Prayer: pray for an awakening

Prayer: pray for an awakening by ric gustafson


Does my faith need an awakening?. Instead of a fruitful life, is it a defeated one?. God wants us to hear his voice. Miracles happen when our hearts invite Jesus in. We need to recognize our Creator. We need to recognize the Son of God. We can resist God's voice. We can listen to Satan and not God. Jesus Christ is Lord. He loves us more than anything else in this world. Praise God.

The End


research help: ' It's time to pray' by Carter Conlon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: pray for freedom

Prayer: pray for freedom by ric gustafson


We deal with heartache every day. Depression, anxiety and loneliness plague our days. There is good news. Jesus died on the cross and set us free. God wants us to experience him personally. God wants us to have heart knowledge of him. Christians have to deal with sins and evil habits. But Jesus promises the Holy Spirit's help with that. Jesus brings freedom to our souls. When our sinful self dies, Christ lives in us. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


research help: ' It's time to pray' by Carter Conlon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

spiritual weapons

spiritual weapons by ric gustafson


In order to resist Satan and his demons, we need spiritual weapons. One weapon is the name of Jesus. We need the name of Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit. Another weapon is the Word of God. God's Word is supreme. Another weapon is an obedient life. Satan hates that. Another weapon is a life of prayer. It defeats the enemy and helps us. Another weapon is Intercessory prayer. This will destroy and dismantle Satan's kingdom. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.

The End


research help: ' Unmasking the Devil' by John Ramirez


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Oz 80 page 3

Oz 80 page 3 by ric gustafson


The role of the Scarecrow was supposed to be played by Buddy Ebsen. Ebsen and Ray Bolger switched characters.
The role of the Wizard was given to actor Frank Morgan. He played five roles in the picture.
The Cowardly Lion was played by Bert Lahr.
The Tin Man was played by Jack Haley because Buddy Ebsen had to bow out due to sickness.
Dorothy was played by Judy Garland instead of Shirley Temple.
Margaret Hamilton was chosen to play the Wicked Witch just three days before production started.
Next we'll look at the wonderful films of 1939.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz' by Life


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Prayer: pray for peace

Prayer: pray for peace by ric gustafson


According to Philippians 4:7, the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds. Jesus gives us that promise. The hymn ' It is well with my soul' was written by a man named Spafford. He lost his wife and children in a ship wreck. We do not like to receive bad news. In John 14:27, Jesus says to us my peace I give you. Jesus's peace to us is unconditional. Jesus's peace is from the heart of God. Jesus wants us to think of peace not evil. No matter what trial comes our way, God loves us. The truth is that God loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.


research help: ' It's time to pray' by Carter Conlon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Oz 80 page 2

Oz 80 page 2 by ric gustafson


L Frank Baum was born in 1856 in Chittenango New York. He was a friendly and fanciful boy. He was sent to the Peekskill Military Academy for two years at the age of 12. In 1882, he married Maud Gage. They had four sons. Maud did the child rearing. Baum entertained them with story telling.
In 1897, he wrote ' Mother Goose in Prose'. In 1899, his picture book ' Mother Goose his book' was the year's best selling. In 1900, Baum wrote ' The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'.
Between 1900 and 1919, Baum wrote 13 more Oz novels. In May of 1919, Baum passed away from the effects of gallbladder surgery and a weak heart. Because of Oz, Baum will be remembered forever. Next we will look at the wonderful characters in this story.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz' by Life


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Prayer: pray for faith

Prayer: pray for faith by ric gustafson


We do not want to wait for anything. We want the latest car, I phone and TV. We get loans and credit cards to pay for them. The Kingdom of God does not work that way. God's ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. When we call out to God in faith, he will answer. God answers us in his time not ours. God says trust me and you will grow in your faith. God wants us to have a heart of faith. What kind of faith do you have?.


research help: ' It's time to pray' by Carter Conlon


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Oz 80 page 1

Oz 80 page 1 by ric gustafson


In the year 1900, a book written by L Frank Baum was published. It was a massive success and it generated a dozen sequels. In 1902, Baum wrote the lyrics for a stage musical. It ran on Broadway for 464 performances. In 1910, the first movie version appeared. Bebe Daniels played Dorothy. In 1925, a silent film version starred Oliver Hardy as the Tin Woodman.
When most people mention the Wizard of Oz, the 1939 film version comes to mind. Dorothy was played by a 16 year old named Judy Garland. They witnessed an Emerald City, good and wicked witches, a Wizard and Munchkins.
Was it a great movie?. It was nominated for six Academy Awards and won only two. Why did they make it?. Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a big hit in 1937. MGM spent 3 million dollars on a musical fantasy with 8 principal actors who were not famous. So why was it popular?. First of all, kids loved it. Second, it was a woman's movie. Thirdly, there was rebellion.
Next, we will look at the remarkable man who wrote this wonderful story.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz' by Life


