God's promises: Self Control

God's promises: Self Control by ric gustafson


When we believe in God, he will give us self control. When we think of self control, what habits come to mind. Is it our spending, temper, our work habits. Our tongue needs self control. Self control displays maturity. Self control deepens our discipline.
For self control, we need the Holy Spirits help. We need to adjust our thoughts. We need to acquire new habits. Jesus loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' Everything You Need' by David Jeremiah


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Oz 80 page 4

Oz 80 page 4 by ric gustafson


When Ray Bolger was 16, he knew he wanted to be a vaudevillian. By 18, he was already making his stage debut. Bolger danced double jointed. Because of this, he wanted to play the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. Originally, he was given the role of the Tin Man. He asked to switch roles. The decision to change roles cemented him in movie history.
He performed on stage until 1984with a hip injury. Six decades on stage and screen.
Next, we will look at Jack Haley.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz' by Topix Media and Newsweek


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God's promises: Knowledge

God's promises: Knowledge by ric gustafson


The Apostle Peter describes the knowledge of God in II Peter 1:2. At this time Peter was about to be executed. To grow in knowledge is a process through our actions and choices. We must grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
True knowledge begins with a yearning to know Jesus. He wants us to follow him with all of our heart. Jesus is the truth. With Christian knowledge, we want to grow in our love for Jesus. Jesus wants us to study him. We need to study God's Word more. We need to be obedient to Jesus. Jesus wants our habits and behavior to change. Jesus loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


research help: ' Everything You Need' by David Jeremiah


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Stephen page 3

Stephen page 3 by ric gustafson


One of the Council members screamed. " Kill him".
A crowd formed. Stephen was forced out of the chamber. The now angry mob dragged the young man through the Dung Gate. Then they entered the Valley of Death. The mob stopped at a grove of desert pine trees.
Standing by the grove was a man named Saul of Tarsus. The Council members dropped their cloaks at Saul's feet. They picked up large stones.
The first large stone hit Stephen. He lifted his eyes to heaven. " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit".
The stones kept hitting the young man. " Lord, do not charge them with this sin".
Stephen died.
The Council members took their cloaks from Saul and left.

The End.


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Stephen page 2

Stephen page 2 by ric gustafson


Stephen cleared his throat. " The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham".
There was a stir among the Council members.
" Israel rebelled against God while Moses went up to receive the Law".
A bigger stirring began.
" Solomon built the first Temple". His voice hesitated. " The Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands".
Pain stabbed the members of the Council.
" Why are you still stiff necked and resist the Holy Spirit?". Stephen pointed a finger at the Council members. " You are betrayers and murderers because you do not keep the law".
Anger came to the faces of the Council.
Stephen raised his face upward. " I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God".


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Oz 80 page 3

Oz 80 page 3 by ric gustafson


By 1939, Judy Garland was a veteran leading lady. She was only 16 years old. The public saw her as a child star. Because of her musical comedies with Mickey Rooney, Mervyn LeRoy and Arthur Freed suggested her for the role of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Studio chief Louis B Mayer's choice for Dorothy was Shirley Temple. Fox refused to loan her out to MGM. The role went to Judy Garland. Because of her performance, she won the Academy Juvenile Award. Garland was Dorothy Gale.
Next we will look at Ray Bolger.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz' by Topix Media and Newsweek


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God's promises: Virtue

God's promises: Virtue by ric gustafson


God calls us by virtue. The quality of our character, spiritual excellence and moral goodness comes by virtue. True virtue is born of faith. Virtue begins by trusting in God. We need to simply and fully trust in Jesus. Faith sustains virtue. Jesus aimed to please his Father. Jesus wants us to please his Father. Jesus and his Father love us more than anything else. Praise God.


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God's promises: Diligence

God's promises: Diligence by ric gustafson


II Peter 1:5 talks about diligence. God gives us resources through his promises for godliness. Diligence means to make every effort. It is a steady and energetic effort. Diligence is the opposite of laziness. Peter tells us to diligently follow Jesus and to be more like Jesus. We will add to our faith by being motivated by diligence. Peter was diligent and devoted to Jesus. God has given us everything we need in life to follow him.
Diligence is a lifestyle. We need to follow Jesus with diligence. He loves us more than anything else.
Praise God.


research help: ' Everything you need' by David Jeremiah


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God's promises: In life's storms

God's promises: In life's storms by ric gustafson


In this sinful life, we will go through life's storms. In II Peter 1, God promises us precious promises. God promises us his power to get through the trials of this life. This power from God is unlimited. This power is unleashed. This power is unlocked. This power from God sustains our faith. We cannot calculate God's power. His promises are infallible. God's power is always available to us. We can download God's power. Why would God give me a sinner that wonderful power?. Simply, because he loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


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Oz 80 page 2

Oz 80 page 2 by ric gustafson


There were a number of directors and screenwriters working on the Wizard of Oz. On the surface, the production should of been a disaster. The production's first director was Norman Taurog. He left to film a Mickey Rooney movie and did not do anything for Oz. The second director was Richard Thorpe. He helped the production for only a week and a half before he was fired. George Cukor was brought in for a short time. King Vidor came in at the end to finish the film.
It was the fourth director Victor Fleming's vision that made the film into a classic today. By 1938, Fleming was a veteran director. His idea was for Dorothy to escape with Toto and have frustration with her aunt and uncle. Fleming was a director of comedies. He was able to get great performances from his vaudeville actors. Also he was able to handle the new Technicolor.
Later, he directed Gone With The Wind. Both films were part of the great film year of 1939.
Next, we will look at Judy Garland.


research help: ' The Wizard of Oz' by Topix Media and Newsweek


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Stephen page1

Stephen page 1 by ric gustafson


Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin. His hands were chained with a guard on each side.
Someone yelled from the crowd. " He is trying to blasphemy against the Temple and the Law".
The Council was glaring at Stephen from up on a dais.
Another person yelled. " He says that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place".
Stephen's face was a glow of no fear.
One of the Council members yelled at Stephen. " What do you say about these accusations?".
Stephen looked at his accusers with God's love in his eyes.


research help: ' The Hidden Flame' by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke


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Oz 80 page1

Oz 80 page 1 by ric gustafson


L Frank Baum conceived the continent of imagination. The center of this magic land is the Land of Oz. At the time that Baum wrote the Wizard of Oz, The US was in bad economic condition at the end of the 19th century. At this time, fantasy was a form of escapism. Baum was a child in upstate New York. He was fascinated by the written word. One time, he got a printing press as a gift.
The first feature length version of the Wizard of Oz was a silent film in 1925. The Wizard of Oz was made because of the popularity of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Next we will look at the directors of Oz.


research help: Topix Media Lab and Newsweek


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a man of gratitude

a man of gratitude by ric gustafson


Jesus's feet hurt as he walked through the small village. He was on his way to Jerusalem. He had been walking for several hours.
A voice yelled from a distance. " Unclean".
Jesus walked closer. A group of ten lepers were standing in a group.
People from the village kept their distance.
One of the lepers recognized Jesus. All ten yelled in unison. " Jesus, Master have mercy on us".
Jesus felt compassion for them. " Go and show yourselves to the priests".
The ten walked off. As they walked, they were cleansed.
Jesus neared the end of the village. He heard a noise. He turned around. One of the cleansed lepers was on his face at his feet.
" Thank you, Thank you". Tears came down his healed face. " Praise God".
" Were not ten cleansed". Jesus looked at the man with love in his eyes. " Where are the other nine?".
" Stand up and go". Jesus helped him up to his feet. " Your faith has made you well".

The End


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4343 Tulip Lane page 4

4343 Tulip Lane page 4 by ric gustafson


Roger was biking down Tulip Lane. He stopped in front of 4343. He could not believe the house was finished. He got off the bike and walked toward the front door. Near the door was an Open House sign. He walked into the front foyer. It was decked out in white and red balloons.
" Hello Roger". A young bearded man dressed in white smiled at him. He walked over and shook Roger's hand. " I've been waiting for you".
In shock, Roger stared at the young man. " How did you know I was coming?".
The young man pointed around the foyer. " Welcome to my house".
" How did you know my name was Roger?".
" I've been waiting for you". He walked over to a table and opened a blue register. " See your room is ready for you".
" My room?".
The young man smiled. " I've been preparing a room for you for a long time now".
" You have?".
" Would you like to see it?".
Roger thought about his wife and his son. " Sure".
Jesus smiled. They both walked upstairs.

The End


research help: ' The Day Christ Died'  by Jim Bishop


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4343 Tulip Lane page 3

4343 Tulip Lane page 3 by ric gustafson


Roger pedaled his bike onto Tulip Lane. This was not part of his normal route home. He was curious about the new house. He noticed the construction sign saying ' Stay Out'. His curious side won out. He got off the bike and walked around the sign.
There he noticed a man, wearing a hard hat and an orange uniform, sketching on a easel.
" Hello" replied a middle aged man. He shook Roger's hand. " I'm Warren the project manager".
Roger took a peek at the drawing. " That's a lot of rooms".
" My employer". He smiled. " Wanted a lot of rooms built".
" Why so many?".
" I don't know". He scratched his chin. " But that is what he wants".
" I better go". He glanced at his watch. " Thanks for the update".
" Come back any time".
Roger got back on his bike and left.
Warren went back to drawing up plans.


research help: ' The Day Christ Died' by Jim Bishop


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4343 Tulip Lane page 2

4343 Tulip Lane page 2 by ric gustafson


Roger Henkel kissed his wife. He put his work clothes into a small black duffel bag.
Carol Henkel opened the bedroom door. " Would you like me to make you some breakfast?".
" No thanks, I'm going to bike to work this morning". He quickly put on his bike clothes.
She walked downstairs to make breakfast for their son.
He brushed his teeth, combed his hair and walked down to the kitchen.
" Have a good day and give Luke a big hug from me". He gave her a peck on the cheek. " I'll see you when I get home". He opened the garage door and brought out the bike he had built himself. He put on his helmet, his gloves, got on and started out.
It was a beautiful Monday morning as he started out. He got to the end of the block and signaled to get onto Tulip Lane. New houses were being built. He rode up to 4343. There was a Sold sign. He rode up to the curb and stopped. Construction barriers were already set up. He figured that they were already starting on it. He glanced at his watch. He knew he had to get to work.


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4343 Tulip Lane page 1

4343 Tulip Lane page 1 by ric gustafson


Peter Philip and the others became silent.
Jesus looked at them with affection and love. " My little children I will be with you only a little while". His voice hesitated. " Where I go you cannot come".
All of them were perplexed at what he was saying.
" A new commandment I give you". He smiled. " That you love another as I have loved you".
They listened to his every word.
" Do not let your heart be troubled, you have faith in God have faith in me also".
" In my Father's house are many rooms". He knew their hearts were troubled. " I am going for the purpose of preparing a place for you".
They began to smile and grin at each other.
" And after I have prepared a place for you". He smiled. " I will come back to take you home with me".
" Lord, we do not know where you are going?". Thomas stared at Jesus. " How do we know the way?".
" I am the Way, the Truth and the Life". He looked at Thomas with love in his eyes. " No one comes to the Father except through me".


research help: ' The Day Christ Died' by Jim Bishop


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down at the Witches Brew page 3

down at the Witches Brew page 3 by ric gustafson


Miss Mabel bent down and picked up the stack of tarot cards. She was trying to put them into a tarot spread. A man in white was sitting across from her. She was getting frustrated because each time she tried, the cards kept falling on the floor.
The phone rang. She walked over and picked it up. " Witches Brew Miss Mabel". " Hi Martin". A frown came to her face. " You have to do some errands". She nodded as she listened. " Ok, tell Fran hello". She hung up the phone.
" Can you believe it". She cackled. " He has to go to the local bread store with his mother".
She stared at the new customer in white. She shook her head. " I almost had him".
Jesus quietly replied. " You can't have him".
Just then, she recognized the voice. " Nazarene".
Jesus put his scarred hands on the table. " He's confused but he believes in me".
" I should have known it was you". She cackled. " That's why I couldn't shuffle my cards".
Jesus stared at the witch. " Do not tempt him any longer with your sorcery".
" Suit yourself". She heard the bell ring over the front door. " There will always be someone else".
She stood up and began to walk toward the door. She turned around to notice that Jesus was gone.
She walked up to the young woman standing under the cob webs.
She gave a slight cackle.
" Welcome to the Witches Brew".

The End


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down at the Witches Brew page 2

down at the Witches Brew page 2 by ric gustafson


Todd and Martin walked through the doorway and felt the cobwebs on their faces.
Todd moved a web away from his face and felt something bump against his left leg.
He looked down. In fear, he backed toward the door. It was a black cat.
" Felix" replied an older woman who was dressed in black like a witch. " Sorry about that". She picked up the black cat. " Welcome to the Witches Brew". She gave a slight cackle. " What can I do for you?".
" We're lost". Martin stared at the Halloween décor. " We're looking for Ridgewood Avenue where we live".
" I'm not sure where that is". The cat scampered into a dark corner. " You boys look like you are hungry". She pointed to an empty booth. " You can be my last customers today".
The two walked over and sat down in a booth. The woman brought over and handed them two menus with cob webs on them.
" I would recommend the eye of newt". She cackled again. " The ghoul stew is good also".
Todd stared at her and put down the menu. " No thanks". He stood up and began to walk toward the front door. " Martin, I'll wait for you outside".
" Sorry". Martin handed her the menus". " I guess we're not hungry after all".
" That's ok". She cackled again. " I also do tarot readings".
" I don't know what tarot cards are?".
" Come back tomorrow and I'll show you".
" Ok". He gave her a weak smile. " What street is this?".
" Endor Lane".


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down at the Witches Brew page 1

down at the Witches Brew page 1 by ric gustafson


Todd Reed slowly walked off the bus. He stared down the dark street.
Martin Gardner walked off and now stood by a bus bench. He looked around. He pointed. " I think we need to go this way".
" Are you sure this is the quickest way home?". Fear came over his friend's face. " I don't know this area".
" I'm sure". Martin pointed west. " Follow me".
They began to walk down the deserted street. Leaves blew around them.
After a while, Martin noticed a building with their lights on. They walked across the street. There was a sign above the building. It read ' The Witches Brew Café and Tarot Readings'.
They walked up to the front door.
Todd exclaimed. " I have a bad feeling about this".
They walked in.


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Devil's Food page 3

Devil's Food page 3 by ric gustafson


Roy was reading the newspaper when he heard the doorbell ring. He walked over to the door. He opened it to reveal a young boy dressed as a pirate. Next to him was a young girl dressed as a princess.
The young pirate stuck out his plastic pail. " Trick or treat".
The young princess held out her pail. " Trick or treat".
Roy picked up a basket that was by the door. " Would you like a candy bar?". His voice hesitated. " Or would you like a Devil's Food zinger".
" Roy, what are you doing?".
" Handing out Halloween treats".
Margaret walked up and glanced into the basket.
She shook her head and put a candy bar into their baskets. They ran back to their parents.
" Take those zingers out of there". She gave her husband a serious stare. " Think about children's interests instead of your own".
The next morning, Roy was handing out Devil's Food zingers to his co workers.

The End


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Devil's Food page 2

Devil's Food page 2 by ric gustafson


Roy looked down at the wheels of the steel cart. It was making an irritating noise. He got a different cart. He quickly walked past produce. He turned into the seasonal isle. He noticed a sign indicating that candy bar minatures were on sale. He walked up and began to put bags into his cart. He was about to leave the aisle.
Then he noticed the white display at the end of the aisle. " Hostess" he exclaimed with glee. He saw the crumb cake and the chocolate donuts. Then a smile came to his face. " Devil Food zingers".
He held up a box. " I wonder if trick or treaters would like them also". He knew he was only supposed to get candy bar minatures. But he loved the chocolate outside and the creamy filling inside.
" I'll just take a couple boxes". He smiled. " And mix them with the candy bar minatures". He put the boxes into the cart.
With a sense of accomplishment, he paid for the groceries and left the store.


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Devil's Food page 1

Devil's Food page 1 by ric gustafson


Roy McReed pressed the white garage door button. The garage door closed. He opened the kitchen door. He walked into the spacious newly remodeled kitchen. " Hi sweetie".
" Hi honey". Margaret McReed put down a carving knife. " I'm just finishing up our Halloween pumpkin".
He yawned as he put his brown briefcase on top of their wooden hutch. " work was really busy today". He walked over to their white refrigerator, opened it and peered inside. " Sweetie, have you seen my Hostess treats?"
" Yes they are next to your cheese slices".
He saw the familiar red ,white and blue package. He opened it and took a long bite. " I love these things".
" What are they?".
" Hostess Devil's Food zingers".
" Oh, I need you to do something for me".
He gave her a kiss on the cheek. " Anything".
" I need you to go to the store and purchase our Halloween candy for tomorrow".
" Ok".


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the pumpkin patch page 3

the pumpkin patch page 3 by ric gustafson


One day, Alex heard a noise. " Someone's coming".
" I hear him". Doreen had joy in her voice. " And he's carrying a basket".
an elderly man in white scooped down and picked up Miguel.
" He picked me" the pumpkin screamed in gladness.
" He picked me too" squealed Doreen. The man put her into his basket.
" He won't pick me" Alex said with a sigh. " Nobody ever does".
The elderly scooped down and put him into his basket.
Later at home, God washed off the pumpkins. He cut off the tops. He scooped out the insides of doubt, hate and greed. He carved out a happy face on each of them. He put a light inside each one. He put them by the front door.
On the night of Halloween
" Smile everyone" Doreen exclaimed in a happy voice. " The kids are coming".

The End


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the pumpkin patch page 2

the pumpkin patch page 2 by ric gustafson


Miguel heard the silence as the last of the families left the patch. " Doreen, are you still here?.
" Yes". There was hesitation in the voice. " They did not pick me".
" Alex, are you still here?".
" Yes, I'm still here". There was silence. " I was not picked also".
" What's wrong with me" Doreen asked. " I'm a good pumpkin with a nice roundness".
" I don't know". Miguel sighed. " I'm a good looking pumpkin also".
" I'm scared". Alex's voice hesitated. " What will happen to us if we are not picked?".
" Don't worry" Doreen said in a reassuring voice. " God knows we are here".
Miguel sighed. " I sure hope you are right".


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the pumpkin patch page 1

the pumpkin patch page 1 by ric gustafson


Doreen wasn't sure who was there. " Miguel, are you there?".
" Yes I am". a voice replied. " I'm just over to your right".
" Are you here Alex?".
" Yes, I'm in the back".
There was excitement in Doreen's voice. " I sure hope we get picked today".
Just then, Miguel spoke up. " I hear something".
" The kids are coming". Miguel said with a shout. " Everyone get ready".
All three pumpkins waited patiently.
All three hoped they would get picked.


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More of God: Romans 12:3

More of God: Romans 12:3 by ric gustafson


Sometimes God opens doors. Sometimes God closes them. There are things that God will not permit us to know. We try to figure God out. God wants us to serve him not knowing all the answers to life. Romans 12:3 talks about the gift of faith. God gives us this faith. God is sovereign. God wants us to accept our natural gifts. We were known from the foundation of the world. God wants us to accept the way he made us. Second, he wants us accept the limits of our faith. Praise God.


research help: ' More of God' by R T Kendall


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