New Christian 101 page 9

New Christian 101 page 9 by ric Gustafson


The students quietly came in and took their seats.
Mr McCoy glanced at the clock. " It's 6:00 let's start". He smiled at the students. " I hope all of you had a good Thanksgiving".
All of the students nodded their heads yes.
" Tonight's question is How did we get the Bible?".
A male raised his hand. " I can't remember when I did not have one".
" The Bible is revealed by God".
A female raised her hand. " So God wrote the whole thing?".
" Actually God's Word was written over 1500 years by over forty different writers".
A male raised his hand. " That is a lot of authors".
" The Bible was also inspired by God".
A female raised her hand. " What do you mean?".
" All the words, ideas and concepts are inspired by God".
He looked at the clock. " It is 8:00". He stared at the students. " I leave you with one final thought".
" What is that Mr McCoy?".
" God's Word is recognized by the church as the Canon".


research help:  ' New Christian's Handbook' by Max Anders


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Christmas ornaments support group meeting page 3

the Christmas ornaments support group meeting page 3 by ric Gustafson


" We are on that tree to represent gifts that the wise men brought for the baby".
" Woof Woof  the baby Jesus" exclaimed Christmas Dog.
Jack in the Box smiled. " That's right".
One of the sand dollars nodded. " It just took me a long time to understand".
" Long, you call that long".
" Miss Gulch, please".
" Why, you've only just begun".
" So let's get back on that tree". The voice hesitated. " And remember why we are here for".
All the ornaments yelled out " Baby Jesus came to save us".
With joy in their hearts, the ornaments jumped onto that Christmas tree.

The End


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Philippians 4:6

bible verses: Philippians 4:6 by ric Gustafson


At the time the Apostle Paul was writing this, he was in prison. He was writing this to the young church in Philippi. He loved this young church and they were a support system for him. He was basically telling this church not to worry. He encouraged them to pray and get peace from Jesus. He told them to be thankful to God and not to worry or have stress. We need the same encouragement.
Praise God.


research help: ' 52 bible verses you should have in your heart' by B and H Publishing Group


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Christmas ornaments support group meeting page 2

the Christmas ornaments support group meeting page 2 by ric Gustafson


The Jack in the Box jumped onto the folding chair. " I called this meeting because I heard there were grumblings among the ornaments".
One of the sand dollars spoke up. " Were not sure why we are here?".
" What do you mean?".
" One day we were enjoying being on a tree in Florida". The voice quivered. " The next day we came here and put on this tree".
" Well my pretty, I can cause accidents too".
" Miss Gulch, please".
" All those not sure why you are here raise your hooks".
All the ornaments raised their hooks.
" Ok, I will explain why you are all here".
" These things must be done delicately".
" Miss Gulch, please".
All of the ornaments moved closer to the Jack in the Box to listen.


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Matthew 11:28

bible verses: Matthew 11:28 by ric Gustafson


This bible verse comes after Jesus describes who he is and the relationship between himself and his Father. This bible verse gives freedom. Jesus is wisdom. Jesus gives rest to the weary. We do not have to have all the answers. The only answer we need is Jesus. Jesus will carry our heavy load. Satan and the worries of life weigh us down. Jesus will carry our heavy load. The truth is that Jesus loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


research help: ' 52 bible verses you should have in your heart' by B and H Publishing Group


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a cup: a cup of security

a cup: a cup of security by ric Gustafson


We are worried about life and death. We have fear about the future and where we are going after we die. But God says do not worry. We gave our life to Jesus and we are going to be with him forever. That is a promise from God. That promise will never be broken or changed. Our future in heaven is sealed and secured. Praise God


research help: ' 101 cups of water' by C.D. Baker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Christmas ornaments support group meeting page 1

the Christmas ornaments support group meeting page 1 by ric Gustafson


The Christmas Jack in the Box bounced up to the podium. He looked around at those in front of him. " Are we all here?".
" Sand dollars".
" Here Here Here".
" Christmas Dog".
" Woof Woof".
" Red Christmas Choo Choo".
" Choo Choo".
" White Nutcracker".
He bounced into the room. " Here".
" Miss Gulch".
All of the ornaments looked around the room.
" Has anybody seen the new Hallmark Christmas ornament?".
" I'll get you my pretty".
Jack in the Box smiled. " It appears that Miss Gulch has arrived".
" And your little dog too".
" Thank you Miss Gulch". His voice hesitated. " Let's start the meeting".


research help:  original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I Am: I Am a light in the darkness

I Am:  I Am a light in the darkness by ric Gustafson


According to Matthew 5, you are the light of the world. Darkness is all around us. It seeks to devour our peace and destroy our hope. But Jesus has made us to be an example for him. He wants his love and joy to shine through us to a dark sinful world.
Darkness can include depression, hurt, pain and make us lonely. Jesus comes into our darkness as the light. He wants us to be beacons of lights to others in this dark cold sinful world. Praise God.


research help: ' I Am what the Bible says I Am' by Jake and Keith Provance


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I Am: I Am Strong

I Am:  I Am Strong by ric Gustafson


According to Ephesians 6:10, in conclusion be strong in the Lord. Sometimes life wears us out. We can get wearied and fatigued. Mentally and emotionally it can zap our energy. When this happens, Jesus says look to me. Jesus will give us strength and we can have joy. The Word of God can be our foundation. When we read and think about God's Word, strength will come to us. We can walk with Jesus and he will give the strength we need. Praise God.


research help: ' I Am what the Bible says I Am' by Jake and Keith Provance


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Is there anything in that bag for me?

Is there anything in that bag for me? by ric Gustafson


I stood in a quiet corner of the mall. I was watching a man at work. He was not dressed like Santa Claus. He was young, black bearded and dressed in white. There was a long line of children getting on his knee. He was handing out presents from a never ending bag. I was not a Christian and did not believe in Christmas. But I could tell that this man was different.
It was Christmas Eve and it seemed as if the line would never end. This man was never irritable and always had a smile. He was a natural with children.
The last child had left. This man motioned for me to get on his knee. Why would he want a 24 year old man getting on his knee?.
I walked over and got on his knee. " Is there anything in that bag for me?".
Jesus smiled at me. " The gift I want to give you is not in this bag".
I gave him a strange look. " What gift is that?".
Jesus gave me a hug. " The free gift of eternal life".
I got off his knee, walked out of the mall and then pondered about this free gift.

The End


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a cup: a cup of honesty

a cup: a cup of honesty by ric Gustafson


Sometimes I want to feel superior over someone. But Jesus wants me to be more like him. He wants us to be truthful about ourselves. We are not super Christians. Jesus wants us to be honest about who we are. Jesus loves us just the way we are. Praise God.


research help: ' 101 cups of water' by C.D. Baker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I Am: I Am Free

I Am:  I Am Free by ric Gustafson


According to John 8:36, so if the Son liberates you then you are really and unquestionably free. When the Spirit of the Lord is near, we have freedom. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are free. Sin does not have us shackled for it has lost it's power over us.
God will never leave nor forsake us. We are no longer slaves to sin. We need not worry for God is in charge of our life. Because Jesus died on a cross for me, I have freedom from sin. Praise God.


research help: ' I Am what the Bible says I Am' by Jake and Keith Provance


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a cup: a cup of appreciation

a cup:  a cup of appreciation by ric Gustafson


Sometimes I feel that I deserve appreciation. But I want a thankful heart. I want to be thankful and appreciate people more.
I pray to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and to thank God for everything. I want the faith to believe and the strength to always be thankful.  Praise God.


research help: ' 101 cups of water' by C.D. Baker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I Am: I Am New

I Am:  I Am New by ric Gustafson


According to II Corinthians 5:17, therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new. When we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we experience a miracle. God forgives us of everything. Never to be remembered again. We are a new person in Jesus. Now in Jesus, we choose to do what is right and good. We begin to choose God's life over our own. We become new on the inside. Praise God.


research help: ' I am what the Bible says I am' by Jake and Keith Provance


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a cup: a cup of identity

a cup: a cup of identity by ric Gustafson


It is easy to feel as if we are slaves to sin. We do habitual sin every day. Sometimes it feels as if sin defines us. But Jesus proclaims that we are not defined by our sins. We are princes and princesses of the King. We are adopted sons and daughters of God. According to Romans 8, nothing not even sins can separate us from the love of God.  Praise God.


research help: ' 101 cups of water' by C.D. Baker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

giving thanks

giving thanks by ric Gustafson


Today was Thanksgiving. As I spent time with family, my mind began to ponder. In my mind, I began to thank God for many things. I thanked God for family which I believe is a gift from God. I thanked God for all of the blessings that he gives to me. I think that Thanksgiving is for giving thanks. Thanks for family, friends, good health. But most of all, I give thanks that I am one of God's followers. I thank God that I will be with him and Jesus for all of eternity. Praise God.


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the amnesty of Lucas the turkey

the amnesty of Lucas the turkey by ric Gustafson


Martin lovingly put Lucas into a chair. " Lucas, I am very upset with you".
Gobble Gobble
" I'm upset about what you did at the homeless shelter".
Gobble Gobble
" I also heard about what you did at the YMCA".
Gobble Gobble my fellow turkeys needed help.
" But since tomorrow is Thanksgiving".
Gobble Gobble Yes!
" I'm going to give you amnesty".
Gobble Gobble  what's amnesty
" My friend". He gave Lucas a hug.
Gobble Gobble  Yes
" Please go before you end up on someone's table tomorrow".
Gobble Gobble  you want me to leave
" Tomorrow is Thanksgiving". He gave him another hug. " I can't protect you any longer".
Lucas got off the chair and ran out of the room.
Martin began to cry.

The End


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I Peter: I Peter 1: 18-19

I Peter:  I Peter 1: 18-19 by ric Gustafson


The Apostle Peter describes Jesus as a sacrificed lamb. Peter does not want us to dwell in foolish living. Foolish living includes not thinking about God. Sinners neglect to give God his due. So how do we get away from sinning and get right with God?. The answer is Jesus. Because of Jesus, we have been set free and redeemed. We are redeemed because of the blood of Jesus. Praise God.


research help: ' Living as a Christian' by A.W. Tozer


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a cup: a cup of self control

a cup: a cup of self control by ric Gustafson


When my temper gets the better of me, an alarm inside goes off. I have anxiety, my blood pressure rises and I feel detached from God. Trying to control my emotions myself does not work. Trying to do this on our own leaves us unsatisfied.
Jesus says rely on me. Jesus says rely on me instead of yourself. We are called to a life in faith. Instead of arguing, we can smile, say a kind word and stay calm. Self control is a gift from God.


research help: ' 101 cups of water' by C.D. Baker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I Peter: I Peter 1:10-12

I Peter:  I Peter 1:10-12 by ric Gustafson


There is a lot of truth in God's Word. Singular truth influenced the Old Testament prophets. These prophets reported on things they did not understand. There is rare truth in this bible verse. Old Testament prophets had the Holy Ghost in them and on them. The reassuring truth of God's Word is that even though we have stained souls, Jesus died on a cross so that we could be with him forever. Praise God.


research help: ' Living as a Christian' by A.W. Tozer


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a cup: a cup of comfort

a cup: a cup of comfort by ric Gustafson


Some people think that our suffering is because of our judgment from God for past sin. The truth is that our sins have been washed away. All of our sins. Past, Present and Future. According to Psalm 103, our sins are put as far as the east is from the west. Our sins are paid in full by Jesus. Jesus did not die in vain. God is our Father not accuser. Praise God.


research help: ' 101 cups of water' by C.D. Baker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the $ 2.15 Thanksgiving dinner page 3

the $ 2.15 Thanksgiving dinner page 3 by ric Gustafson


" No". Mr Morgan stared at the stranger. " And it doesn't sound like there will be either".
" That's too bad". The stranger sighed. " I was looking forward to it".
" So were our residents".
The stranger smiled. " Do you have any turkey at all?".
Sunday pointed at a nearby pan. " We have maybe four or five slices left".
The stranger smiled again. " Have the residents sit down".
45 minutes later, the residents had all taken their seats at the tables.
Jesus began to pray over the remaining turkey. Then he looked at the others. " Go ahead and serve your meal".
After everyone was fed and satisfied, 12 trays of leftovers were gathered.
Just then, Martin walked in. " I can't find Lucas anywhere".
Mr Morgan turned to thank the stranger. But Jesus was gone. He sat down in a chair and pondered the miracle he had just witnessed.

The End


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I Peter: I Peter 1:3

I Peter:  I Peter 1:3 by ric Gustafson


This bible verse starts with the words ' Blessed be'. This bible verse centers upon worship. It talks about the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a verse about joy. Jesus has given us a new birth into a living hope. This is a verse of victory because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This verse talks about God's great mercy. Praise God.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the $ 2.15 Thanksgiving dinner page 2

the $ 2.15 Thanksgiving dinner by ric Gustafson


Martin ladled mashed potatoes into a large pan.
Just then, the kitchen door opened. Sunday ran in. Fear was in her eyes. " The carved turkey is gone".
" What?" Mr Morgan exclaimed. " I just put the pans into the warmers and the serving wells".
" I think I saw Martin's friend run out the door with them in a cart".
" Oh no!". Martin ran out the door. " Lucas". As he got to the front door, he noticed a cart going down the hill.
Gobble Gobble
Mr Morgan ran out of the kitchen. " Martin, what just happened?".
" I'm sorry Mr Morgan". Martin opened the front door. " I need to go find my friend". He ran out.
Mr Morgan sat down in a chair. " Now what am I gonna do?". Tears came to his face. " The residents are coming for a Thanksgiving dinner". More tears came down his face. " And I have no turkey to serve them".
Just then, the front door opened. A tall black bearded man wearing white walked in. " Has the Thanksgiving meal started yet?".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I Peter: I Peter 1:8

I Peter:  I Peter 1:8 by ric Gustafson


I Peter was written by the Apostle Peter. In this bible verse, Christians now cannot see Jesus. But by faith, even though we cannot see Jesus we believe in him. Because we are sprinkled with the blood of Jesus, we believe in someone we cannot see. We Christians believe in the invisible. Not only do Christians believe in what they cannot see, we count on it. Like Peter, I look forward to heaven.


research help: ' Living as a Christian' by A.W. Tozer


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the $ 2.15 Thanksgiving dinner page 1

the $ 2.15  Thanksgiving dinner page 1 by ric Gustafson


John Morgan was carrying in a large pan of carved turkey. He smiled as he noticed the people walking in. " Welcome Gardner family". He put the pan in one of the serving wells. " I'm just about done getting the turkey ready".
Gobble Gobble Gobble.
" What was that?".
" Sorry Mr Morgan". Martin smiled. " My friend Lucas just wanted to say hi".
The shelter director held out his hand. " Hello Lucas".
Gobble Gobble  I don't have arms or hands.
" What did your friend say?".
" He said glad to meet you".
Just then, a young woman brought out a pan of cranberry sauce.
" Oh Sunday". He put the pan into the server. " The Gardner family is going to help us serve".
Gobble Gobble
" And this is their friend Lucas".
" Nice to meet you all". She walked back into the kitchen.
" She's a hard worker". He began to brew some coffee. " Her and her mother have been residents here for a long time".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Isaiah 53:5

bible verses:  Isaiah 53:5 by ric Gustafson


The cross is at the center of Isaiah 53. This bible verse gives us a look at the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Prophet explains the meaning of the cross. Jesus was crushed, pierced, wounded and punished. His death was gruesome.
The good news is that we are healed by his wounds. Our peace was on him, we are healed.
Praise God.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Isaiah 26:3

bible verses:  Isaiah 26:3 by ric Gustafson


Isaiah 26 was written by the Prophet for the land of Judah. One of the blessings of this verse is perfect peace. Another blessing is having a stayed mind. When we fix our eyes on Jehovah, all other concerns shrink. Another blessing is abiding trust. When we do this, we trust God more and more. Another blessing is everlasting strength. When our minds are set on God, we find daily strength.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a cup: a cup of freedom

a cup:  a cup of freedom by ric Gustafson


Sometimes I don't have a very good opinion of myself. I lose my confidence in myself when I hear other's opinions of me. I feel embarrassed when I make a mistake or give a wrong answer. I feel like I am in bondage with the expectations of others.
The truth is that God loves us no matter how we act. God loves us just the way we are.
Praise God.


research help: ' 101 cups of water' by C.D. Baker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: John 14:27

bible verses:  John 14:27 by ric Gustafson


Right before this verse, the disciples are scared and worried. Jesus has told them that he has to leave them. But he reassures them by telling them that he leaves his peace with them. He says my peace I give to you. He tells them that the peace he leaves is not of this world. He tells his disciples not to be troubled or fearful. We need that reassurance today. Praise God


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: John 14:6

bible verses:  John 14:6 by ric Gustafson


When we come up to a crossroads, we can go one way or another. The truth is that Jesus is the only way to God his Father. Jesus is the only way of salvation. In this bible verse, Jesus proclaims that he is the way, truth and the life. Jesus also proclaims that no one can come to God except through his Son. That is very comforting. Praise God.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a cup: a cup of unknowing

a cup: a cup of unknowing by ric Gustafson


We look at the tv and see suffering every day. We see fires out of control in California. We see mass shootings all the time. We witness floods, famines and suffering every day. After witnessing all of this every day, it is easy to question God. Why God? where are you?. Do you care?.
The truth is that God loves us more than anything else. Suffering is a mystery. We can also see love in our suffering. God's love surrounds us. God loves us more than anything.
Praise God.


research help: ' 101 cups of water' by C.D. Baker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Diabetes Prayer Day

Diabetes Prayer Day by ric Gustafson


My name is Ric and I have diabetes. It is something I have lived with since I turned 49. Today is Diabetes Prayer Day. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starch and other food into energy.
Complications from this disease include eye damage and blindness. Kidney failure, nerve damage and heart disease.
My prayer for this disease is for those like myself suffering from it. I know that God will be with them and will put his healing hands on them. Lord, help us with your wisdom and strength/
Praise God.


research help: information from LCM.


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

crossing my Jordan River

crossing my Jordan River by ric Gustafson


I stood at the edge of the river. I was scared. The river looked deep and impossible to walk through.
" What are you afraid of?".
I turned to see a young bearded man standing next to me. " I'm afraid to try and cross it".
" Don't be afraid". He smiled. " I will cross it with you".
I took two steps into the water. It was cold and went up to my ankles. " I can't do it".
" Hold my hand". Jesus held out one of his nail scarred hands. " Just believe".
I took his hand and we started walking through the water. At one point, I began to worry about my life. I stopped.
Jesus smiled. " What's wrong?".
" I'm scared about things happening in my life".
" Don't be". Jesus held tighter to my hand. " I will always hold your hand".
After a while, we reached the other side.
We hugged.
" Always remember". He smiled. " I will always hold your hand through your River Jordan's".
I turned and saw that he was already gone.
I walked away with peace in my heart.


research help:  An LCM sermon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a cup: a cup of dependence

a cup:  a cup of dependence by ric Gustafson


We like to be in charge. We want to be in charge of our lives. We try so hard to be in control. The problem is that we fail miserably. We find out that trying to be in charge of our lives will hurt us more than help us.
God wants to be in charge of our lives. Instead of being angry, weary or frustrated trying to be in charge, why not let God be in charge?. Our life would be so much better and less stressful. Let God pilot your life. He wants to very much.


research help: ' 101 cups of water' by C.D. Baker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: John 14:3

bible verses:  John 14:3 by ric Gustafson

In the previous verse, Jesus is telling his disciples that he is leaving to go prepare a place for them. The disciples were troubled, scared and trying to find out where he was going. He tells them to not have a troubled heart. He told them that he was leaving for the express reason of preparing a place for them. In John 14:3, Jesus tells us that he will come back and get us. He promises to return and where he is, we will always be. Praise God.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Butterball Turkey fitness class

the Butterball Turkey fitness class by ric Gustafson


Anita Cobb nervously bit her fingernails as she waited by the front desk. She smiled as a young woman entered carrying a blue workout bag. She shook her hand. " Hi, I'm Pamela Cross".
" Anita" she replied. She walked over to the stairs leading downstairs. " We're so glad you are here to teach the class at the last minute".
" I'm not sure what the class is". They walked down the stairs. " But here I am".
They walked into a nearby room.
Pamela did not see anybody except six loud gobbling turkeys. She turned toward Anita. " Where's the fitness class?".
Anita pointed at the turkeys.
" They are turkeys". She frowned at Anita. " What's the joke?".
" Not so loud". She spoke quietly. " Butterball has a mystery on their hands".
" What do you mean?".
" These turkeys did not get plump enough for Thanksgiving".
" You mean skinny turkeys".
" Keep your voice down". The turkeys gobbled louder. " They are very self conscious".
Pamela gave her a strange look. " Butterball doesn't know what happened?".
" No" she replied in a hushed tone. " Could be antibiotics, they are not sure".
" Great, no turkey for Thanksgiving".
The turkeys gobbled loudly and then ran out.
" Great". Anita gave her a pained stare. " Butterball is not going to be happy".
Pamela left later with a puzzled look on her face.

The End


research help:  an article on the Internet


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a cup: a cup of abundance

a cup:  a cup of abundance by ric Gustafson


I don't want to admit it. I want more. More success, a bigger house and a faster car. My want list is huge. I want more because the world wants more. But wanting more is my own thinking. Wanting more is my sinful heart. Wanting more all the time is from Satan.
Having Jesus is enough for me. Jesus provides us with everything I need. We do not need more because Jesus provides us with all that we need. The Holy Spirit will take our more away. John 10:10 says I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Praise God.


research help:  ' 101 cups of water' by C.D. Baker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: John 14:2

bible verses:  John 14:2 by ric Gustafson


There have been many words to describe heaven. Mansions and rooms are two of them. In this verse, Jesus uses the word dwelling places to describe what he is preparing for us. We can have joy knowing that he has gone to prepare a place for us. He is preparing a special place for us in heaven. Then when it is done, he will come and get us. Praise God.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a cup: a cup of grace

a cup:  a cup of grace by ric Gustafson


I've tried but I can't. I haven't loved God with all of my heart, soul and mind. I've tried to love my neighbors as myself. I've tried to make my Christian life work. I've tried and failed miserably.
But praise to God who has freed me. Jesus on the cross saved me so that I can be with him forever. The Holy Spirit helps me with my weaknesses. I bring everything to the cross. The Good News pours all over me. Jesus Christ lives in me. Praise God.


research help: ' 101 cups of water' by C.D. Baker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: John 14:1

bible verses:  John 14:1 by ric Gustafson


At the end of John 13, Jesus is spending time with his disciples before his death. He tells them that he is leaving this world. They ask him where are you going?. He tells them they cannot come with him now but later. They are distraught at the sudden news.
Jesus tries to calm their troubled minds. John 14:1, Jesus tells them to not have a troubled heart. He tells them to believe in God and to believe in him. When our lives here on this sin filled earth are troubled, this bible verse reassures us that everything will be all right. Praise God.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Production 1060: Buddy Ebsen

Production 1060:  Buddy Ebsen by ric Gustafson


Jack Haley was not the first Tin Woodman in the Wizard of Oz. Actor Buddy Ebsen was originally cast as the Scarecrow. Later, he and Ray Bolger switched roles. Part of Ebsen's makeup for the Tin Woodman was aluminum dust. Filming began on October 12 1938. After nine days of breathing large amounts of aluminum dust, disaster happened on October 21. All of a sudden, Ebsen was out of breath. He was rushed to a hospital and placed inside an oxygen tent. Due to an aluminum overdose, he remained in the hospital for two weeks and at home for a month. He was replaced in the Wizard of Oz by Jack Haley. After Oz, Ebsen was active in TV including the Beverly Hillbillies and Barnaby Jones. Buddy Ebsen passed away in 2003.

The End


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz FAQ' by David J Hogan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: I John 5:12

bible verses:  I John 5:12 by ric Gustafson


This verse has a very simple message. The one who has the Son has life. Our eternal future depends on whether we have Jesus as our Savior and Lord. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life. It is as simple as that. If we love Jesus, we will be with him forever. If not, we won't.
Praise God.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Production 1060: Shirley Temple

Production 1060:  Shirley Temple by ric Gustafson


Judy Garland was not MGM's first choice for the role of Dorothy. Their first choice was a ten year old girl who at the time was America's number one box office star. Her name was Shirley Temple. She was born in Southern California in 1928. Her mother pushed her into show business when she was only two years old. Her career peaked between 1934 and 1938. MGM originally wanted her to play Dorothy. Then the studio realized that she lacked the sophistication needed for the role. Then Judy Garland became Dorothy. The rest is movie history.
Shirley Temple retired from acting in 1949. She changed her name to Shirley Temple Black. Years later, She became a U S delegate to the United Nations. Shirley Temple Black died in 2014.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz FAQ' by David J Hogan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Production 1060: Arthur Freed

Production 1060:  Arthur Freed by ric Gustafson


MGM asked Arthur Freed to be the associate producer for the Wizard of Oz. Freed was 44 when he was asked to help Mervyn LeRoy on the film. Freed picked E Y Harburg to be the lyricist for the film. Freed helped with the script and made sure it had an emotional center. Freed was born in 1894 in South Carolina. After Oz, Freed produced many musicals for MGM in the 1940's and 1950's.
Arthur Freed died in 1973.


research help:  ' The Wizard of Oz FAQ' by David J Hogan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: I John 5:11

bible verses:  I John 5:11 by ric Gustafson


In this verse, God declares that this is the testimony. God gives us the truth and the facts. God has given us eternal life, it is done and accomplished. The Apostle John used the fact of eternal life twenty three times in his writing. Jesus is the source and Creator of life. He died to conquer death and to give us the chance to be with him forever. That is God's promise in this verse. Praise God.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Production 1060: Mervyn LeRoy

Production 1060:  Mervyn LeRoy by ric Gustafson


Mervyn LeRoy was born in San Francisco in 1900. He started in vaudeville before he was sixteen. In 1923, he was in a short and then moved to Hollywood. He started out as a Hollywood wardrobe handler. He directed his first movie ' No Place To Go' in 1927. His career at MGM started with directing ' Tugboat Annie' in 1933.
LeRoy became a close associate to Louis B Mayer. LeRoy was chosen by Mayer to produce the Wizard of Oz. The budget for the film was set at $ 3.7 million. Making the film was difficult and the shoot took twenty two weeks.
After Oz, LeRoy became an independent producer. Mervyn LeRoy passed away in 1987.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz FAQ' by David J Hogan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: I John 5:15

bible verses:  I John 5:15 by ric Gustafson


Just like the previous verse, this bible verse talks about prayer. The Apostle John stresses that he hears whatever we ask. We know that we have what we have asked for. This verse says that we can have confidence and we know. We can have confidence in whatever we ask and whenever we ask. We can ask anything according to his will. Jesus always hears our prayers. Praise God.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: I John 5:14

bible verses:  I John 5:14 by ric Gustafson


This bible verse talks about prayer. This verse talks about coming before him. In prayer, we come before him with confidence. We ask according to his will. We ask knowing that he hears us. The Apostle John wanted us to know something about the promises of prayer. He stresses that prayer is according to his will. God knows what's best for us. We know with confidence that prayer is according to God's Will.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

calms for cares: The Door Man

calms for cares:  The Door Man by ric Gustafson


One day, I was standing next to a plain looking door. All of a sudden, I heard a knock. I opened the door. Standing there was a young bearded man. He was holding a vast key ring.
I gave him a startled look. " Who are you?".
Jesus smiled. " I am a door man".
I gave him a strange stare. " You are in charge of this door?".
" Actually, I am this door". Jesus smiled again. He stepped out of the doorway and locked the door.
" Why did you do that for?".
" When the time is right". He grinned at me. " I will open it for you".
I looked at my watch. " What do I do in the meantime?".
" Keep my Word and my commands". He gave me a hug. " And stay faithful".
I turned. Jesus was already gone.
I left with joy in my heart.

The End


research help: ' Trade your cares for calm' by Max Lucado


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Production 1060: Louis B Mayer

Production 1060:  Louis B Mayer. by ric Gustafson


One man made MGM what it was. His name was Louis B Mayer. He was short, barrel chested and made great movies. He was born in 1884. He helped in his father's scrap metal business. In 1915, he started his own film distribution corporation. In 1924, he started MGM. He made wholesome films with family appeal. His right hand man was Irving Thalberg. He died in 1937. Mayer okayed Production 1060 The Wizard of Oz. The movie became part of American life.
Louis B Mayer passed away October 29 1957.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz' by David J Hogan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Hebrews 4:16

bible verses:  Hebrews 4:16 by ric Gustafson


This bible verse tells us everything about prayer. This verse tells us that we can approach the throne of grace with boldness. Jesus opens up the throne room for us. We can approach God in prayer. In prayer we can be near the King. We can approach the throne of God. The throne of grace is a glorious seat of power. God desires fellowship with us. From God, we receive mercy and grace.
Praise God.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

calms for cares: At the edge of the river

calms for cares:  At the edge of the river by ric Gustafson


I stood at the edge of the huge river. There was a sign at the edge. It read ' If Only River'. As I stood there, I began to ponder my life. If only I had tried for a better position at work, I would have a good life. If only I had taken better care of myself, I would have had a good life.
All of a sudden, I noticed someone standing next to me. It was a young dark bearded man. He smiled at me. " Isn't this river beautiful?".
" I guess". I frowned at him. " Sometimes I think about If Only in my life".
Jesus smiled. " Be anxious for nothing".
I looked at him. " I try to".
He smiled. " The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds".
I looked toward him. He was gone.
I stared at the river. Peace began to fill my heart.


research help:  ' Trade your cares for calm' by Max Lucado


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric