a night to remember page 6 by ric Gustafson
Inside the wireless shack, First Operator John Phillips and Second Operator Harold Bride had been experiencing a long day. Wireless was a new novelty. The range was short, they were inexperienced and signals were hard to catch. Messages to be sent were still piled up and Phillips was tired. Bride relieved him at 11:55 pm. As soon as he put the headphones on, Captain Smith ran in. " We've struck an iceberg, send the call for assistance". At 12:15, He sent out an international call of distress. CQD followed by MGY.
Shortly after 12:15, Wireless Operator Cyril Evans of the Californian hung up his headphones. He was deadtired and there was no relief. At 11:00, he got into a tussle on the wireless with Philipps. He did not want to talk to Phillips or the Titanic. It was a night to remember.
research help: ' A night to remember' by Walter Lord
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, September 30, 2018
30 days: Time
30 days: Time by ric Gustafson
Sometimes time feels like it is flying by. Sometimes it feels as if time goes on forever. It is easy to lose track of time. If your days were numbered, how would you spend your time?. Some people would make their time count. Some would not. So how do we spend our time each day?. Do we spend our time in God or not?. Some people waste their time. We were created by God for great things. God wants us to spend our time wisely in him and for him. Praise God.
research help: ' One month to live' by Kerry and Chris Shook
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sometimes time feels like it is flying by. Sometimes it feels as if time goes on forever. It is easy to lose track of time. If your days were numbered, how would you spend your time?. Some people would make their time count. Some would not. So how do we spend our time each day?. Do we spend our time in God or not?. Some people waste their time. We were created by God for great things. God wants us to spend our time wisely in him and for him. Praise God.
research help: ' One month to live' by Kerry and Chris Shook
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, September 29, 2018
a night to remember page 5
a night to remember page 5 by ric Gustafson
Captain Smith was a 38 year veteran of the White Star Line. He had a sense of urbanity and firmness. He was a natural leader. He sent Fourth Officer Boxhall to quickly inspect the liner. Carpenter J Hutchinson and Mail Clerk Iago Smith came back with Boxhall. They told the Captain about how fast the liner was already taking in water. Then Bruce Ismay came to the bridge. Captain Smith told him the bad news. Thomas Andrews came and took a tour of the ship with Captain Smith. What they noticed stunned them. There was a 300 foot gash affecting the first five watertight compartments. Water would go over into the remaining compartments. The liner was doomed.
Captain Smith ordered the lifeboats uncovered. He ordered Murdoch to inform the passengers. Then Captain Smith walked down to the wireless shack. This was a night to remember.
research help: ' A night to remember' by Walter Lord
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Captain Smith was a 38 year veteran of the White Star Line. He had a sense of urbanity and firmness. He was a natural leader. He sent Fourth Officer Boxhall to quickly inspect the liner. Carpenter J Hutchinson and Mail Clerk Iago Smith came back with Boxhall. They told the Captain about how fast the liner was already taking in water. Then Bruce Ismay came to the bridge. Captain Smith told him the bad news. Thomas Andrews came and took a tour of the ship with Captain Smith. What they noticed stunned them. There was a 300 foot gash affecting the first five watertight compartments. Water would go over into the remaining compartments. The liner was doomed.
Captain Smith ordered the lifeboats uncovered. He ordered Murdoch to inform the passengers. Then Captain Smith walked down to the wireless shack. This was a night to remember.
research help: ' A night to remember' by Walter Lord
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
30 days: a roller coaster
30 days: a roller coaster by ric Gustafson
So how do you view your life?. Is it a safe ride or is it like a roller coaster. Just like a roller coaster, our life in this sinful world goes fast. Life is a cycle, we are born and then years later our bodies die. Our life is right here right now. Not in the past or future. God does not want us to say ' someday'. Someday is today. We should love God, pray to him, follow him and love others. Praise God.
research help: ' One month to live' by Kerry and Chris Shook
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
So how do you view your life?. Is it a safe ride or is it like a roller coaster. Just like a roller coaster, our life in this sinful world goes fast. Life is a cycle, we are born and then years later our bodies die. Our life is right here right now. Not in the past or future. God does not want us to say ' someday'. Someday is today. We should love God, pray to him, follow him and love others. Praise God.
research help: ' One month to live' by Kerry and Chris Shook
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
a night to remember page 4
a night to remember page 4 by ric Gustafson
After the engines of the liner had stopped, some of the passengers began to wonder why. Colonel Archibald Gracie and Jack Thayer got dressed and went up to the Boat Deck to investigate. At this point, not much was going on. The majority of those who did venture upstairs went back to their rooms because of the bitter cold. Sone of the passengers amused themselves with ice that had fallen on deck from the iceberg. The ice mostly fell on the starboard well deck opposite the foremast.
In the first six of the ship's watertight compartments, all was not well. Lamp Trimmer Samuel Hemming could hear air pressure coming from the rushing water from the forepeak compartment. Leading Fireman Charles Hendrickson could see water coming up the cast iron steps of cargo hatch 1. Steerage passengers could already see water seeping under their cabin doors. After only five minutes, water was already lapping onto G Deck and affecting the giant mail room. Sacks of mail were brought up to F Deck. Up on the bridge, Captain Smith was trying to assess the situation.
This was beginning to become a night to remember.
research help: ' A night to remember' by Walter Lord
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
After the engines of the liner had stopped, some of the passengers began to wonder why. Colonel Archibald Gracie and Jack Thayer got dressed and went up to the Boat Deck to investigate. At this point, not much was going on. The majority of those who did venture upstairs went back to their rooms because of the bitter cold. Sone of the passengers amused themselves with ice that had fallen on deck from the iceberg. The ice mostly fell on the starboard well deck opposite the foremast.
In the first six of the ship's watertight compartments, all was not well. Lamp Trimmer Samuel Hemming could hear air pressure coming from the rushing water from the forepeak compartment. Leading Fireman Charles Hendrickson could see water coming up the cast iron steps of cargo hatch 1. Steerage passengers could already see water seeping under their cabin doors. After only five minutes, water was already lapping onto G Deck and affecting the giant mail room. Sacks of mail were brought up to F Deck. Up on the bridge, Captain Smith was trying to assess the situation.
This was beginning to become a night to remember.
research help: ' A night to remember' by Walter Lord
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
30 days: living the dash
30 days: living the dash by ric Gustafson
Our time on this earth is limited. Our days are numbered and when the day is ended, it is gone. If we only had 30 days to live, would we do things differently. Would we treat others differently?. Would we have more of a passion for life?. Would our priorities change?. Would the little mundane things we took for granted take on more meaning?. We do not have control over the day we leave this sinful human world and go to heaven to be with Jesus. Our lives are in Jesus's hands. Jesus wants us to spend our lives as if we have only 30 days left. I pray we will do this. Praise God.
research help: ' One month to live' by Kerry and Chris Shook
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Our time on this earth is limited. Our days are numbered and when the day is ended, it is gone. If we only had 30 days to live, would we do things differently. Would we treat others differently?. Would we have more of a passion for life?. Would our priorities change?. Would the little mundane things we took for granted take on more meaning?. We do not have control over the day we leave this sinful human world and go to heaven to be with Jesus. Our lives are in Jesus's hands. Jesus wants us to spend our lives as if we have only 30 days left. I pray we will do this. Praise God.
research help: ' One month to live' by Kerry and Chris Shook
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Loving Jesus: abundant provision
Loving Jesus: abundant provision by ric Gustafson
According to John 21:7, Peter recognized Jesus. He was advising the disciples to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. The disciples were tired after trying to catch fish all night. Peter proclaims " It is the Lord". The disciples did what Jesus suggested. Their net was full of fish. Jesus in his huge love for us grants us abundant provision. He always has and he always will. Praise God.
The End.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to John 21:7, Peter recognized Jesus. He was advising the disciples to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. The disciples were tired after trying to catch fish all night. Peter proclaims " It is the Lord". The disciples did what Jesus suggested. Their net was full of fish. Jesus in his huge love for us grants us abundant provision. He always has and he always will. Praise God.
The End.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
a night to remember page 3
a night to remember page 3 by ric Gustafson
First Officer William Murdoch was in charge of the bridge at the time Fleet called. Right away, he gave the order to Quartermaster Hitchens to turn the wheel hard a starboard. Then the engine room telegraph was yanked to Full Speed Astern. Then the watertight doors were closed. Then they waited for 37 seconds. But it was too late.
Captain Smith rushed onto the bridge. " Mr Murdoch, what was that?".
" An iceberg Sir".
" Close the emergency doors".
" The doors are already closed".
In boiler room number 6, fireman Fred Barrett and Second Engineer James Hesketh barely made it through the door before it closed. In boiler room 5, Barrett found a gash two feet beyond the door. Seawater was gushing through the hole. The other boiler rooms at the moment were dry. Some of the firemen heard the thud and the grinding tearing noise.
In Second Class, Smoking Room steward James Witter was asked by some worried passengers to check on the thud they had heard. Most of the passengers were in their staterooms. But this night was different. A night to remember.
research help: ' A Night to Remember' by Walter Lord
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
First Officer William Murdoch was in charge of the bridge at the time Fleet called. Right away, he gave the order to Quartermaster Hitchens to turn the wheel hard a starboard. Then the engine room telegraph was yanked to Full Speed Astern. Then the watertight doors were closed. Then they waited for 37 seconds. But it was too late.
Captain Smith rushed onto the bridge. " Mr Murdoch, what was that?".
" An iceberg Sir".
" Close the emergency doors".
" The doors are already closed".
In boiler room number 6, fireman Fred Barrett and Second Engineer James Hesketh barely made it through the door before it closed. In boiler room 5, Barrett found a gash two feet beyond the door. Seawater was gushing through the hole. The other boiler rooms at the moment were dry. Some of the firemen heard the thud and the grinding tearing noise.
In Second Class, Smoking Room steward James Witter was asked by some worried passengers to check on the thud they had heard. Most of the passengers were in their staterooms. But this night was different. A night to remember.
research help: ' A Night to Remember' by Walter Lord
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Loving Jesus: the promise of paradise
Loving Jesus: the promise of paradise by ric Gustafson
Jesus was crucified between two common criminals. One scoffed at Jesus. The other criminal simply asks Jesus to save him from spiritual punishment. In reality, the things he has done on this earth do not qualify him for heaven. So what does Jesus do?. He simply looks over and proclaims " I assure you today you will be with me in paradise". Free grace is given to this criminal just as he does to us. Jesus loves us more than anything else. Praise God.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus was crucified between two common criminals. One scoffed at Jesus. The other criminal simply asks Jesus to save him from spiritual punishment. In reality, the things he has done on this earth do not qualify him for heaven. So what does Jesus do?. He simply looks over and proclaims " I assure you today you will be with me in paradise". Free grace is given to this criminal just as he does to us. Jesus loves us more than anything else. Praise God.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Loving Jesus: a sense of calling
Loving Jesus: a sense of calling by ric Gustafson
Jesus had a calling. He had a job to do. He was obeying his Father and restoring humanity. He was rescuing people from the consequences of their sin. Jesus had a calling to fulfill.
We are also blessed with a calling from God. He has called us to serve him. We are made in the image of God and possess the mind of Jesus. Our calling comes from God. God wants us to serve others and love him. Praise God.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus had a calling. He had a job to do. He was obeying his Father and restoring humanity. He was rescuing people from the consequences of their sin. Jesus had a calling to fulfill.
We are also blessed with a calling from God. He has called us to serve him. We are made in the image of God and possess the mind of Jesus. Our calling comes from God. God wants us to serve others and love him. Praise God.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, September 21, 2018
a night to remember page 2
a night to remember page 2 by ric Gustafson
In the galley, Chief Night Baker Walter Belford heard a jolt. A pan of rolls fell off the oven unto the floor. Steward James Johnson heard a shudder as if a propeller blade had dropped. Major Arthur Godfrey Peuchen felt the jar. He compared it to a wave striking the ship. Lady Cosmo Duff Gordon compared the jolt to a giant finger scraping along the side of the ship. Some people felt it more than others.
The jolt woke up J Bruce Ismay. He was the Managing Director of the White Star Line. He knew that the ship had struck something. Some people head a dull thump. Some people heard a rumbling scraping noise. Most of the passengers were in bed when the jolt happened. The only passengers still up were in the First Class smoking room. All of them heard the scraping noise along the starboard side. Some walked out to see the iceberg quickly go by. Some people went back inside to the warmth of the smoking room. Then it seemed as if the engines were stopping. They were right.
A night to remember.
research help: ' A Night To Remember' by Walter Lord
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In the galley, Chief Night Baker Walter Belford heard a jolt. A pan of rolls fell off the oven unto the floor. Steward James Johnson heard a shudder as if a propeller blade had dropped. Major Arthur Godfrey Peuchen felt the jar. He compared it to a wave striking the ship. Lady Cosmo Duff Gordon compared the jolt to a giant finger scraping along the side of the ship. Some people felt it more than others.
The jolt woke up J Bruce Ismay. He was the Managing Director of the White Star Line. He knew that the ship had struck something. Some people head a dull thump. Some people heard a rumbling scraping noise. Most of the passengers were in bed when the jolt happened. The only passengers still up were in the First Class smoking room. All of them heard the scraping noise along the starboard side. Some walked out to see the iceberg quickly go by. Some people went back inside to the warmth of the smoking room. Then it seemed as if the engines were stopping. They were right.
A night to remember.
research help: ' A Night To Remember' by Walter Lord
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
New Christian 101 page 4
New Christian 101 page 4 by ric Gustafson
Mr McCoy was writing on the board. After a short time, he noticed it was 6:00. " Ok, let's get started". He smiled at the students. " Tonight's question is who is Jesus?".
A female raised her hand. " He is the Son of God".
" That is true". His voice hesitated. " Jesus is the second member of the Trinity".
A male raised his hand. " Is it true that Jesus was conceived and born of a virgin?".
" That is true". Mr McCoy grinned. " His birth was a miracle". He looked at the students. " There is a big difference between Jesus and us".
A female raised her hand. " What is that Mr McCoy?".
" Jesus lived a sinless life".
He notices it was 8:00. " I leave you with one more thought".
The students roared. " What is that Mr McCoy?".
" Jesus was a remarkable person".
research help: ' New Christian's Handbook' by Max Anders
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Mr McCoy was writing on the board. After a short time, he noticed it was 6:00. " Ok, let's get started". He smiled at the students. " Tonight's question is who is Jesus?".
A female raised her hand. " He is the Son of God".
" That is true". His voice hesitated. " Jesus is the second member of the Trinity".
A male raised his hand. " Is it true that Jesus was conceived and born of a virgin?".
" That is true". Mr McCoy grinned. " His birth was a miracle". He looked at the students. " There is a big difference between Jesus and us".
A female raised her hand. " What is that Mr McCoy?".
" Jesus lived a sinless life".
He notices it was 8:00. " I leave you with one more thought".
The students roared. " What is that Mr McCoy?".
" Jesus was a remarkable person".
research help: ' New Christian's Handbook' by Max Anders
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, September 20, 2018
a night to remember page 1
a night to remember page 1 by ric Gustafson
In the crow's nest of the White Star liner Titanic, lookout Frederick Fleet was gazing into a dark night. The night was clear, calm and very cold. The water of the Atlantic Ocean that night was as if it was polished glass. This was the fifth night of the liner's maiden voyage. Fleet's job along with the other five lookouts that night was to watch carefully for icebergs. His shift started at 10 and his partner was Reginald Lee. Shortly before 11:40 pm, Fleet saw something directly ahead looming in the dark. He rang the crow's nest bell three times. Then he picked up the phone.
" What did you see?".
Fleet yelled into the phone. " Iceberg right ahead".
For the next 37 seconds, the two lookouts watched the massive iceberg come closer.
What happened next was a night to remember.
research help: ' A Night To Remember' by Walter Lord
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In the crow's nest of the White Star liner Titanic, lookout Frederick Fleet was gazing into a dark night. The night was clear, calm and very cold. The water of the Atlantic Ocean that night was as if it was polished glass. This was the fifth night of the liner's maiden voyage. Fleet's job along with the other five lookouts that night was to watch carefully for icebergs. His shift started at 10 and his partner was Reginald Lee. Shortly before 11:40 pm, Fleet saw something directly ahead looming in the dark. He rang the crow's nest bell three times. Then he picked up the phone.
" What did you see?".
Fleet yelled into the phone. " Iceberg right ahead".
For the next 37 seconds, the two lookouts watched the massive iceberg come closer.
What happened next was a night to remember.
research help: ' A Night To Remember' by Walter Lord
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
New Christian 101 page 3
New Christian 101 page 3 by ric Gustafson
Mr McCoy watched as the students walked in. Then he noticed it was 6:00. " Ok, let's get started". He began to write on the board. " Tonight's question is what has God done?".
A male raised his hand. " My guess is that he's done a lot".
Mr McCoy smiled. " First of all, God created everything out of nothing".
A female raised her hand. " That is not easy to do".
" God also has authority over all creation".
A male raised his hand. " Over all creation?".
" Yes, but he also gives us free will".
He noticed it was 8:00. " I leave you with one more thought".
The students roared. " What is that Mr McCoy?".
" God performs miracles when he wants to".
research help: ' New Christian's Handbook' by Max Anders
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Mr McCoy watched as the students walked in. Then he noticed it was 6:00. " Ok, let's get started". He began to write on the board. " Tonight's question is what has God done?".
A male raised his hand. " My guess is that he's done a lot".
Mr McCoy smiled. " First of all, God created everything out of nothing".
A female raised her hand. " That is not easy to do".
" God also has authority over all creation".
A male raised his hand. " Over all creation?".
" Yes, but he also gives us free will".
He noticed it was 8:00. " I leave you with one more thought".
The students roared. " What is that Mr McCoy?".
" God performs miracles when he wants to".
research help: ' New Christian's Handbook' by Max Anders
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
New Christian 101 page 2
New Christian 101 page 2 by ric Gustafson
Mr McCoy was writing on the board. He glanced at the clock. " It's 6:00, let's start". He smiled at the students. " Tonight's question is what is the Trinity?".
A female raised her hand. " I have a friend named Trinity".
" In II Corinthians 13:14, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are co equal and co eternal".
A male raised his hand. " How can that be?".
Mr McCoy grinned. " The concept is a mystery".
A female raised her hand. " So how can we understand it?".
Mr McCoy frowned. " With our finite minds, it is hard".
A male raised his hand. " So what do we do?".
Mr McCoy smiled. " God will help us understand this hard concept".
He noticed it was 8:00. " I leave you with one final thought".
The students yelled. " What is that Mr McCoy?".
" We are created in God's image".
research help: ' New Christian's Handbook' by Max Anders
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Mr McCoy was writing on the board. He glanced at the clock. " It's 6:00, let's start". He smiled at the students. " Tonight's question is what is the Trinity?".
A female raised her hand. " I have a friend named Trinity".
" In II Corinthians 13:14, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are co equal and co eternal".
A male raised his hand. " How can that be?".
Mr McCoy grinned. " The concept is a mystery".
A female raised her hand. " So how can we understand it?".
Mr McCoy frowned. " With our finite minds, it is hard".
A male raised his hand. " So what do we do?".
Mr McCoy smiled. " God will help us understand this hard concept".
He noticed it was 8:00. " I leave you with one final thought".
The students yelled. " What is that Mr McCoy?".
" We are created in God's image".
research help: ' New Christian's Handbook' by Max Anders
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, September 17, 2018
New Christian 101 page 1
New Christian 101 page 1 by ric Gustafson
Mr McCoy wrote on the blackboard as the students quietly walked in and sat down.
Fifteen minutes later, he checked the clock on the wall. " It's 6:00, let's start".
He pointed at the board. " This is New Christian 101
A female raised her hand. " I'm a new Christian".
" Great". Mr McCoy smiled. " Who is God?".
She thought for a moment. " Someone who loves me".
Mr McCoy smiled again. " According to Acts 17, God is the Creator of the universe".
'A male raised his hand. " Only a great God can do all that".
" God is also holy, loving, just, merciful and good".
Another female raised her hand. " Isn't God eternal?".
" He sure is". Mr McCoy grinned. " God has no beginning or end".
At 8:00, he looked at the clock. " I leave you with one last thought".
The class yelled. " What is that Mr McCoy?".
" God is all knowing and all powerful". He smiled at the class as they began to leave. " God loves you more than anything else".
research help: ' New Christian's Handbook' by Max Anders
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Mr McCoy wrote on the blackboard as the students quietly walked in and sat down.
Fifteen minutes later, he checked the clock on the wall. " It's 6:00, let's start".
He pointed at the board. " This is New Christian 101
A female raised her hand. " I'm a new Christian".
" Great". Mr McCoy smiled. " Who is God?".
She thought for a moment. " Someone who loves me".
Mr McCoy smiled again. " According to Acts 17, God is the Creator of the universe".
'A male raised his hand. " Only a great God can do all that".
" God is also holy, loving, just, merciful and good".
Another female raised her hand. " Isn't God eternal?".
" He sure is". Mr McCoy grinned. " God has no beginning or end".
At 8:00, he looked at the clock. " I leave you with one last thought".
The class yelled. " What is that Mr McCoy?".
" God is all knowing and all powerful". He smiled at the class as they began to leave. " God loves you more than anything else".
research help: ' New Christian's Handbook' by Max Anders
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, September 16, 2018
the empty box page 3
the empty box page 3 by ric Gustafson
" I don't understand". I noticed that nobody was listening to our conversation.
" When you drew your last breath". His voice hesitated. " Your soul left your earthly body". He smiled. " And that is why I am here".
" To take me to Jesus".
" That's right". He pointed toward the light in the middle of the room. " Actually, it's time to go".
We began to walk toward the light. I noticed my Aunt and Uncle. " Will I see these people again?".
" Those who believe you will".
" Good". We stopped at the light. " I'm ready to go".
We both smiled as we walked into the light.
The End
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" I don't understand". I noticed that nobody was listening to our conversation.
" When you drew your last breath". His voice hesitated. " Your soul left your earthly body". He smiled. " And that is why I am here".
" To take me to Jesus".
" That's right". He pointed toward the light in the middle of the room. " Actually, it's time to go".
We began to walk toward the light. I noticed my Aunt and Uncle. " Will I see these people again?".
" Those who believe you will".
" Good". We stopped at the light. " I'm ready to go".
We both smiled as we walked into the light.
The End
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, September 15, 2018
the empty box page 2
the empty box page 2 by ric Gustafson
I looked around. Then I noticed a young man in white sitting next to my aunt and uncle. He was smiling at me.
" You can hear me".
" Of course".
My aunt and uncle walked over to the box. They peered inside.
" No one else can".
" Are you an angel?".
" I am".
He walked over to the box as my aunt and uncle went back to their chairs.
I walked over to the box. I peered inside. Horror came onto my face. " That's me".
He smiled.
" Why am I in this box?".
" Your earthly time had come to an end".
I stared at myself. " I look peaceful".
" You knew where you were going". He frowned. " Some people don't".
" Why are you here?.
" Marcus, I am one of your guardian angels".
" One of my guardian angels?".
" I am here to take you home".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I looked around. Then I noticed a young man in white sitting next to my aunt and uncle. He was smiling at me.
" You can hear me".
" Of course".
My aunt and uncle walked over to the box. They peered inside.
" No one else can".
" Are you an angel?".
" I am".
He walked over to the box as my aunt and uncle went back to their chairs.
I walked over to the box. I peered inside. Horror came onto my face. " That's me".
He smiled.
" Why am I in this box?".
" Your earthly time had come to an end".
I stared at myself. " I look peaceful".
" You knew where you were going". He frowned. " Some people don't".
" Why are you here?.
" Marcus, I am one of your guardian angels".
" One of my guardian angels?".
" I am here to take you home".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, September 14, 2018
God moves mountains: Mount Moriah
God moves mountains: Mount Moriah by ric Gustafson
Genesis 12 talks about Abraham. God commanded him to leave his extended family and go to a foreign country. God promised him that he would become a great nation. God also promised Abraham innumerable offspring. God always keeps his promises. God commanded Abraham to take his son Isaac to Mount Moriah. Abraham was asked to take his only son there. Abraham did not hesitate or negotiate. We are faced with choices. God says surrender to me. He will provide for us. He promises that. Praise God.
research help: ' The Mountains are Calling' by Jarrett Stephens
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Genesis 12 talks about Abraham. God commanded him to leave his extended family and go to a foreign country. God promised him that he would become a great nation. God also promised Abraham innumerable offspring. God always keeps his promises. God commanded Abraham to take his son Isaac to Mount Moriah. Abraham was asked to take his only son there. Abraham did not hesitate or negotiate. We are faced with choices. God says surrender to me. He will provide for us. He promises that. Praise God.
research help: ' The Mountains are Calling' by Jarrett Stephens
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the empty box page 1
the empty box page 1 by ric Gustafson
I woke up. I looked around to see where I was. It looked like a long red box with white ruffles inside. I looked over at a young man. His hands were folded. The person looked happy. I swung my legs over the side of the box. I looked to my right and noticed several bouquets of very pretty flowers. Somebody next to them was crying. This person was being comforted by someone else.
The woman had pretty gray hair that was neatly cut. She was dabbing her eyes with a clutched tissue. Holding her was an elderly man with gray hair. He looked familiar. It was my Uncle Louie.
I got down from the box and began to walk toward my favorite uncle.
I tried to get his attention. " Uncle Louie".
I waved my arms trying to get his attention. " Uncle Louie".
" He can't hear you".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I woke up. I looked around to see where I was. It looked like a long red box with white ruffles inside. I looked over at a young man. His hands were folded. The person looked happy. I swung my legs over the side of the box. I looked to my right and noticed several bouquets of very pretty flowers. Somebody next to them was crying. This person was being comforted by someone else.
The woman had pretty gray hair that was neatly cut. She was dabbing her eyes with a clutched tissue. Holding her was an elderly man with gray hair. He looked familiar. It was my Uncle Louie.
I got down from the box and began to walk toward my favorite uncle.
I tried to get his attention. " Uncle Louie".
I waved my arms trying to get his attention. " Uncle Louie".
" He can't hear you".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, September 13, 2018
loving Jesus: a healing touch
loving Jesus: a healing touch by ric Gustafson
According to Matthew 8 and 9, Jesus had the power to heal. Jesus healed a leper and two men who were paralyzed. Jesus heals Peter's mother in law and cures a woman from her twelve year bleeding. Jesus healed people from demon possession and gave blind men their sight. Jesus gave a mute man his voice and raised a synagogue's leader daughter from the dead. We need to praise God and Jesus for healing us and others. Praise God.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Matthew 8 and 9, Jesus had the power to heal. Jesus healed a leper and two men who were paralyzed. Jesus heals Peter's mother in law and cures a woman from her twelve year bleeding. Jesus healed people from demon possession and gave blind men their sight. Jesus gave a mute man his voice and raised a synagogue's leader daughter from the dead. We need to praise God and Jesus for healing us and others. Praise God.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace Sep 13
grace Sep 13 by ric Gustafson
According to Matthew 7, Jesus says to us ask and God will give it to you. Jesus says search and you will find. Jesus says knock and the door will open for you. Jesus says everyone who asks will receive. Jesus says everyone who searches will find. Jesus says anyone who knocks will have the door opened. Where is God?. God is everywhere. God is with us night and day. Sometimes it may seem as if Jesus is not near. The truth is that God and Jesus is always with us. Jesus is always protecting us. Jesus is always with us. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Matthew 7, Jesus says to us ask and God will give it to you. Jesus says search and you will find. Jesus says knock and the door will open for you. Jesus says everyone who asks will receive. Jesus says everyone who searches will find. Jesus says anyone who knocks will have the door opened. Where is God?. God is everywhere. God is with us night and day. Sometimes it may seem as if Jesus is not near. The truth is that God and Jesus is always with us. Jesus is always protecting us. Jesus is always with us. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
loving Jesus: calm in the storm
loving Jesus: calm in the storm by ric Gustafson
Have you had storms in your life/ I'm not talking about actual storms. I'm talking about emotional, financial and everyday storms. Have you felt in these storms that Jesus is sleeping in the back of the boat?. You wake Jesus up and complain to him that you are perishing. Then Jesus wakes up and rebukes your storm. Then Jesus asks us why this storm robbed us of our faith in God. We need to give every storm of our life to Jesus. He will rebuke it and quiet it for us. Praise God/
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Have you had storms in your life/ I'm not talking about actual storms. I'm talking about emotional, financial and everyday storms. Have you felt in these storms that Jesus is sleeping in the back of the boat?. You wake Jesus up and complain to him that you are perishing. Then Jesus wakes up and rebukes your storm. Then Jesus asks us why this storm robbed us of our faith in God. We need to give every storm of our life to Jesus. He will rebuke it and quiet it for us. Praise God/
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace Sep 12
grace Sep 12 by ric Gustafson
According to Matthew 5, we are the light of the world. In this very dark and sinful world, Jesus wants us to be a beacon of light. We can be either a positive or negative role model. Because we follow Jesus, we need to be a positive role model. People are watching us. As followers of Jesus, he wants us to be a light before men. Jesus will bless us for that. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Matthew 5, we are the light of the world. In this very dark and sinful world, Jesus wants us to be a beacon of light. We can be either a positive or negative role model. Because we follow Jesus, we need to be a positive role model. People are watching us. As followers of Jesus, he wants us to be a light before men. Jesus will bless us for that. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Prayer: a God who answers
Prayer: a God who answers by ric Gustafson
God loves us so much, he reveals himself to us. We were formed in God's image. God wants to have a conversation with us. Sometimes God's voice comes to us in a whisper. Or it could be a prompting of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we have to wait for God's answer. God will tell us his will for us. Sometimes he will not answer immediately. The Lord is speaking to us. Let's listen.
Praise God.
research help: ' The Ultimate Conversation' by Charles Stanley
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
God loves us so much, he reveals himself to us. We were formed in God's image. God wants to have a conversation with us. Sometimes God's voice comes to us in a whisper. Or it could be a prompting of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we have to wait for God's answer. God will tell us his will for us. Sometimes he will not answer immediately. The Lord is speaking to us. Let's listen.
Praise God.
research help: ' The Ultimate Conversation' by Charles Stanley
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace Sep 11
grace Sep 11 by ric Gustafson
John 10:10 states that Jesus came so they can have real and eternal life more and better life than they ever dreamed of. Are we excited about the future or not?. It is easy to get discouraged with the troubling events happening all the time in the world. But Jesus does not want us to fill that way. He wants us to feel joy and have peace. Why?. Because we are Jesus's followers and know what are future is. We will be spending eternity with God and Jesus in heaven. That alone should put a smile on our face. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
John 10:10 states that Jesus came so they can have real and eternal life more and better life than they ever dreamed of. Are we excited about the future or not?. It is easy to get discouraged with the troubling events happening all the time in the world. But Jesus does not want us to fill that way. He wants us to feel joy and have peace. Why?. Because we are Jesus's followers and know what are future is. We will be spending eternity with God and Jesus in heaven. That alone should put a smile on our face. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, September 10, 2018
Loving Jesus: a secure identity
Loving Jesus: a secure identity by ric Gustafson
Our identity in this fragile human life can fail and blow away. The identity that we can never lose is the one we have in God and his Son Jesus. This identity is rock solid and can not be stolen or taken away from us. Nothing can change the fact that we are identified with Jesus. Praise God that we are his children and that can never be taken away from us. Praise God.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Our identity in this fragile human life can fail and blow away. The identity that we can never lose is the one we have in God and his Son Jesus. This identity is rock solid and can not be stolen or taken away from us. Nothing can change the fact that we are identified with Jesus. Praise God that we are his children and that can never be taken away from us. Praise God.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace Sep 10
grace Sep 10 by ric Gustafson
According to Philippians 4:8, we are to dwell upon things that are just, commendable and honorable. Or do we concentrate on negative feelings that could dominate our life?. Are we so worried about life that we forget to thank God for our daily blessings. Instead of dwelling on our hardships, we need to thank Jesus for our many blessings. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Philippians 4:8, we are to dwell upon things that are just, commendable and honorable. Or do we concentrate on negative feelings that could dominate our life?. Are we so worried about life that we forget to thank God for our daily blessings. Instead of dwelling on our hardships, we need to thank Jesus for our many blessings. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Loving Jesus: a spiritual harvest
Loving Jesus: a spiritual harvest by ric Gustafson
God tries to fertilize us in our spiritual lives. Our lives sometimes becomes rocky. Even God's Word becomes hard to take root. But God does not give up on us. The Holy Spirit will help God's Word to take root in us. God's Word will take root in my heart on a daily basis. As a result, God will give us a spiritual harvest of blessings. Praise God.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
God tries to fertilize us in our spiritual lives. Our lives sometimes becomes rocky. Even God's Word becomes hard to take root. But God does not give up on us. The Holy Spirit will help God's Word to take root in us. God's Word will take root in my heart on a daily basis. As a result, God will give us a spiritual harvest of blessings. Praise God.
research help: ' Completely Blessed' by Shannon Ethridge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace Sep 8
grace Sep 8 by ric Gustafson
According to Psalm 71:5, you are my hope o Lord God you are my confidence. As followers of God, he wants us to always be confident. We have many reasons to be confident. God is in heaven and loves us more than anything else. His Son Jesus died for us so we can be with him forever.
Are we a confident Christian?. God wants us to be. He gives us grace daily. We need to count our blessings. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Psalm 71:5, you are my hope o Lord God you are my confidence. As followers of God, he wants us to always be confident. We have many reasons to be confident. God is in heaven and loves us more than anything else. His Son Jesus died for us so we can be with him forever.
Are we a confident Christian?. God wants us to be. He gives us grace daily. We need to count our blessings. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, September 7, 2018
Prayer: what is it?
Prayer: What is it? by ric Gustafson
What is prayer?. Are we asking for things that we need?. Are we thanking God in thanksgiving?. Are we enjoying fellowship with him?. Is it a vocal conversation we are having with him?. Or are we silently talking to him?.
There are some things prayer is not. Prayer is not a lottery of chance. Prayer is not a twist of God's arm. Prayer is not a meaningless ritual. Prayer is not magic. Prayer is personal communication with God. God invites us to pray to him. God desires that we reach out to him. God desires that we learn from him and get to know him personally. Praise God.
research help: ' How to have a conversation with God' by Don Aycock
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
What is prayer?. Are we asking for things that we need?. Are we thanking God in thanksgiving?. Are we enjoying fellowship with him?. Is it a vocal conversation we are having with him?. Or are we silently talking to him?.
There are some things prayer is not. Prayer is not a lottery of chance. Prayer is not a twist of God's arm. Prayer is not a meaningless ritual. Prayer is not magic. Prayer is personal communication with God. God invites us to pray to him. God desires that we reach out to him. God desires that we learn from him and get to know him personally. Praise God.
research help: ' How to have a conversation with God' by Don Aycock
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace Sep 7
grace Sep 7 by ric Gustafson
As believers, are we confident or have doubt. Some people feel distant from God. Some people have negative thoughts that plague them. Even if we are distant from God, the truth is that he is not distant from us. God is with us taking away our fears. As Christians, we should be happy. We have God's grace and we will be with him forever. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
As believers, are we confident or have doubt. Some people feel distant from God. Some people have negative thoughts that plague them. Even if we are distant from God, the truth is that he is not distant from us. God is with us taking away our fears. As Christians, we should be happy. We have God's grace and we will be with him forever. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Prayer: the God to whom we pray
Prayer: The God to whom we pray by ric Gustafson
So how do you picture God?. Do you picture him as powerful, wise and loving. Sometimes we handle things ourselves instead of praying to God. The truth is God never changes. God proclaims I am who I am. God says you can trust me. God promises to help us. God is sovereign. God is the ruler of all creation. It is easy to not feel worthy of God's love. The truth is that God loves us more than anything else in the world. Praise God.
research help: ' The Ultimate Conversation' by Charles Stanley
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
So how do you picture God?. Do you picture him as powerful, wise and loving. Sometimes we handle things ourselves instead of praying to God. The truth is God never changes. God proclaims I am who I am. God says you can trust me. God promises to help us. God is sovereign. God is the ruler of all creation. It is easy to not feel worthy of God's love. The truth is that God loves us more than anything else in the world. Praise God.
research help: ' The Ultimate Conversation' by Charles Stanley
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace Sep 6
grace Sep 6 by ric Gustafson
Jesus's love for us is personal and intimate. Jesus died on a cross for me so that I can live in eternity with him. Jesus's love for us is unbounded by circumstance or time. Jesus says come to me and do not wait. He is waiting patiently for us. He loves us more than anything else. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus's love for us is personal and intimate. Jesus died on a cross for me so that I can live in eternity with him. Jesus's love for us is unbounded by circumstance or time. Jesus says come to me and do not wait. He is waiting patiently for us. He loves us more than anything else. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Prayer: a priceless privilege
Prayer: a priceless privilege by ric Gustafson
We as Christians have been honored to have a conversation daily with God. So why do we pray?. Some people pray to get to know God better. Some people pray because they have no other options. Some people pray because they want to find an answer to life's why's?. Some people pray because they want to know God better. God wants us to believe in him and not doubt. God wants us to communicate with him. God wants us to have a personal relationship with him. Prayer is a priceless privilege. Jesus reconciles us to God. We must also listen to God as well. Praise God.
research help: ' The Ultimate Conversation' by Charles Stanley
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We as Christians have been honored to have a conversation daily with God. So why do we pray?. Some people pray to get to know God better. Some people pray because they have no other options. Some people pray because they want to find an answer to life's why's?. Some people pray because they want to know God better. God wants us to believe in him and not doubt. God wants us to communicate with him. God wants us to have a personal relationship with him. Prayer is a priceless privilege. Jesus reconciles us to God. We must also listen to God as well. Praise God.
research help: ' The Ultimate Conversation' by Charles Stanley
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace Sep 5
grace Sep 5 by ric Gustafson
According to II Corinthians 12:10, the Apostle Paul says for when I am weak then I am strong. Life is good days and bad days. During good days, it is easy to take blessings for granted. On bad days, we need Jesus more.
Has your faith been tested lately?. We need Jesus on good days and bad days. Jesus promises to give us the strength to get through our good and bad days. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to II Corinthians 12:10, the Apostle Paul says for when I am weak then I am strong. Life is good days and bad days. During good days, it is easy to take blessings for granted. On bad days, we need Jesus more.
Has your faith been tested lately?. We need Jesus on good days and bad days. Jesus promises to give us the strength to get through our good and bad days. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
seasons of the heart: Broken
seasons of the heart: Broken by ric Gustafson
According to Psalm 147:3, he heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. Broken bones can heal. Broken hearts are harder to heal. The burden of our sins broke God's heart. God decided to send his Son to be broken and bind up our wounds eternally. Jesus is the wound healer and binder. God will heal our past hurts. He promises that. Praise God.
research help: ' Gracelaced' by Ruth Chou Simons
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Psalm 147:3, he heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. Broken bones can heal. Broken hearts are harder to heal. The burden of our sins broke God's heart. God decided to send his Son to be broken and bind up our wounds eternally. Jesus is the wound healer and binder. God will heal our past hurts. He promises that. Praise God.
research help: ' Gracelaced' by Ruth Chou Simons
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace Sep 4
grace Sep 4 by ric Gustafson
According to John 10:10, Jesus says I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly. This chapter in John tells us that Jesus came to earth so that our lives could be filled with abundance. Is material abundance part of God's plan for our life?. It might be. God will provide for us in tough times and good times. He promises us that.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to John 10:10, Jesus says I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly. This chapter in John tells us that Jesus came to earth so that our lives could be filled with abundance. Is material abundance part of God's plan for our life?. It might be. God will provide for us in tough times and good times. He promises us that.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, September 2, 2018
seasons of the heart: Ask
seasons of the heart: Ask by ric Gustafson
We face trials every day in this human life. Some trials are small and some seem like hurricanes. Jesus wants to be our anchor in those storms. We need to ask Jesus for wisdom to get through those storms. Jesus does have a purpose for our trials. The purpose will not be in our timing or according to our plans. Jesus will help us and protect us from the storms in our lives.
research help: ' Gracelaced' by Ruth Chou Simons
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We face trials every day in this human life. Some trials are small and some seem like hurricanes. Jesus wants to be our anchor in those storms. We need to ask Jesus for wisdom to get through those storms. Jesus does have a purpose for our trials. The purpose will not be in our timing or according to our plans. Jesus will help us and protect us from the storms in our lives.
research help: ' Gracelaced' by Ruth Chou Simons
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace Sep 2
grace Sep 2 by ric Gustafson
It says in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. God demonstrated his love for us by sending his son to save us from our sins. God's greatest gift to us is the gift of salvation. We need to praise God for his grace to us. Jesus sacrificed himself on a cross so that we have a chance to have eternal life. Then we can share God's love with others.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It says in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. God demonstrated his love for us by sending his son to save us from our sins. God's greatest gift to us is the gift of salvation. We need to praise God for his grace to us. Jesus sacrificed himself on a cross so that we have a chance to have eternal life. Then we can share God's love with others.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, September 1, 2018
seasons of the heart: Present
seasons of the heart: Present by ric Gustafson
Isaiah 41:10 says fear not for I am with you. God tells the Israelites to fear not for he is with them. God is faithful and is always near his children. We are to rest in God's nearness. God is always with us, will always protect us and will never abandon us. Praise God.
research help: ' Gracelaced' by Ruth Chou Simons
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Isaiah 41:10 says fear not for I am with you. God tells the Israelites to fear not for he is with them. God is faithful and is always near his children. We are to rest in God's nearness. God is always with us, will always protect us and will never abandon us. Praise God.
research help: ' Gracelaced' by Ruth Chou Simons
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
grace Sep 1
grace Sep 1 by ric Gustafson
According to Psalm 118, this is the day the Lord has made. What do we expect each day?. Do we expect wonderful things from God?. Or do we doubt God?. For Christians like myself, our day begins and ends with God. Jesus gives us peace and joy abundantly each day. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
According to Psalm 118, this is the day the Lord has made. What do we expect each day?. Do we expect wonderful things from God?. Or do we doubt God?. For Christians like myself, our day begins and ends with God. Jesus gives us peace and joy abundantly each day. Praise God.
research help: ' Grace for each day' by Worthy Publishing Group
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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