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names of God: El

names of God: El by ric gustafson


El means the Strong One. Exodus 15:2 says this is my God. God is more powerful than any false god. God overcomes all obstacles. We can depend on God. According to Numbers 23:22, God is like the horns of the wild ox.
The name El occurs more than 200 times in the Old Testament. El is a generic Semitic name for God. This name is used by other cultures to refer to their gods. El is used to compound proper names such as Israel, Bethel and Elisha. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


research help: ' Names of God' by Rose Publishing


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Prayer: pray for forgiveness

Prayer: pray for forgiveness by ric gustafson


Sometimes we deal with suffering with bitterness and hatred. This blocks God's healing for our lives. God has a better way. Suffering is a doorway to Jesus. The Apostle Paul suffered greatly for his faith. But he knew God was working out a greater glory. Suffering is fellowship with Jesus.
Jesus was betrayed by one of his own. He was abused both physically and emotionally. Jesus knew injustice. God wants us to forgive those who persecute us. I pray we will do that.
God loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' It's time to pray' by Carter Conlon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: pray for the impossible

Prayer: pray for the impossible by ric gustafson


In our life, God helps us through the impossible. We focus on the natural and step back from the true work of God. God has given us his Word and his Holy Spirit. With God, miracles and the impossible happen. When we pray for the impossible, God sends the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, there is no impossible. God loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' It's time to pray' by Carter Conlon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of God: Adonai

names of God: Adonai by ric gustafson


Adonai means The Lord. Adonai also means My Great Lord. Psalm 8 proclaims O Lord our Lord. God is the Master and our majestic Lord. Isaiah 40 says The Lord is the everlasting God. God is our total authority. Adonai is the plural to Adon.  God loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' Names of God' by Rose Publishing


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3 days page 20

3 days page 20 by ric gustafson


Yeshua looked around. He was now lost. He sat down in the Court. He thought of his options. He could not remember where his cousin Elizabeth's house was. He could walk to Bethlehem and find his cousin Zeke. He was also concerned that his parents were already looking for him.
In the Temple where he sat, he felt safe. He decided to wait for his parents there.
Miriam was concerned about her son. " Can we wait for Yeshua to catch up with us?". Her voice hesitated. " I'm worried about him".
" I'm sure he's fine". Yosef smiled. " He's with the rabbi and his school friends".
Aaron was walking next to the Rabbi's cart. " I hope Yeshua is all right".
" I'm sure he has found his parents already". The Rabbi grinned. " He is very responsible".
At the Temple, Yeshua was getting hungry.


research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien


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Prayer: pray to serve

Prayer: pray to serve by ric gustafson


We are born selfish. We have a sinful nature and compassion is not our focus. Compassion is the focus of God. As God's children, God wants us to be concerned about others than ourselves. We are to love others no matter who they are. Satan will try to stop us from helping others. The cross is the path to God's power. God says love those who hate and persecute you. We are to love others as God loves us. When we love God, we can love others. God loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' It's time to pray' by Carter Conlon


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3 days page 19

3 days page 19 by ric gustafson


" Please watch the wagon Yeshua".
Yosef walked to Miriam. " Let us go to the Temple and pray for a safe journey home".
Right before they reached the Temple, Yosef put a loving hand on Yeshua's shoulder. " You deserve some time off from us". He smiled at his son. " Enjoy some time with your friends".
Yeshua picked up a goatskin and a shoulder bag. He smiled and ran off.
Later, a rabbi prayed over the two dozen wagons. The caravan began to move northward out of the city.
Suddenly, a centurion led some soldiers past the rabbi's cart. The soldiers were leading a man with a wooden beam strapped to his shoulders.
" It's a crucifixion". The rabbi yelled at the boys. " Yeshua don't look".
But Yeshua did look.


research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien


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Prayer: pray for strength

Prayer: pray for strength by ric gustafson


We are God's instruments. As sinful beings, we are fragile. God wants us to move beyond ourselves. Our Christian life is through the power of Jesus.
What is God's open door?. It is walking in his Word. It's to go through the door without question. It's to love our neighbors. God wants to lead our life. Jesus wants us to step out in faith. We need to pray for strength to go through God's open door for our life. Praise God's name.


research help: ' It's time to pray' by Carter Conlon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: pray for life

Prayer: pray for life by ric gustafson


Are we living the life Jesus has promised us?. Or are we barely living?. We are living in a spiritual wilderness. People are always searching for joy. Sometimes we come up empty. When we lose our life, we will gain it. We must die to self and live for Jesus. Are we willing to die to self?. Jesus wants to come and carry our cross. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


research help: ' It's time to pray' by Carter Conlon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: pray for salvation

Prayer: pray for salvation by ric gustafson


What power did Jesus display?. Jesus is the authority and his power shows God's glory. But Satan is always there to confront us. When we give our life to Jesus, prayer is our lifeline. Prayer drives us closer to Jesus.
In prayer, have we cried out to God?. In salvation, to Jesus we are a new creature. God always answers our prayers. Sometimes it's hard to wait for God's answer. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


research help: ' It's time to pray' by Carter Conlon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Communion: Life through remembering

Communion: Life through remembering by ric Gustafson


During our time in communion, we can remember. When we are given the bread and wine Jesus says do this in remembrance of me. God always remembers. It is us who needs to remember. Memory is very important to us. God speaks about memory a lot in his Word. In communion, we need to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. We need to remember the cost from Jesus on the cross.
Praise God.


research help: ' The Power of Communion' by Beni and Bill Johnson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Lusitania miracle page 4

the Lusitania miracle page 4 by ric gustafson


Captain Schwieger was watching the calm sea. From on top of the conning tower, he noticed a steam ship in the dense rain and fog. He decided not to attack it. He ordered a dive down to 72 feet. He ordered crewmen to run to the bow or the stern to speed the dive. Eventually, the U-20 resurfaced and continued on it's journey. On the surface, the boat could travel on diesel power and recharge it's batteries.
For fear of revealing it's presence, Schweiger told the wireless man to turn off their signal. He was happy that Himmelston was still curious about the bible and still reading it.
U-20 was following a course that would take it over the top of Scotland. Then it would travel down Ireland's west coast to the Celtic Irish sea. Schweiger's goal was to reach Liverpool Bay in one piece.


research help: ' Dead Wake' by Erik Larson


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Communion: Healing of spirit, soul and body

Communion: healing of spirit, soul and body by ric gustafson


According to Isaiah 53, Jesus was a man of sorrows. Jesus took all of our sorrows and illnesses to the cross. The world was on his shoulders. That way we could be healed spirit, soul and body. Jesus died on the cross so that we could be freed from sin, sickness and sorrow.
When we eat of the bread, we profess that Jesus is the healer and we don't have to walk in darkness. Jesus is the Bread of Life according to John 6. Jesus says this is my body. Jesus is our hope, He is life, hope and healing.
God is the healer. We need to plead the blood of Jesus over our soul, spirit and body. Then we will receive God's healing in our life.


research help: ' The Power of Communion' by Beni and Bill Johnson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Communion: Power of the Blood

Communion: Power of the Blood by ric gustafson


Why is communion powerful?. Communion is the power of the Living God. Communion is the body and blood of Jesus shed for us. There is life in the blood. Blood provides life, health and protection. White blood cells help to build the body's immune system.
In the ancient world, blood was distinguished as a covenant. The shedding of blood was a lifelong promise. God made a covenant with Abram. Jesus shed his blood and made a new covenant with his creation. God offered his own Son as a sacrifice. What Jesus did for us was unconditional. He will never go back or change his mind. He loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' The Power of Communion' by Beni and Bill Johnson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Communion: Wonder Working Power

Communion: Wonder Working Power by ric gustafson


Communion has always been part of my church life. I have used it as a tool of intercession where I would pray for others. I plead the blood of Jesus over other people's lives. When we take the body and blood of Jesus, we remind ourselves whose we are and what he's done for us. There is an old hymn that mentions power power wonder working power. There is power in Jesus's blood.


research help: ' The Power of Communion' by Beni and Bill Johnson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a life in Jesus: self discipline

a life in Jesus: self discipline by ric gustafson


Our spiritual journey involves self discipline. Along that journey, we experience personal growth, blessings and spiritual rewards. Our Christian self discipline comes from the Holy Spirit. Our right actions produce fruit. To the Apostle Paul, Christian self control was very important.
What is self discipline?. It is choosing to do what's right when you feel like doing wrong. Jesus spoke of self discipline and self control. The problem is that we have two natures. We have an old nature. And we have a new nature which is the nature of God. In Romans, Paul describes this conflict. These two natures are always in conflict. God will help us conquer that conflict. He loves us more than anything else. Praise God.

The End


research help: ' A life beyond amazing' by David Jeremiah


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a life in Jesus: Humility

a life in Jesus: Humility by ric gustafson


Humility is not low self esteem. No one is born humble. Being humble takes effort that is rewarded beyond measure. Humility is to use ability for the good of others. A humble person values others. Humble people set goals. The greatest example of humility was Jesus. Washing the disciples feet was an act of humility.
An enemy to humility is pride. Humility is a journey. To grow in humility is to serve others. Humility produces joy. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


research help: ' A life beyond amazing' by David Jeremiah


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a life in Jesus: Integrity

a life in Jesus: Integrity by ric gustafson


It is easy today to cut moral corners. Sometimes we believe that rules don't apply to us. We can lie or make excuses to cut moral corners. But God knows us from the inside out. Integrity in God's Word is faithfulness. Faithfulness is a key attribute of God.
We must admit to God our dishonesty. Then we need to repent to God. We need to ask forgiveness from God. And then make amends. We need to ask the Holy Spirit for strength. We need to be honest with ourselves. We need to tell the truth and keep our word. We need to be accountable to someone. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


research help: ' A Life beyond Amazing' by David Jeremiah


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Lusitania miracle page 3

the Lusitania miracle page 3 by ric gustafson


Turner watched as his crew performed a lifeboat drill. The ship carried forty eight lifeboats. After the Titanic disaster, all ocean liners were required to have enough lifeboats for all the passengers. Turner made sure he had enough seamen in case of any emergency.
Saturday May 1 was cold. Passengers arriving were wearing heavy coats. They came by taximeter cabs. Heavy luggage was handled by strong men in bully caps and open jackets. Those who stared at the huge liner also got a good view of lower Manhattan and the Hudson River.
There were several famous people getting on board. Charles Frohman was a theater impresario. Marguerite Lucile Jolivet was a famous actress. George Kessler was a wealthy wine importer. Reporters were flocking around Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt I.
Before the liner sailed, a warning came from Germany. If the liner was spotted by a U-boat, it would be attacked. Only two passengers canceled their reservations.


research help: ' Dead Wake' by Erik Larson


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a life in Jesus: Generosity

a life in Jesus: Generosity by ric gustafson


Generosity is about what takes place in the heart. Goodness is presence of something good. We need to be generous with our spirit. Generosity does not come easily. We can give even though we don't have much. When people give, God knows who gives from the heart. God says to us help those in need.
We can start by giving a little. Then we can give a little more. We need spontaneity in our giving. God wants us to be radical in our giving. God loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' A Life beyond Amazing' by David Jeremiah


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a life in Jesus: Compassion

a life in Jesus: Compassion by ric gustafson


What is Christian compassion?. God wants us to meet another person's need. God wants us to help others. Compassion is not academic. Compassion is not abstract. Compassion is not afraid. Compassion can surprise us. Compassion is about what you see. Compassion is about what you do. Compassion is about how you do it. Compassion is about what it costs you.
Psalm 86:15 reminds us that God is full of compassion.


research help: ' A life beyond amazing' by David Jeremiah


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Lusitania miracle page 2

the Lusitania miracle page 2 by ric gustafson


It was Friday April 30. Captain Walther Schwieger was busy in the conning tower. U-20 was traveling fast on the surface. Schwieger liked to keep his boat on the surface as much as possible. The boat could travel faster and also save on oxygen.
" Captain". A junior officer named Himmelston handed him a piece of paper. " A cable from headquarters".
Schwieger studied it. He grinned. " We have received orders to hunt and attack all transports we see near Liverpool". He looked at the young officer. " How is the personal bible study coming?".
Himmelston smiled. " I'm already up to Psalms".
Schwieger was proud of U-20. He became it's captain in December 1914. The boat quickly earned a reputation for ruthlessness.
His junior officer was curious about God's Word. Schwieger gave him a small black bible to study.
The U-20 started on  it's first patrol on Christmas Eve 1914. Schwieger and his men celebrated Christmas on the ocean floor of the North Sea.


research help: ' Dead Wake' by Erik Larson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a life in Jesus: Endurance

a life in Jesus: Endurance by ric gustafson


Hebrews 10:36 states that we have a need of endurance. Life is not easy. We need spiritual endurance to get through it. Each day, God wants us to be strong and faithful. God knows that we will go through trials and sufferings. Adversity develops endurance. Endurance produces character. People of character become people of hope. Confidence comes from the heart. To run our endurance race, we must get rid of whatever slows us down. God says do not quit, he is always with us. Praise God.


research help: ' A life beyond amazing' by David Jeremiah


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a life in Jesus: Peace

a life in Jesus: Peace by ric gustafson


In this life, bad events will happen to us. Sometimes it makes us lose our peace. God wants peace to surround this earth.  His Son Jesus was called the Prince of Peace. Every heart has a yearning for peace. God wants to fill our heart with peace. Because of peace, God sent Jesus to this earth. Jesus is the only way to have peace. We are adopted into God's family. God is our Father and our friend. Jesus is our peace. The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. We need to pray for God's peace.
Praise God.


research help: ' A life beyond amazing' by David Jeremiah


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Lusitania miracle page 1

the Lusitania miracle page 1 by ric gustafson

Captain William Thomas Turner smiled as he studied the huge liner. The Cunard liner was in a slip at Pier 54. The 44,000 ton ship was set to leave it's Hudson River berth on Sat May 1. 

A worker walked by the captain. " It's a beautiful ship".

Captain Turner grinned. " Yes it is".

The huge liner used a lot of coal each day. It needed 1,000 tons a day just to run the ship. His ship was a passenger liner with the hull of a battleship.

Captain William Thomas Turner was born in 1856. His father was a sea captain. Turner started out as a cabin boy on a sailing ship. Over the course of two decades, Turner went from third officer to the command of his own ship the Aleppo in 1903. The ship was built for speed.

Captain Turner smiled. It was a beautiful ship.

research help: ' Dead Wake' by Erik Larson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a life in Jesus: Joy

a life in Jesus: Joy by ric gustafson


It's hard to be joyful when the struggles of life come. But God promises joy to us. Joy brings change to our heart, soul and mind. Our Christian life is marked by joy. We were joyful when we received salvation. We were joyful at our baptism. God wants us to be joyful in our tough times. God wants us to be joyful. God commands us to be joyful. We have joy when we are in Jesus. In Jesus, we have complete joy. We must submit to the Holy Spirit. We need to study God's Word and spend time in prayer. Lastly, we need to tell others about God and his Son.


research help: ' A life beyond amazing' by David Jeremiah


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a life in Jesus:Love

a life in Jesus: Love by ric gustafson


Sometimes we take love for granted. In God's Word, the word love appears 567 times. Until Jesus came, love was self centered. Agape is unconditional divine love. Agape is the highest form of love. We are commanded by God to love. We are also commanded to love one another. Love is what we do for others. Love leads our heart and changes lives. Love is a gift of God and imparted to us by the Holy Spirit. We are to reflect on God's love for us. We should pray for greater love. We are to love our enemies. God loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' A life beyond amazing' by David Jeremiah


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

beyond Titanic page 3

beyond Titanic page 3 by ric gustafson


When I left New York, I cried. This city will always give me dark memories.
Later on a train heading west, I felt as if everyone's eyes were on me. A woman from the Catholic Women's League was going around making sure all the Titanic survivors on board were ok.
A young man was sitting across from me. He kept staring at me.
" You are one of those Titanic survivors?".
I did not lie. " I am".
"Did you lose someone special?".
A tear came to my eye. " I did".
He smiled. " Never forget the ones you love".
I smiled. He was right.
David, I will never forget you.

The End


research help: ' The Girl who came home' by Hazel Gaynor


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beyond Titanic page 2

beyond Titanic page 2 by ric gustafson


The next morning, Charlene ate breakfast with the Titanic widows. The rain had stopped. Sunlight was starting to come through the dining room windows.
Charlene did not want to be cooped up in her hotel room. Some women from the Salvation Army gave her some clothes and some money for her trip back home. The White Star Line gave her a waiver for damages and twenty five dollars for her troubles.
After testifying at the inquiry, she was ready to leave New York City. Just outside the front entrance of the hotel, she ran into a young man. She recognized him as the young wireless operator of the Titanic.
He shook her hand. " My name is Harold Bride". He shook her hand. " I remember you and a young man on board". He thought for a moment. " Sharpston I believe".
" Yes, David Sharpston".
" Did he survive?".
Tears came to her eyes. " No".
" I'm sorry". He frowned. " He seemed like a nice guy".
I smiled. " Yes, he was".


research help: ' The girl who came home' by Hazel Gaynor


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric