knowing God: you can trust God's promises

knowing God: you can trust God's promises by ric gustafson


The truth is God always keeps his word. If he gives you a promise, he will fulfill it. It may not be according to our timetable. It will be according to God's will for our life. We want things to change right now. We need to trust God by faith. When we accept his Son, God gives us hope and an eternal promise. We will be with God forever. God will never leave or forsake us. When we sin, broken separation from God happens. We have pride and shame and then death.
God always keeps his promises. That is a promise from God. Praise God.


research help: ' In Step with God' by Charles Stanley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

who's coming page 2

who's coming page 2 by ric gustafson


" Jesus of course". Moochie downed a glass of punch. " He's coming".
Franklin bit into a pickle from a vegetable tray. " I don't believe in God or Jesus".
John bit into a cracker with hummus on top. " We need to get ready to meet Jesus".
" Please" Franklin exclaimed. He pointed at the food and drinks table. " Enjoy my New Year's Eve party".
" Yes". John took off his party hat. " We need to get ready to meet him".
" Please put the hat back on". Franklin poured himself some punch. " Please enjoy my party".
Moochie was smiling as he ran around the room. " Jesus is coming".
" Moochie, stop doing that". Franklin sat down. He was starting to get a headache.


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

knowing God: God's way

knowing God: God's way by ric gustafson


We do not know why God moves in a certain direction. If we are willing, the Holy Spirit will give us a desire to learn his ways. If we want to know God's ways, we need to be alone with him. God's ways and his plans are perfect. Some people get scared at the notion of knowing God. God asks us to surrender to him. God desires our fellowship. God asks that we pursue him. I pray that we will do that. Praise God.


research help: ' In step with God' by Charles Stanley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

who's coming? page 1

who's coming? page 1 by ric gustafson


The doorbell rang. Franklin Munche walked over and opened the door. An older couple smiled at him.
" Hello John and Doreen". He ushered them into his decorated foyer. " Welcome to my New Year's Eve party".
" Franklin, we would not miss it". They handed him their coats. They walked over to talk to some guests.
Franklin walked upstairs and put their coats on his bed. As he came back downstairs, the doorbell rang again. He opened the door.
" Happy New Year Franklin" exclaimed George Kimball. His wife Margaret was standing next to him. They were ushered into the foyer. " How's the party going?".
" Ok". He took their coats. " It's even better now that you and Margaret are here".
He took their coats and put them on the bed. As he came back downstairs, the doorbell rang again.
He opened the door.
His friend Moochie was standing there smiling.
" Happy New Year Moochie".
His friend ran in. " He's coming".
Franklin gave his friend a strange look. " Who's coming?".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

knowing God: intimacy with God

knowing God: intimacy with God by ric gustafson


Do you know who God is?. Do you know his ways?. True intimacy is fellowship with others. God wants a close personal and intimate relationship with us. We were created to have fellowship with God. God loves us. He loves the sinner. Fellowship with God needs to be the core of our being. We need to have a heart for God. God says know me and I will be with you forever.


research help: ' In step with God' by Charles Stanley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Matthew 2: 7-8

Christmas: Matthew 2: 7-8 by ric gustafson


A group of wise men from the East had knowledge of Jesus's birth. They asked King Herod if he knew where he was to be born?. Herod told these Magi that he too wanted to honor the birth of this child. He told these wise men to find the child and then to tell him where he is. The wise men were according to legend as Balthasar, Melchior and Gaspar. The intentions of Herod were evil.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Matthew 2: 3-6

Christmas: Matthew 2: 3-6 by ric gustafson


Not everyone celebrated the birth of Jesus. King Herod was not pleased to hear that a child just born was being called the Messiah. To Herod, he was a threat. Herod was frightened. Herod gathered all the chief priests and scribes. He wanted to know where this new Messiah was to be born. He was told Bethlehem of Judaea. This was predicted by the prophets. Praise God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 2: 17-19

Christmas: Luke 2: 17-19 by ric gustafson


The shepherds are so excited about the child that they leave and proclaim his name. Christmas carols have been written about this joy they felt. Mary treasured the words of the shepherds. Mary also pondered in her heart the words of the shepherds. Mary was thoughtful and modest. We need to adopt Mary's heart. We need to quietly and reverently obey and love God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Oz80 page 9

Oz80 page 9 by ric gustafson


Born in August of 1884, Billie Burke was the daughter of circus performers. She studied ballet and took singing lessons. Burke married producer Florenz Ziegfeld in 1914. Billie made her feature film debut in 1916. She was the only choice to play Glinda in the Wizard of Oz. She was the Good Witch of the North. She was adored by all.

The End


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 2: 15-16

Christmas: Luke 2: 15-16 by ric gustafson


After the angels left the shepherds, they decided to go to Bethlehem and see what was taking place. When they found the family, it was exactly as the angels told them. If the shepherds had stayed in the field, they would of missed out on the holy scene. We must put our faith into action. Who knows what blessings await us when we follow God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 2: 13-14

Christmas: Luke 2: 13-14 by ric gustafson


After a celestial display, something else happened. Along with the angel, there was a multitude of the heavenly host. This was an army of angels. The angel and the multitude exclaimed ' glory to God in the Highest'. God's gift to us was his Son Jesus who came to save us.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 2: 10-12

Christmas: Luke 2: 10-12 by ric gustafson


The shepherds were afraid and terrified. Then the angel told them of a holy birth in Bethlehem. The angel proclaims that the Savior is born to you. The good news of Jesus's birth was given to us. The angel brought good news of great joy to us. Jesus the holy child was born and then put into a trough used for the feeding of livestock. We are truly the children of God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Oz80 page 8

Oz80 page 8 by ric gustafson


By the early 1930's, Frank Morgan was an MGM veteran. He had already gotten an Oscar nomination. He said yes right away to being in the Wizard of Oz. He was so excited that he agreed to play more than one role in the soon to be famous movie. He played the Wizard of Oz. He played Professor Marvel. He played the Coachman. He played the Gatekeeper.
After Oz, Morgan acted constantly until he died.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 2: 8-9

Christmas: Luke 2: 8-9 by ric gustafson


Being a shepherd was hard. It was long days in all kinds of weather. Shepherds basically lived in the fields with their flock. One night, an angel appeared among them. The glory of the Lord shown around them. This was different.
Do we react to a religious moment in fear?. These shepherds were in amazement. Would we react the same if it happened to us?. I hope so. Praise God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 2: 4-7

Christmas: Luke 2: 4-7 by ric gustafson


According to Luke 2, Jesus was laid in a manger. A manger was a long open trough used to feed livestock. The couple had to stay in a stable. There was no other place for them to stay. Animals were probably near them.
Jesus entered our history the way we all do. Jesus endured all the pain and sorrow we all experience. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 1: 57-64

Christmas: Luke 1: 57-64 by ric gustafson


The angel told Zechariah and Elizabeth that their child was to be called John. She tells friends and family that John is going to be his name. They are amazed that she is going against Jewish custom. They give her alternate names to use. They ask Zechariah to uphold the tradition. He asks for a writing tablet. He writes that his name is to be John. Then Zechariah's tongue is freed. He praises God for granting them this holy child. Praise God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Oz80 page 7

Oz80 page 7 by ric gustafson


Margaret Hamilton was a kindergarten teacher. In 1932, she got her first break on Broadway. She was asked to reprise her role in a film version. She started doing roles playing women with a heart of gold and a corset of steel. Her directors included Frank Capra, Fritz Lang and Busby Berkeley. She became the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz after Gale Sondergaard dropped out.
In one scene of the famous movie, Hamilton suffered second and third degree burns on her face and hands. She finished her role several weeks later.


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


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 1: 46-48

Christmas: Luke 1: 46-48 by ric gustafson


Elizabeth declares a blessing on Mary's womb. Mary is joyful over what Elizabeth says. Mary's response is called the Magnificat. Mary's response has been used in prayers, hymns and choral music. God gives grace and favor to Mary. Mary's soul magnified the Lord. Mary's response comes from her soul. Mary was joyful and praised God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 1: 39-42

Christmas: Luke 1: 39-42 by ric gustafson


Mary takes a trip to see Elizabeth. She spends the last three months of her pregnancy with her. When they greet, the baby in Elizabeth leaped. She exclaims to Mary " blessed are you among women". This is an important part of the Christmas story. These two women share a blessed and holy secret.
Praise God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 1: 36-38

Christmas: Luke 1: 36-38 by ric gustafson


The angel Gabriel told Mary some interesting news. Elizabeth was to also have a child. He tells Mary that nothing is impossible with God. Mary did not argue or resist. She simply said here am I. Let it be with me according to your Word. Mary kept her heart open to God's calling. Praise God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Matthew 1: 20-21

Christmas: Matthew 1: 20-21 by ric gustafson


Not only did Mary receive an angel, so did Joseph. According to Matthew, an angel appeared to Joseph. He appears in one of Joseph's dreams. He tells Joseph that the child Mary is carrying is from God. That his name will be Jesus. And that he would save his people from their sins.
Joseph accepted the role. He became a loving and protective father to Jesus.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 1: 30-35

Christmas: Luke 1: 30-35 by ric gustafson


The angel Gabriel told Mary not to be afraid. He told her that she had found favor with God. She would conceive and bear a son. She was to name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will have no end.
Mary said to the angel " How can this be?". He told Mary that the child born to her will be holy and will be called the Son of God". God loves you more than anything else.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 1: 26-29

Christmas: Luke 1: 26-29 by ric gustafson


The beginning of Jesus's birth is the appearance of the angel Gabriel. The angel was sent by God. This was in a town called Nazareth. Mary is perplexed . The angel tells her not to be afraid. Mary without hesitation listens to the angel. For one so young, Mary is strong and composed.
We need to accept the will of God. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 1: 19-20

Christmas: Luke 1: 19-20 by ric gustafson


Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth are old. They tried for many years to have children. They could not. They had given up all hope. Then one day, an angel tells Zechariah that his wife will have a child. He told the angel it was unthinkable. For this, Zechariah was struck dumb.
Zechariah and Elizabeth's son John would prepare the way for Jesus and his ministry. The fact is that God loves us more than anything else. Praise God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Christmas: Luke 1-13

Christmas: Luke 1-13 by ric gustafson


Christmas starts with Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. They were an elderly childless couple. They are visited by an angel. Zechariah was terrified. He showed respect mixed with fear and wonder. God is a powerful force. We should bow our heads and tremble. The Holy Spirit is active in our lives. Zechariah was in the Temple when the angel came.
We need to pray to God for his presence in our life. God loves us more than anything else.
Praise God.


research help: ' The Miracle of Christmas' by Woman's Day


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" exclaimed the ornaments.
" That's right".
" Now I'm beginning to understand" replied one of the sand dollars.
" We had been on that tree for so long" said the Red Christmas Choo Choo.
" Long, you call that long".
" Miss Gulch please".
The Jack in the Box bounced up and down. " Let's get back on that tree and remember why we are here".
The ornaments exclaimed. " Why are we here for?".
" That baby Jesus came to save us".
" Yeah" the ornaments exclaimed.
They picked up their hooks and proudly got back on the tree.

The End.


research help: original story


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 Christmas Jack in the Box bounced onto a folding chair. " I called this meeting because of grumblings among us ornaments".
One of the sand dollars spoke up. " We're not sure why we are here?".
" What do you mean?".
" We were enjoying being in Florida". The sand dollar hesitated. " Then one day, someone put us into a box and brought us here". The sand dollar stared at the Jack in the Box. " Are we here by accident?".
" Well my pretty, I can cause accidents too".
" Miss Gulch, please".
" All of you who are not sure why you are here". His voice hesitated. " Raise your hooks".
All of them raised their hooks.
" I will try to explain why you are all here".
" These things must be done delicately".
" Miss Gulch, please".
Wanting to hear, the ornaments moved closer to the Jack in the Box.


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric