. He is the Father of lies and is more intelligent than we are. We must not try to fight him but tell him to be gone. With God's help we can defeat Satan and his evil ways.
This concludes the Lord's Prayer.
The End
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 25
grace April 25 by ric Gustafson
Sometimes when we care for others too much, we spend less time with Jesus. Jesus wants us to care and take care of others. Jesus also wants us to spend quality time with him. Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to refill our hearts for him and others. The Holy Spirit will give us joy, peace and love. Then we can love Jesus and others with full hearts. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sometimes when we care for others too much, we spend less time with Jesus. Jesus wants us to care and take care of others. Jesus also wants us to spend quality time with him. Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to refill our hearts for him and others. The Holy Spirit will give us joy, peace and love. Then we can love Jesus and others with full hearts. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
the Lord's Prayer: lead us not into temptation
the Lord's Prayer: lead us not into temptation by ric Gustafson
Satan is the one who leads us into temptation. God our Father would not do that. God reaches down, gives us his hand and lifts us up from the temptation. When I tempt, God gives us strength and grace to avoid it. God will help us when we are tempted. Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Satan is the one who leads us into temptation. God our Father would not do that. God reaches down, gives us his hand and lifts us up from the temptation. When I tempt, God gives us strength and grace to avoid it. God will help us when we are tempted. Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 24
grace April 24 by ric Gustafson
Sometimes we feel angry and lash out at people. As a follower of Jesus, we feel guilt and pray to Jesus for help. Jesus wants us to appreciate ourselves and our inner beauty. He wants us to experience peace, love and joy.
When we get angry, we need to pray to Jesus. Jesus will give us peace of mind, truth and joy. That is his promise to us. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sometimes we feel angry and lash out at people. As a follower of Jesus, we feel guilt and pray to Jesus for help. Jesus wants us to appreciate ourselves and our inner beauty. He wants us to experience peace, love and joy.
When we get angry, we need to pray to Jesus. Jesus will give us peace of mind, truth and joy. That is his promise to us. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, April 23, 2018
the Lord's Prayer: and forgive us our trespasses
The Lord's Prayer: and forgive us our trespasses by ric Gustafson
The original Latin for this part of the prayer was ' forgive us our debts. It is difficult to forgive. When we feel forgiven, we can forgive. I have been forgiven by Jesus so I can forgive. Jesus forgives everyone. When we forgive others, we will be forgiven. When we forgive, we will feel God's love.
Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The original Latin for this part of the prayer was ' forgive us our debts. It is difficult to forgive. When we feel forgiven, we can forgive. I have been forgiven by Jesus so I can forgive. Jesus forgives everyone. When we forgive others, we will be forgiven. When we forgive, we will feel God's love.
Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 23
grace April 23 by ric Gustafson
Getting older can make us scared. We cannot do things we used to be able to do. Jesus in John 10:9 says I am the door if anyone enters through me he will be saved. To God, we are much more than just a human body that ages. Jesus is always with us no matter how old we are or how much our body is falling apart. At any age or physical condition we can do marvelous things for Jesus.
Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Getting older can make us scared. We cannot do things we used to be able to do. Jesus in John 10:9 says I am the door if anyone enters through me he will be saved. To God, we are much more than just a human body that ages. Jesus is always with us no matter how old we are or how much our body is falling apart. At any age or physical condition we can do marvelous things for Jesus.
Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, April 20, 2018
reflections from God: Matthew 14: 28-30
reflections from God: Matthew 14: 28-30 by ric Gustafson
Peter was walking on water toward Jesus. He was confident, strong and walking boldly toward his Master. All of a sudden, doubt began to enter his mind. He became afraid and began to sink. We are like Peter we are human. Sometimes we are confident in life and sometimes we are afraid and have doubt. Just like Peter, Jesus tells us " Take courage It is I don't be afraid".
Praise God.
research help: ' A story of God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Peter was walking on water toward Jesus. He was confident, strong and walking boldly toward his Master. All of a sudden, doubt began to enter his mind. He became afraid and began to sink. We are like Peter we are human. Sometimes we are confident in life and sometimes we are afraid and have doubt. Just like Peter, Jesus tells us " Take courage It is I don't be afraid".
Praise God.
research help: ' A story of God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 20
grace April 20 by ric Gustafson
On our spiritual path, it is easy to stray off of it. We wonder off so many times we wonder if God will take us back. In John 10, Jesus proclaims that he is the Good Shepherd. He knows us and will lay down his life for us his sheep. God loves us always and will never let us stray for long. Jesus has his scarred hands out for us wandering sheep to come back. Jesus smiles when we come back.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
On our spiritual path, it is easy to stray off of it. We wonder off so many times we wonder if God will take us back. In John 10, Jesus proclaims that he is the Good Shepherd. He knows us and will lay down his life for us his sheep. God loves us always and will never let us stray for long. Jesus has his scarred hands out for us wandering sheep to come back. Jesus smiles when we come back.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Wallenberg page 5
Wallenberg page 5 by ric Gustafson
On July 19 1944, Wallenberg entered the Hotel Majestic. He was searched for weapons by two SS men. He was directed upstairs to a large office on the second floor. He walked in to see Adolf Eichmann sitting behind a large walnut desk. The air was thick from smoke from Eichmann's cigarettes. He looked like a bureaucrat. His steel blue eyes looked angry.
He tapped a finger on his desk. " Why were you in Palestine in 1937?".
Wallenberg thought for a moment. " I believe the Jews should have a state of their own".
" I know all about you". He slammed a fist on the desk. " And your so called passes".
Wallenberg did not reply.
" You are a Jew lover and a fraud". He then smiled. " I will give you a trainload of protected Jews for a ransom".
Wallenberg refused. On his way out, he gave Eichmann a box of cigarettes and a bottle of whisky.
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
On July 19 1944, Wallenberg entered the Hotel Majestic. He was searched for weapons by two SS men. He was directed upstairs to a large office on the second floor. He walked in to see Adolf Eichmann sitting behind a large walnut desk. The air was thick from smoke from Eichmann's cigarettes. He looked like a bureaucrat. His steel blue eyes looked angry.
He tapped a finger on his desk. " Why were you in Palestine in 1937?".
Wallenberg thought for a moment. " I believe the Jews should have a state of their own".
" I know all about you". He slammed a fist on the desk. " And your so called passes".
Wallenberg did not reply.
" You are a Jew lover and a fraud". He then smiled. " I will give you a trainload of protected Jews for a ransom".
Wallenberg refused. On his way out, he gave Eichmann a box of cigarettes and a bottle of whisky.
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Lord's Prayer: Give us this day our Daily Bread
the Lord's Prayer: Give us this day our Daily Bread by ric Gustafson
God is thinking about us today and every day. An image of the Kingdom of God is being around a table. God is always giving us something to eat. This meal could be physical food around a table. This meal from God could be spiritual food for our hungry souls. Some people in this world do not have physical bread. Some people do not have spiritual food. God loves us more than anything else and says come to me. He will give us both physical and spiritual food. Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
God is thinking about us today and every day. An image of the Kingdom of God is being around a table. God is always giving us something to eat. This meal could be physical food around a table. This meal from God could be spiritual food for our hungry souls. Some people in this world do not have physical bread. Some people do not have spiritual food. God loves us more than anything else and says come to me. He will give us both physical and spiritual food. Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 19
grace April 19 by ric Gustafson
In life, we feel loss. In John 14, Jesus tells us to not let our hearts be troubled. God knows what we are going through. The truth is that we are not in control of our life here. God sees all. God knows all. He is in charge of our life now. He is in charge of our life to come. God says reach out to me. He will send the Holy Spirit to comfort and to guide us. God says come to me in prayer. God will cradle us in his arms now and forever. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In life, we feel loss. In John 14, Jesus tells us to not let our hearts be troubled. God knows what we are going through. The truth is that we are not in control of our life here. God sees all. God knows all. He is in charge of our life now. He is in charge of our life to come. God says reach out to me. He will send the Holy Spirit to comfort and to guide us. God says come to me in prayer. God will cradle us in his arms now and forever. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
reflections from God: Psalm 1: 1-2
reflections from God: Psalm 1: 1-2 by ric Gustafson
Psalm 1 was written by David the king of Israel. This psalm talks about the Bible itself. David wrote how the Scriptures can produce a life of prosperity. This psalm talks about avoiding bad counsel and delighting the truth contained in God's Word. David points out that people need to meditate on the truth of God's Word day and night. God wants us to prosper. With God's help we will.
Praise God.
research help: ' A story of God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Psalm 1 was written by David the king of Israel. This psalm talks about the Bible itself. David wrote how the Scriptures can produce a life of prosperity. This psalm talks about avoiding bad counsel and delighting the truth contained in God's Word. David points out that people need to meditate on the truth of God's Word day and night. God wants us to prosper. With God's help we will.
Praise God.
research help: ' A story of God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wallenberg page 4
Wallenberg page 4 by ric Gustafson
The train from Berlin arrived in Budapest on July 9 1944. Wallenberg got a taxi and drove to the Hotel Gellert. This hotel was near the Swedish Embassy. The next day, he visited the Embassy where deep lines of Jews were trying to obtain Swedish passports. Wallenberg found out that only 230,000 Jews were still left in Budapest. Wallenberg came up with an idea for protective passports that would protect the person from deportation. He printed up thousands of these passports.
Wallenberg needed help to save Jewish lives. He turned to the only man he could think of. This man was Swiss vice consul Carl Lutz. Lutz knew Adolf Eichmann from experience. Because of Wallenberg, Jews were flooding into the Swedish Embassy. All were given a protective passport. Wallenberg opened several safe havens to protect these people. Wallenberg knew that sooner or later he would have to have a talk with Adolf Eichmann.
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The train from Berlin arrived in Budapest on July 9 1944. Wallenberg got a taxi and drove to the Hotel Gellert. This hotel was near the Swedish Embassy. The next day, he visited the Embassy where deep lines of Jews were trying to obtain Swedish passports. Wallenberg found out that only 230,000 Jews were still left in Budapest. Wallenberg came up with an idea for protective passports that would protect the person from deportation. He printed up thousands of these passports.
Wallenberg needed help to save Jewish lives. He turned to the only man he could think of. This man was Swiss vice consul Carl Lutz. Lutz knew Adolf Eichmann from experience. Because of Wallenberg, Jews were flooding into the Swedish Embassy. All were given a protective passport. Wallenberg opened several safe havens to protect these people. Wallenberg knew that sooner or later he would have to have a talk with Adolf Eichmann.
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Lord's Prayer: Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven
the Lord's Prayer: Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven by ric Gustafson
The core of God's will is contained in the Ten Commandments. We are not to steal, kill, do evil or be a liar. Doing God's will consists of little acts. To do God's will, we need to be sincere and open to him. God does not conceal his will. He makes his will open to those who seek it. He does not force anyone who is not interested. He waits patiently for those who seek his will.
Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The core of God's will is contained in the Ten Commandments. We are not to steal, kill, do evil or be a liar. Doing God's will consists of little acts. To do God's will, we need to be sincere and open to him. God does not conceal his will. He makes his will open to those who seek it. He does not force anyone who is not interested. He waits patiently for those who seek his will.
Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 18
grace April 18 by ric Gustafson
Jesus reminds us in John 14 that he will not leave us as orphans. He says he will come to us. It is easy to feel alone and abandoned at times. Jesus tells us he is with us always. We do not have to feel alone because Jesus is always by our side. When we feel bad, Jesus reminds us to pray to him. When we know that Jesus is with us, we will experience joy and peace. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus reminds us in John 14 that he will not leave us as orphans. He says he will come to us. It is easy to feel alone and abandoned at times. Jesus tells us he is with us always. We do not have to feel alone because Jesus is always by our side. When we feel bad, Jesus reminds us to pray to him. When we know that Jesus is with us, we will experience joy and peace. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
reflections from God: II Corinthians 4:18
reflections from God: II Corinthians 4:18 by ric Gustafson
The Apostle Paul is reminding us to fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. The journey of life can be long and hard. Burdens that we carry can be hard to do. We can have lost dreams, the passing away of a loved one and financial setbacks. We feel tired, discouraged and don't know if we can keep going. God says don't worry the light at the end of the tunnel is coming. God brings light from darkness. Praise God.
research help: ' Reflections from God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The Apostle Paul is reminding us to fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. The journey of life can be long and hard. Burdens that we carry can be hard to do. We can have lost dreams, the passing away of a loved one and financial setbacks. We feel tired, discouraged and don't know if we can keep going. God says don't worry the light at the end of the tunnel is coming. God brings light from darkness. Praise God.
research help: ' Reflections from God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Lord's Prayer: Thy Kingdom Come
the Lord's Prayer: Thy Kingdom Come by ric Gustafson
The good news is that the Kingdom of God is coming and is also here right now. Right now the Kingdom of God is peace, hope and Jesus among us. He gives us hope for tomorrow and will always be by our side. Our true Christian faith is knowing and believing in the Kingdom of God. We have hope and believe in the Kingdom now and the Kingdom to come. Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The good news is that the Kingdom of God is coming and is also here right now. Right now the Kingdom of God is peace, hope and Jesus among us. He gives us hope for tomorrow and will always be by our side. Our true Christian faith is knowing and believing in the Kingdom of God. We have hope and believe in the Kingdom now and the Kingdom to come. Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 17
grace April 17 by ric Gustafson
When storms hit our lives, it is hard to stay positive. In Luke 12, Jesus tells us not to worry about our needs but to seek first the kingdom of God. Worldly treasures will evaporate but heavenly treasures will last for eternity. We need to look up to heaven. Jesus will always take care of us and provide for us. We are a child of God. We will always be loved and taken care of. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When storms hit our lives, it is hard to stay positive. In Luke 12, Jesus tells us not to worry about our needs but to seek first the kingdom of God. Worldly treasures will evaporate but heavenly treasures will last for eternity. We need to look up to heaven. Jesus will always take care of us and provide for us. We are a child of God. We will always be loved and taken care of. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, April 16, 2018
grace April 16
grace April 16 by ric Gustafson
Sometimes people get irritated and insult us. Sometimes we get angry and let them know that. Our anger can linger and that is not good. Jesus does not want our angry thoughts to replay over and over again in our minds. We need to ask Jesus to get these harmful thoughts out of our mind. Jesus will have the Holy Spirit cleanse our hearts of bad thoughts and attitudes. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sometimes people get irritated and insult us. Sometimes we get angry and let them know that. Our anger can linger and that is not good. Jesus does not want our angry thoughts to replay over and over again in our minds. We need to ask Jesus to get these harmful thoughts out of our mind. Jesus will have the Holy Spirit cleanse our hearts of bad thoughts and attitudes. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Wallenberg page 3
Wallenberg page 3 by ric Gustafson
32 year old Raoul Wallenberg was a quick thinking businessman. He was a Swede fluent in German and Russian. His family were Lutheran bankers and diplomats. His father died three months before he was born. While working in Haifa Palestine in 1936, Wallenberg heard what the Nazi's were doing to the Jews. He was outraged.
In June of 1944, he heard that twelve thousand Hungarian Jews were being murdered each day in Auschwitz. He decided through the Swedish Embassy that he would try to save as many Jews as possible.
In July of 1944, only the Jews of Budapest were still alive. Admiral Horthy had temporarily halted the deportations. Adolf Eichmann was incensed. On route to Budapest, Wallenberg stopped in Berlin to visit his half sister Nina. The next day, Wallenberg boarded a train for Budapest.
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
32 year old Raoul Wallenberg was a quick thinking businessman. He was a Swede fluent in German and Russian. His family were Lutheran bankers and diplomats. His father died three months before he was born. While working in Haifa Palestine in 1936, Wallenberg heard what the Nazi's were doing to the Jews. He was outraged.
In June of 1944, he heard that twelve thousand Hungarian Jews were being murdered each day in Auschwitz. He decided through the Swedish Embassy that he would try to save as many Jews as possible.
In July of 1944, only the Jews of Budapest were still alive. Admiral Horthy had temporarily halted the deportations. Adolf Eichmann was incensed. On route to Budapest, Wallenberg stopped in Berlin to visit his half sister Nina. The next day, Wallenberg boarded a train for Budapest.
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 15
grace April 15 by ric Gustafson
The world wants us to live life to the fullest. People want good times, travel and relationships. We are wired for achievement and collect material things. We cannot take material things with us to heaven. Jesus sees us for our internal beauty. Jesus wants us to have daily time with him and others. We need to come to Jesus in prayer. Jesus says do not worry he will always take care of us.
Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The world wants us to live life to the fullest. People want good times, travel and relationships. We are wired for achievement and collect material things. We cannot take material things with us to heaven. Jesus sees us for our internal beauty. Jesus wants us to have daily time with him and others. We need to come to Jesus in prayer. Jesus says do not worry he will always take care of us.
Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, April 14, 2018
the Lord's Prayer: Hallowed Be Thy Name
the Lord's Prayer: Hallowed Be Thy Name by ric Gustafson
God's name should be hallowed, revered and honored. Sometimes people who say they are Christians do not act like Christians. These people live without faith. Instead of love, we hate and do evil. Sometimes God is not hallowed but forsaken. To hallow God's name is to feel like a child. God is mercy, he forgives and he forgives everything. God knocks at our door. I pray we will open it.
Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
God's name should be hallowed, revered and honored. Sometimes people who say they are Christians do not act like Christians. These people live without faith. Instead of love, we hate and do evil. Sometimes God is not hallowed but forsaken. To hallow God's name is to feel like a child. God is mercy, he forgives and he forgives everything. God knocks at our door. I pray we will open it.
Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 14
grace April 14 by ric Gustafson
This sinful world wants us to have worldly happiness. God wants us to have divine joy. Joy comes from bearing the sufferings of others. When we suffer like others, we will collect pearls of joy. God wants us to be with others in their pain. We can offer them our presence, care and comfort. We can find God, he is here. He is the light at the end of our tunnel of suffering. When we give of ourselves to others, God blesses us more than we can ever imagine. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
This sinful world wants us to have worldly happiness. God wants us to have divine joy. Joy comes from bearing the sufferings of others. When we suffer like others, we will collect pearls of joy. God wants us to be with others in their pain. We can offer them our presence, care and comfort. We can find God, he is here. He is the light at the end of our tunnel of suffering. When we give of ourselves to others, God blesses us more than we can ever imagine. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, April 13, 2018
Wallenberg page 2
Wallenberg page 2 by ric Gustafson
It was April 21 1944. Rudolf Vrba and Fred Wetzler were drinking sherry in Zilina Slovakia. They were celebrating the fact that they had just escaped from Auschwitz. Then they began to tell the Jewish leaders what was going to happen shortly to Hungary's Jews. They gave them a detailed report of what they experienced in the camp and what was going to happen to the Jews of Hungary. At first, the leaders did not believe them. But their detailed report changed their minds. Later, the two young men found out that the Jewish leaders were not informed of the Germans plan. The leaders instead tried to negotiate with Adolf Eichmann. The fate of Hungary's Jews was set.
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It was April 21 1944. Rudolf Vrba and Fred Wetzler were drinking sherry in Zilina Slovakia. They were celebrating the fact that they had just escaped from Auschwitz. Then they began to tell the Jewish leaders what was going to happen shortly to Hungary's Jews. They gave them a detailed report of what they experienced in the camp and what was going to happen to the Jews of Hungary. At first, the leaders did not believe them. But their detailed report changed their minds. Later, the two young men found out that the Jewish leaders were not informed of the Germans plan. The leaders instead tried to negotiate with Adolf Eichmann. The fate of Hungary's Jews was set.
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Lord's Prayer: Who art in Heaven
the Lord's Prayer: Who art in Heaven by ric Gustafson
Heaven is where God lives. Heaven is the greatness of God, God made us, he is great, he made us. Heaven represents God's beauty, his power and his love. God in heaven is closer to us than you think. We need to always look up to heaven. God is there waiting for us. God is glory and walks with us every day. Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Heaven is where God lives. Heaven is the greatness of God, God made us, he is great, he made us. Heaven represents God's beauty, his power and his love. God in heaven is closer to us than you think. We need to always look up to heaven. God is there waiting for us. God is glory and walks with us every day. Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 13
grace April 13 by ric Gustafson
When we are with Jesus, we will not be judged. We will be in the world yet not of this world. This duel residency provides us with protection and safety. In heaven, we will not be judged. Jesus gives us love always so we can feel love, security and joy. The Holy Spirit will lift our spirit. Jesus will protect us from those who want to judge us. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When we are with Jesus, we will not be judged. We will be in the world yet not of this world. This duel residency provides us with protection and safety. In heaven, we will not be judged. Jesus gives us love always so we can feel love, security and joy. The Holy Spirit will lift our spirit. Jesus will protect us from those who want to judge us. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Wallenberg page 1
Wallenberg page 1 by ric Gustafson
56-58 Am Grossen Wannsee was a villa on the outskirts of Berlin. On January 20 1942, bureaucrats, SS officers and Gestapo officials walked into a large dining room. At a long table waiting for them was SS General Reinhard Heydrich. He was a musically gifted and former Catholic. He was in charge of the Gestapo, SD and Kripo. He studied the fifteen men around the table. Next to Heydrich was 36 year old Lieutenant Colonel Adolf Eichmann. He was taking the minutes.
Heydrich started the meeting by saying he had a new major responsibility from Hitler. His new task was to come up with a solution to the Jewish problem.
Later, several questions arose. When would this start? How can millions of Jews be transported to camps? and what about half Jews?. Later after everyone had left, Heydrich, Gestapo chief Heinrich Muller and Eichmann drank around a roaring fire.
The Final Solution had begun.
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
56-58 Am Grossen Wannsee was a villa on the outskirts of Berlin. On January 20 1942, bureaucrats, SS officers and Gestapo officials walked into a large dining room. At a long table waiting for them was SS General Reinhard Heydrich. He was a musically gifted and former Catholic. He was in charge of the Gestapo, SD and Kripo. He studied the fifteen men around the table. Next to Heydrich was 36 year old Lieutenant Colonel Adolf Eichmann. He was taking the minutes.
Heydrich started the meeting by saying he had a new major responsibility from Hitler. His new task was to come up with a solution to the Jewish problem.
Later, several questions arose. When would this start? How can millions of Jews be transported to camps? and what about half Jews?. Later after everyone had left, Heydrich, Gestapo chief Heinrich Muller and Eichmann drank around a roaring fire.
The Final Solution had begun.
research help: ' The Envoy' by Alex Kershaw
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I was there page 30
I was there page 30 by ric Gustafson
After a while, Jesus cried out. " I thirst".
I motioned to one of my men. He walked over to a nearby jar of wine. He dropped a sponge into it. Then he put it on a reed. He held it up to the lips of Jesus.
Later, Jesus cried out. " It is finished". There was victory in his voice. " Father, into your hands I commit my spirit". His head dropped forward. It was over.
Then the earth rumbled as if it was an earthquake.
Scared, I fell to the ground.
My pent up emotions finally hit me.
" He really was the Son of God".
The End
research help: ' the Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
After a while, Jesus cried out. " I thirst".
I motioned to one of my men. He walked over to a nearby jar of wine. He dropped a sponge into it. Then he put it on a reed. He held it up to the lips of Jesus.
Later, Jesus cried out. " It is finished". There was victory in his voice. " Father, into your hands I commit my spirit". His head dropped forward. It was over.
Then the earth rumbled as if it was an earthquake.
Scared, I fell to the ground.
My pent up emotions finally hit me.
" He really was the Son of God".
The End
research help: ' the Soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 12
grace April 12 by ric Gustafson
Sometimes stress in this world makes us feel empty and sad. Sometimes we turn to bad habits to fill that void. We quickly learn that these bad habits will not satisfy but make things worse. Instead of bad habits, Jesus says come to me instead. We need to come to Jesus in faith and he will have the Holy Spirit help us. We need to talk to Jesus daily. He will help us through the storms of life.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sometimes stress in this world makes us feel empty and sad. Sometimes we turn to bad habits to fill that void. We quickly learn that these bad habits will not satisfy but make things worse. Instead of bad habits, Jesus says come to me instead. We need to come to Jesus in faith and he will have the Holy Spirit help us. We need to talk to Jesus daily. He will help us through the storms of life.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
the Lord's Prayer: Our Father
the Lord's Prayer: Our Father by ric Gustafson
God wants to be our Father. This is very reassuring. We have a Father and we are not orphans. We are lost sheep and God our Father is waiting for us. When we stray, God our Father is patiently waiting for us. God will not leave us as orphans. He is our Father. Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
God wants to be our Father. This is very reassuring. We have a Father and we are not orphans. We are lost sheep and God our Father is waiting for us. When we stray, God our Father is patiently waiting for us. God will not leave us as orphans. He is our Father. Praise God.
research help: ' Our Father' by Pope Francis
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I was there page 29
I was there page 29 by ric Gustafson
As people below were mocking Jesus, one of my men arrived with the notice board. He handed it to me. At the top in Latin it read ' Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews'.
At one point, one of the thieves mocked Jesus. " Save yourself and us".
The other thief scolded him. He turned to Jesus. " Remember me when you come into your kingdom".
Jesus turned his head. " Today, you will be with me in paradise".
A young man came forward with Jesus's mother. He turned his head. " Woman, behold your son". Then he looked at the young man. " Behold, your mother". They left.
The sky drew totally dark.
Later, Jesus cried out. " My God My God why have you forsaken me".
One of my men mocked him. " He's calling Elijah".
research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
As people below were mocking Jesus, one of my men arrived with the notice board. He handed it to me. At the top in Latin it read ' Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews'.
At one point, one of the thieves mocked Jesus. " Save yourself and us".
The other thief scolded him. He turned to Jesus. " Remember me when you come into your kingdom".
Jesus turned his head. " Today, you will be with me in paradise".
A young man came forward with Jesus's mother. He turned his head. " Woman, behold your son". Then he looked at the young man. " Behold, your mother". They left.
The sky drew totally dark.
Later, Jesus cried out. " My God My God why have you forsaken me".
One of my men mocked him. " He's calling Elijah".
research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I was there page 28
I was there page 28 by ric Gustafson
The procession stopped at three upright timbers.
The jailer was there with his detail. " Where's Barabbas?".
" Free". I spat on the dusty ground. " A Passover pardon".
He stared at Jesus. " So instead we have the King of the Jews". He smiled. " Alright, let's get started".
The first thief was put down on the cross beam. A spike was driven into each of his palms. He screamed. Then he was lifted upright. Rope was draped over his shoulders and wooden props were put underneath. Then the two beams were crossed together tight. Then spikes were driven into their feet.
The same thing was done to the second thief.
Then the same thing was done to Jesus.
Around 10 in the morning, I heard Jesus moan the words " Father, forgive them they don't know what they are doing".
Dice was thrown for his purple robe.
I looked up at the sky. It was getting windy and dark clouds were rolling in.
research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The procession stopped at three upright timbers.
The jailer was there with his detail. " Where's Barabbas?".
" Free". I spat on the dusty ground. " A Passover pardon".
He stared at Jesus. " So instead we have the King of the Jews". He smiled. " Alright, let's get started".
The first thief was put down on the cross beam. A spike was driven into each of his palms. He screamed. Then he was lifted upright. Rope was draped over his shoulders and wooden props were put underneath. Then the two beams were crossed together tight. Then spikes were driven into their feet.
The same thing was done to the second thief.
Then the same thing was done to Jesus.
Around 10 in the morning, I heard Jesus moan the words " Father, forgive them they don't know what they are doing".
Dice was thrown for his purple robe.
I looked up at the sky. It was getting windy and dark clouds were rolling in.
research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 11
grace April 11 by ric Gustafson
Jesus wants us to be loving and caring to others. It can be demanding and make our spirit dry. Jesus does not want us to have guilt or condemn ourselves. Jesus knows what's in our hearts. When negative thoughts invade our heart, the Holy Spirit's work in us is blocked. Jesus wants to take away our negative thoughts. We need each day to ask Jesus to take away all of our bad thoughts and actions. He will do that if we ask him. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus wants us to be loving and caring to others. It can be demanding and make our spirit dry. Jesus does not want us to have guilt or condemn ourselves. Jesus knows what's in our hearts. When negative thoughts invade our heart, the Holy Spirit's work in us is blocked. Jesus wants to take away our negative thoughts. We need each day to ask Jesus to take away all of our bad thoughts and actions. He will do that if we ask him. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
grace April 10
grace April 10 by ric Gustafson
According to Malachi 3:6, For I the Lord do not change. You can always rely on God. He is constant and never changes. He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us on our spiritual journey. God's Word is the same and yet new. When we pray to God each day and talk to him, we have peace. We are safe in God because he and his love for us never changes. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Malachi 3:6, For I the Lord do not change. You can always rely on God. He is constant and never changes. He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us on our spiritual journey. God's Word is the same and yet new. When we pray to God each day and talk to him, we have peace. We are safe in God because he and his love for us never changes. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, April 9, 2018
grace April 9
grace April 9 by ric Gustafson
When our loved ones need our help, we rush to try to help. We get sad and frustrated when there situation does not change despite our help. Jesus wants to help us. He will send us the Holy Spirit to comfort us and those we are trying to help. With the Spirit's help, we can rest easy that Jesus is in charge and will take care of the situation. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When our loved ones need our help, we rush to try to help. We get sad and frustrated when there situation does not change despite our help. Jesus wants to help us. He will send us the Holy Spirit to comfort us and those we are trying to help. With the Spirit's help, we can rest easy that Jesus is in charge and will take care of the situation. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, April 8, 2018
I was there page 27
I was there page 27 by ric Gustafson
As I led the execution detail, I remembered something. I motioned to one of my men. " Go and bring me the crucifixion notices". I was still upset that Barabbas had gone free. He had killed two of my men.
Jesus was walking slowly and in pain. He was being mocked by the angry mob following us. We were walking way too slowly. At one point, Jesus fell and could not get up.
We made it to the market section of the route. Jesus fell again. I halted the procession. Jesus got back up and we slowly started walking again. When we reached the Fish Gate, Jesus fell again. I knew at that point, he could not carry it any longer.
I looked around and noticed a tall young man. " You there". I pointed at Jesus. " Carry this man's cross".
He walked over and easily shouldered the cross beam.
We went through the Fish Gate and then up the hill toward Golgotha.
research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
As I led the execution detail, I remembered something. I motioned to one of my men. " Go and bring me the crucifixion notices". I was still upset that Barabbas had gone free. He had killed two of my men.
Jesus was walking slowly and in pain. He was being mocked by the angry mob following us. We were walking way too slowly. At one point, Jesus fell and could not get up.
We made it to the market section of the route. Jesus fell again. I halted the procession. Jesus got back up and we slowly started walking again. When we reached the Fish Gate, Jesus fell again. I knew at that point, he could not carry it any longer.
I looked around and noticed a tall young man. " You there". I pointed at Jesus. " Carry this man's cross".
He walked over and easily shouldered the cross beam.
We went through the Fish Gate and then up the hill toward Golgotha.
research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 8
grace April 8 by ric Gustafson
According to Luke 3:16, John the Baptist exclaims that he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus's Helper is the Holy Spirit. God wants us to be his friend. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we may feel afraid and discomforted. Rest assured these feelings will go away. Then purity, peace and liberation will happen. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Luke 3:16, John the Baptist exclaims that he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus's Helper is the Holy Spirit. God wants us to be his friend. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we may feel afraid and discomforted. Rest assured these feelings will go away. Then purity, peace and liberation will happen. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, April 6, 2018
Titanic 2018 page 7
Titanic 2018 page 7 by ric Gustafson
There were sixteen life boats in the freezing water. Women were weeping for their lost husbands and sons. Sailors were crying when the liner went under. At 2 am, the bow and the bridge were completely under. Slowly the liner tilted and the stern was vertically up in the air. It remained this way for at least five minutes. Then the Titanic quietly went beneath the dark waves. Then the survivors heard the desperate cries of hundreds of people in the icy cold water. Survivors claimed that they heard the moans for at least an hour. Most of those in the boats were freezing from the bitter cold air and lack of warm clothing.
Some of the women who became heroes in their life boats included Mrs George Widener, Mrs William Carter, Mrs John Thayer, Mrs J J Brown, the Countess Rothes and Mrs Ware. The survivors rowed until about 5:30 am. Then they were rescued by a ship called the Carpathia.
What happened that night April 14 1912 the survivors of the Titanic will never forget.
The End
research help: ' On Board the Titanic' by Dover Publications
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
There were sixteen life boats in the freezing water. Women were weeping for their lost husbands and sons. Sailors were crying when the liner went under. At 2 am, the bow and the bridge were completely under. Slowly the liner tilted and the stern was vertically up in the air. It remained this way for at least five minutes. Then the Titanic quietly went beneath the dark waves. Then the survivors heard the desperate cries of hundreds of people in the icy cold water. Survivors claimed that they heard the moans for at least an hour. Most of those in the boats were freezing from the bitter cold air and lack of warm clothing.
Some of the women who became heroes in their life boats included Mrs George Widener, Mrs William Carter, Mrs John Thayer, Mrs J J Brown, the Countess Rothes and Mrs Ware. The survivors rowed until about 5:30 am. Then they were rescued by a ship called the Carpathia.
What happened that night April 14 1912 the survivors of the Titanic will never forget.
The End
research help: ' On Board the Titanic' by Dover Publications
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 6
grace April 6 by ric Gustafson
According to Matthew 6, for where your treasure is there your heart will be also. The truth is that treasures we accumulate here on earth will deteriorate and then is gone. Jesus wants us to have heavenly treasures. This heavenly trust fund will always grow and remain new. Trust Jesus for a love without worry or care. This treasure resides in God's Kingdom and can be ours eternally.
Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Matthew 6, for where your treasure is there your heart will be also. The truth is that treasures we accumulate here on earth will deteriorate and then is gone. Jesus wants us to have heavenly treasures. This heavenly trust fund will always grow and remain new. Trust Jesus for a love without worry or care. This treasure resides in God's Kingdom and can be ours eternally.
Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Colossians 3: 12-17 Forgiveness
Colossians 3: 12-17 Forgiveness by ric Gustafson
Forgiveness is a virtue that can either bring us joy or sorrow. God's Word tells us a lot about forgiveness. Forgiveness is personal and involves relationships. When we forgive much, we are loved much. Forgiveness can be bitter and bruising. Forgiveness can bring us true peace. Unless we are eager to be forgiven, we cannot forgive others. When we forgive, Jesus's peace comes.
research help: ' The Fitting Room' by Kelly Minter
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Forgiveness is a virtue that can either bring us joy or sorrow. God's Word tells us a lot about forgiveness. Forgiveness is personal and involves relationships. When we forgive much, we are loved much. Forgiveness can be bitter and bruising. Forgiveness can bring us true peace. Unless we are eager to be forgiven, we cannot forgive others. When we forgive, Jesus's peace comes.
research help: ' The Fitting Room' by Kelly Minter
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I was there page 26
I was there page 26 by ric Gustafson
Annas pointed a finger at Pilate. " His blood be on us". He pointed a finger at Jesus. " And on our children".
Pilate stared at me. " Release that filthy dog".
I walked over to Barabbas. " You are a free man".
The criminal lifted his hands with joy. " God be praised".
" Get out of here". " I kicked him in the rear. " Before he changes his mind".
The happy criminal ran off.
Shaking his head, Pilate walked back into the hall.
I took over. I pointed to one of my men. " Bring me three crossbeams from the Fortress".
When they came, the two thieves were shouldered to them.
Jesus was shouldered to the heavest beam.
Part of the angry crowd had already dispersed.
With plenty of men for crowd control, the death procession started.
research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Annas pointed a finger at Pilate. " His blood be on us". He pointed a finger at Jesus. " And on our children".
Pilate stared at me. " Release that filthy dog".
I walked over to Barabbas. " You are a free man".
The criminal lifted his hands with joy. " God be praised".
" Get out of here". " I kicked him in the rear. " Before he changes his mind".
The happy criminal ran off.
Shaking his head, Pilate walked back into the hall.
I took over. I pointed to one of my men. " Bring me three crossbeams from the Fortress".
When they came, the two thieves were shouldered to them.
Jesus was shouldered to the heavest beam.
Part of the angry crowd had already dispersed.
With plenty of men for crowd control, the death procession started.
research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I was there page 25
I was there page 25 by ric Gustafson
Pilate and I walked out to the Stone Pavement. He now stood in front of the unruly crowd. " I do not find the prisoner guilty of anything deserving death". His tired voice hesitated. " He has been scourged therefore I will have him released".
Caiaphas yelled. " If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar's".
Pilate's head dropped. He turned to me. " Bring out the prisoner".
I walked in and brought out Jesus.
Pilate pointed at Jesus. " Here is your King".
The crowd yelled. " Crucify him".
" Shall I crucify your King?".
Caiaphas yelled back. " We have no king but Caesar".
Pilate nodded to an assistant. " Bring me a basin of water". Shortly it was put in front of him. He spent a long time washing his hands in front of the crowd. " I am innocent of the blood of this man".He stared at the crowd as he dried his hands with a towel. " You yourselves see to it".
research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate and I walked out to the Stone Pavement. He now stood in front of the unruly crowd. " I do not find the prisoner guilty of anything deserving death". His tired voice hesitated. " He has been scourged therefore I will have him released".
Caiaphas yelled. " If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar's".
Pilate's head dropped. He turned to me. " Bring out the prisoner".
I walked in and brought out Jesus.
Pilate pointed at Jesus. " Here is your King".
The crowd yelled. " Crucify him".
" Shall I crucify your King?".
Caiaphas yelled back. " We have no king but Caesar".
Pilate nodded to an assistant. " Bring me a basin of water". Shortly it was put in front of him. He spent a long time washing his hands in front of the crowd. " I am innocent of the blood of this man".He stared at the crowd as he dried his hands with a towel. " You yourselves see to it".
research help: ' The soldier who killed a King' by David Kitz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Titanic 2018 page 6
Titanic 2018 page 6 by ric Gustafson
As Colonel and Mrs Astor walked on deck, fear and confusion was starting. Husbands were coming out with wives and children. Families were gathering together. Many had come up hastily with whatever they could put on. There was mass confusion in steerage. By the time they were able to get to the boat deck, many of the life boats were already lowered. Some of the steerage men tried to get into the boats and were shot by the ship's officers.
The order went out for women and children in the life boats first. Many of the women refused to get in. Some stayed with their spouses. Women, children and those who did get in the boats were carefully lowered. Most of the life boats on the port side were not capsized. Four on the starboard side were capsized.
It was a heart wrenching scene. Fathers were saying goodbye to their wives and children. Six men were shot for trying to get into the boats. There was an explosion when the bulkheads exploded. Stokers and others from down below came up and fought to get into the remaining life boats. As the band played ' Nearer My God to thee' and ' Autumn', the stern of the liner went down. At least 100 men were still on board when it sank.
research help: ' On Board the Titanic' by Dover Publications
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
As Colonel and Mrs Astor walked on deck, fear and confusion was starting. Husbands were coming out with wives and children. Families were gathering together. Many had come up hastily with whatever they could put on. There was mass confusion in steerage. By the time they were able to get to the boat deck, many of the life boats were already lowered. Some of the steerage men tried to get into the boats and were shot by the ship's officers.
The order went out for women and children in the life boats first. Many of the women refused to get in. Some stayed with their spouses. Women, children and those who did get in the boats were carefully lowered. Most of the life boats on the port side were not capsized. Four on the starboard side were capsized.
It was a heart wrenching scene. Fathers were saying goodbye to their wives and children. Six men were shot for trying to get into the boats. There was an explosion when the bulkheads exploded. Stokers and others from down below came up and fought to get into the remaining life boats. As the band played ' Nearer My God to thee' and ' Autumn', the stern of the liner went down. At least 100 men were still on board when it sank.
research help: ' On Board the Titanic' by Dover Publications
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 5
grace April 5 by ric Gustafson
According to Matthew 22, we are to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. When we love Jesus with our entire being, we will be changed and grow. We will experience joy, peace and love. When we love Jesus with everything, we will have life eternal.
So how do we love Jesus constantly?. It helps to set a routine daily to talk to him and study his Word. Jesus wants us to rest in his arms and feel his love for us. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Matthew 22, we are to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. When we love Jesus with our entire being, we will be changed and grow. We will experience joy, peace and love. When we love Jesus with everything, we will have life eternal.
So how do we love Jesus constantly?. It helps to set a routine daily to talk to him and study his Word. Jesus wants us to rest in his arms and feel his love for us. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Titanic 2018 page 5
Titanic 2018 page 5 by ric Gustafson
Sunday night April 14 1912, the Titanic was sailing on a placid sea. On the surface was mushy ice and lots of floes. In charge on the bridge was First Officer William Murdock. According to saloon steward Thomas Whiteley, the first call from the Crow's Nest was at 11:40. In the short time he had, Murdock told the wheel man to go full speed ahead on the starboard propeller and reverse the port propeller. He did this to try and turn the liner quickly and avoid the berg. This was not successful.
The entire length of the underbody of the starboard side was ripped. The shock was hard to imagine. Most of the passengers did not know what had just happened. Captain Smith came in and the emergency doors were closed. Right away, the liner was settling forward and listing five degrees to starboard. Some of the passengers were still in the saloons and the smoking rooms. Within a few minutes, stewards were trying to arouse passengers. Some got up and some did not. It was utter confusion. Most people could not believe that anything had happened. Eventually, the cry went out for all passengers to go on deck with life preservers. Panic ensued.
research help: ' On Board the Titanic' by Dover Publications
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday night April 14 1912, the Titanic was sailing on a placid sea. On the surface was mushy ice and lots of floes. In charge on the bridge was First Officer William Murdock. According to saloon steward Thomas Whiteley, the first call from the Crow's Nest was at 11:40. In the short time he had, Murdock told the wheel man to go full speed ahead on the starboard propeller and reverse the port propeller. He did this to try and turn the liner quickly and avoid the berg. This was not successful.
The entire length of the underbody of the starboard side was ripped. The shock was hard to imagine. Most of the passengers did not know what had just happened. Captain Smith came in and the emergency doors were closed. Right away, the liner was settling forward and listing five degrees to starboard. Some of the passengers were still in the saloons and the smoking rooms. Within a few minutes, stewards were trying to arouse passengers. Some got up and some did not. It was utter confusion. Most people could not believe that anything had happened. Eventually, the cry went out for all passengers to go on deck with life preservers. Panic ensued.
research help: ' On Board the Titanic' by Dover Publications
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
reflections from God: James 1:22
reflections from God: James 1:22 by ric Gustafson
James 1:22 says do not merely listen to the Word do what it says. Jesus speaks to us through his Word. The Holy Spirit uses the Word so that God can speak to us. When Jesus speaks to us, we need to respond and listen. We are deceiving ourselves when we do not respond to God's Word. The Word brings transformation. Transforming ourselves means doing what the Word has taught us. We need to get to a quiet place and faithfully study God's Word every day. Praise God.
research help: ' A story of God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
James 1:22 says do not merely listen to the Word do what it says. Jesus speaks to us through his Word. The Holy Spirit uses the Word so that God can speak to us. When Jesus speaks to us, we need to respond and listen. We are deceiving ourselves when we do not respond to God's Word. The Word brings transformation. Transforming ourselves means doing what the Word has taught us. We need to get to a quiet place and faithfully study God's Word every day. Praise God.
research help: ' A story of God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 4
grace April 4 by ric Gustafson
When we make mistakes in life, the Holy Spirit comes to straighten it out. Other people make mistakes and sometimes it involves us. It is easy to say I hope they get what's coming to them. According to Luke 6, Jesus says judge not and condemn not. When we forgive instead of judging and condemning, Jesus will treat us the same way. We should not rejoice in other people's mistakes. Jesus wants us to love and help others instead of judging and condemning. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When we make mistakes in life, the Holy Spirit comes to straighten it out. Other people make mistakes and sometimes it involves us. It is easy to say I hope they get what's coming to them. According to Luke 6, Jesus says judge not and condemn not. When we forgive instead of judging and condemning, Jesus will treat us the same way. We should not rejoice in other people's mistakes. Jesus wants us to love and help others instead of judging and condemning. Praise God.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
grace April 3
grace April 3 by ric Gustafson
When people have what we don't have, jealousy can happen. Satan could convince us to have envy, hate and wrong desires. Life is a balance of easy and hard. It is a balance of beauty, pain, gifts and giving. We have a soul that creates a life. Jesus says come to me and enjoy my love. Jesus will send us the Holy Spirit to lift our spirits. Jesus says rest in me. I pray that we will.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When people have what we don't have, jealousy can happen. Satan could convince us to have envy, hate and wrong desires. Life is a balance of easy and hard. It is a balance of beauty, pain, gifts and giving. We have a soul that creates a life. Jesus says come to me and enjoy my love. Jesus will send us the Holy Spirit to lift our spirits. Jesus says rest in me. I pray that we will.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, April 2, 2018
reflections from God: James 1:17
reflections from God: James 1:17 by ric Gustafson
James 1:17 states that every good and perfect gift is from above. We need to pray for Jesus's will in our life. We have needs in life. We also have wants in life. Jesus has good gifts in store for us. We need to ask Jesus what he wants for us. We need to turn our needs to him. Jesus will not give us anything that would not be good for us. Jesus's timing is perfect. Praise God.
research help: ' A story of God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
James 1:17 states that every good and perfect gift is from above. We need to pray for Jesus's will in our life. We have needs in life. We also have wants in life. Jesus has good gifts in store for us. We need to ask Jesus what he wants for us. We need to turn our needs to him. Jesus will not give us anything that would not be good for us. Jesus's timing is perfect. Praise God.
research help: ' A story of God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace April 2
grace April 2 by ric Gustafson
When we love Jesus with all of our being, we will change and grow. When we love Jesus, we will experience joy and peace. When we love Jesus with everything we have, we will have life eternal.
So how do we love Jesus?. We need a daily routine. For some people, it is early morning to talk to Jesus and study his Word. For some people it is easier late at night. Jesus just wants our time and love. That is all he asks. I pray that we can do that.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When we love Jesus with all of our being, we will change and grow. When we love Jesus, we will experience joy and peace. When we love Jesus with everything we have, we will have life eternal.
So how do we love Jesus?. We need a daily routine. For some people, it is early morning to talk to Jesus and study his Word. For some people it is easier late at night. Jesus just wants our time and love. That is all he asks. I pray that we can do that.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, April 1, 2018
reflections from God: Psalm 46:10
reflections from God: Psalm 46:10 by ric Gustafson
Psalm 46:10 says be still and know that I am God. Jesus wants us to have quality quiet times with him. We need to find a quiet place and talk to Jesus. We need to find a quiet space and talk to Jesus. We need to wait, listen and feel Jesus. Jesus wants us to know and hear his voice. Jesus is Jesus and he wants us to trust him. Jesus loves us more than anything else in the world.
research help: ' A story of God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Happy Easter to all. Love Ric
Psalm 46:10 says be still and know that I am God. Jesus wants us to have quality quiet times with him. We need to find a quiet place and talk to Jesus. We need to find a quiet space and talk to Jesus. We need to wait, listen and feel Jesus. Jesus wants us to know and hear his voice. Jesus is Jesus and he wants us to trust him. Jesus loves us more than anything else in the world.
research help: ' A story of God and all of us' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett
Happy Easter to all. Love Ric
grace April 1
grace April 1 by ric Gustafson
We feel positive emotions on Easter Sunday. We enjoy seeing family and friends we do not see very often. But sometimes emotions can be negative. Sometimes like Mary Magdalene at the tomb, we can feel as if Jesus is far away. Jesus wants us to feel close to him at all times. We need to find a place of quiet. Then we need to fill our heart with love and gratitude. Then we need to tell Jesus our true feelings and let the Holy Spirit speak to us. I pray that we can do that.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Happy Easter to all. Love Ric
We feel positive emotions on Easter Sunday. We enjoy seeing family and friends we do not see very often. But sometimes emotions can be negative. Sometimes like Mary Magdalene at the tomb, we can feel as if Jesus is far away. Jesus wants us to feel close to him at all times. We need to find a place of quiet. Then we need to fill our heart with love and gratitude. Then we need to tell Jesus our true feelings and let the Holy Spirit speak to us. I pray that we can do that.
research help: Simple Grace April 2018
Happy Easter to all. Love Ric
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