Beautiful Gate page 2

 Beautiful Gate page 2 by ric gustafson

Peter and John walked through the entrance into the Temple.

Someone ran ahead of them. " Praise God" yelled the man that they had just healed. He leaped into the air and came down on his now strong legs.

People were staring and talking among themselves as they observed the ruckus.

One man pointed at him. " Isn't this the lame man who used to beg for alms?".

Another man spoke up. " Yes, right outside at the entrance to the gate".

A large group began to gather at the Portico of Solomon.

As the man continued to dance, jump and praise God, Peter raised his arm to silence the crowd.

" Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this that by our own power we had made him walk?".

The captain of the Temple guard stood next to a wall listening to him.

" The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob the God of our fathers has glorified his servant Jesus".

The captain watched as the large crowd was listening intently to the burly fisherman.

" The one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate when he had decided to release him".

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3 days page 5

 3 days page 5 by ric gustafson

Yeshua was up early. He was anxious to start the day's journey. They were less than two days away from Yerushlem. He had bread and cheese for breakfast.

The caravan left and quickly they were on the north south highway. They were soon joined by other caravans. People from all over the known world would be joining the Nazarene caravan. There were people from the Holy Land. There were also visitors from Rome, Egypt, Phrygia and Libya. Yerushlem was expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Once the caravan was on the highway, the pace was brisk. The caravan encountered the Tenth Roman Legion.  It was being sent by Rome to keep the peace during Passover.

By the late afternoon, the caravan stopped at Gabaon for the night. The city was less than ten miles from the Temple Mount. Yeshua was tired. His parents bought food. That night, they enjoyed a quiet Sabbath meal.

research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 17

 Psalms: Psalm 17 by ric gustafson

What do you think of when you see the word refuge?. This word speaks of protection, safety and care for the hurting. The word speaks of a safe haven in a storm filled world. When storms happen in our lives, we seek refuge. God wants us to seek him in our storms. He wants to protect, cover and preserve us. God offers refuge to us. Psalm 17:7 says those who take refuge in you from their foes.

God loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3 days page 4

 3 days page 4 by ric gustafson

It was the third day of their journey. Women were up early preparing a pot of barley. After guarding the camp all night, Yeshua enjoyed some salted dried fish.

The caravan started out. The trail was slippery and wet. As they traveled south, the sun rose higher and the air got steamier. As they went along, things got drier. South of Yerushlem was the Judean desert.

When the caravan stopped for lunch, Yeshua was tired. The caravan was just about out of Samaria. The road was getting dustier. After two and a half days, they were more than half way to Yerushlem. 

By the end of the third day, they were hoping to reach Tephon. There they would stay at an Inn set up for caravans. They reached Tephon just as the sun was setting.

research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 15

 Psalms: Psalm 15 by ric gustafson

Employees respect a leader who inspires, provides direction and shows competence. Employees look for a leader with integrity. Employees honor someone whose word is good, is known for his honesty and one they can trust.

Psalm 15:4 says honors those who fear the Lord who keeps his oath even when it hurts. Truth needs to be at the heart of a godly person. God always keeps his word. We need to be people of integrity.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 14

 Psalms: Psalm 14 by ric gustafson

Do we minimize sin in our lives?. According to God, there is no one who does good. Do we admit our own personal sin?. We need to confess our sins to God. We must call our sins sin and confess it to God. 

God loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 13

 Psalms: Psalm 13 by ric gustafson

Have you ever dealt with unanswered prayer. David deals with it in Psalm 13. He pleaded for answers from God. In this Psalm, David is frustrated. Yet by the end of this Psalm, David's doubts and fears turn to trust. God cares for us and understands our struggles. In verse 5, David says that he will trust in God's love. His heart rejoices in God's salvation. When we live without answers, we can trust and have comfort in our heavenly Father. Praise God's name.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beautiful Gate page 1

 Beautiful Gate page 1 by ric gustafson

Two friends slowly walked along carrying their friend on their shoulders. They knew the route. They knew where to place their friend. They stopped and placed him on the concrete next to the Beautiful Gate. The Gate was right next to the entrance of the Temple. They walked away.

" Alms" he yelled. He raised his tin cup.

Peter and John were walking toward the entrance. Peter noticed the lame man.

" Alms" he yelled as he tried to get their attention.

The two disciples stopped.

Peter knelt down beside him. " Look at us".

The lame man stared at Peter. He shook his tin cup.

" I do not possess silver and gold but what I do have I give to you". Peter looked at him with love and compassion. " In the name of Jesus Christ walk".

Peter held him with his right hand. He slowly raised him up.

The lame man's feet and ankles were strengthened.

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 9

 Psalms: Psalm 9 by ric gustafson

Have you gone to church and feel like you are just going through the motions. You are doing everything. You are singing, praying and following the Bible passages. Yet you feel nothing inside. What can you do?.

Psalm 9 expresses how we can praise Jesus. David says we can open our heart. We can review all the things he has done for us. We can rejoice and be glad. We can receive his mercy and rejoice in his salvation. We need to reconnect with God. Praise God's name.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3 days page 3

 3 days page 3 by ric gustafson

The caravan felt like one giant party. They were happy to be taking a trip even if only for a few weeks. Some people could go and some had to stay home. Yeshua was going to miss Ezra. He was looking forward to see his cousin John. He and his mother Elizabeth would meet them at a camp along the Mount of Olives.

The caravan traveled about twenty miles the first day. They traveled south through the Plain of Esdraelon. They stopped for the night near the town of Sebaste. It was cold that night so they huddled near a campfire.

The second day, the caravan traveled through Samaria. The region was wet with hills and valleys which was excellent for farming. They stopped for lunch near Shechem. The number of people in the group numbered 77. For a meal, the women served yogurt, dried fruit and olives. They had to give their animals rest and water before they moved on.

It was cool out that second night. Some people had blisters from walking. There were damaged carts and animals had sore hooves. There was plenty of water and a large fire to keep warm.

Yeshua was on night watch again.

research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 8

 Psalms: Psalm 8 by ric gustafson

There is perhaps 400 billion stars in the Milky Way. The data on the universe in whole is staggering. God created everything. The cosmos and us. Even though God created everything, God loves each of us individually. Verse 1 and Verse 9 the author of this psalm tells God how he feels. He says O Lord O Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth. Even though God created everything, he loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3 days page 2

 3 days page 2 by ric gustafson

" Yeshua".

He woke up. He knew he had overslept. He got up and cleaned up at the water basin behind the house. He ran and kissed his mother on the cheek. She gave him a loaf and a date for breakfast.

That morning, he took a shortcut to the Synagogue school. At 12, he could run fast. Ezra was waiting for him. Today's lesson was the Passover celebration.

The Rabbi looked at the class. " Why is this night different from other nights?".

The students stared at each other.

" Why on this night we eat only unleavened bread?". He grinned at the students. " Why on this night is meat entirely roasted?".

Yeshua had trouble studying.

He kept thinking about his trip to the Holy City.

research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 6

 Psalms: Psalm 6 by ric gustafson

Is it tough to pray?. Sometimes it's hard to tell God exactly how we are feeling. We might even have fear of being totally honest with God. In Psalm 6:2, David says be merciful to me Lord for I am faint. David was saying to God help me and listen to me. David boldly told God what was on his mind. God wants us to come to him with a clean heart. We need to approach him with reverence. God will listen. God will understand.  Praise God's name.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John 8:12 page 6

 John 8:12 page 6 by ric gustafson

Mr Kincaide knocked on the office door.

" Come in".

He entered a semi dark room. Jack was sitting next to the desk.

" Sit down Glen".

He sat down in an empty chair.

R J Sullivan handed Glen some sheets of paper. " Jack has been showing me numerous complaints about your low wattage light bulbs".

" Revenues are way up".

" That's all you care about".

" Of course". He frowned at Jack. " I always think about the bottom line".

Mr Sullivan walked over and opened his door. A security guard walked in.

" The reason this company is successful is it's loyal customers".

" Mr Sullivan, you hired me to make a profit for this company".

" I am promoting Jack to run this department".

" You can't do that".

" I can and I am". He pointed to the security guard. " Please escort Mr Kincaide to the front door".

He bitterly left the office.

" Make me proud Jack". He left the office.

Jack took out a light bulb from the desk and screwed it into a nearby lamp.

The office lit up. John 8:12

The End

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John 8:12 page 5

 John 8:12 page 5 by ric gustafson

Jack walked up to the receptionist's desk. He noticed how dim the lights were.

" Afternoon Myra".

" Hello Jack". Myra squinted at a piece of paper she was trying to read. " I can hardly see what I am trying to read".

Jack frowned. " The light bulbs".

" Yes, those new light bulbs is making it hard to see around here".

" I know". He sighed. " I've been getting many complaints about them".

Myra sighed as the phone rang. " It's getting hard to do my job".

As she talked to a customer, Jack screwed a new light bulb into her lamp on her desk. The area around her desk lit up.

She finished the call. " Thanks Jack". She stared at Jack. " Please tell your new boss about the problems we are having".

Jack put the last light bulb from his bag on her desk. " I sure will".

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3 days page 1

 3 days page 1 by ric gustafson

" Yeshua".

He heard his mother. He put down the carving of a horse he was working on. On top of the roof, he stared toward Mount Hermon that was on the horizon. He smiled. Since he and his friend Ezra were turning thirteen later that year, they were going to the Holy City with their families for Passover. 

Yeshua's parents went every year. This was the first time that he was going to go. The first thing they had to do was to make a formal dedication in front of the local synagogue.

Yeshua couldn't wait for the trip to start. They would join Hebrew pilgrims from all over the world. They would see the Temple High Priest and maybe meet a great thinker.

" Yeshua".

He was not old enough to be on the roof alone. As he went down the roof ladder, all he could think about was Yerushlem.

research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John 8:12 page 4

 John 8:12 page 4 by ric gustafson

" Jack". Mr Kincaide was studying a file. " You have an impressive file".

" Thanks".

" You have been the top salesman here for years". He smiled. " What's your secret?".

" My work ethic is based on John 8:12".

Mr Kincaide frowned. " The bible doesn't mean anything to me".

" John 8:12 says I am the Light of the World".

" What does that mean?".

" He who follows me will not walk in darkness". He smiled. " But will have the light of life".

" I'm not sure what that means". He frowned. " But your work record as top salesman is incredible".

" Thank you". He gave his boss a quizzical stare. " I'm not sure why you asked me to see you".

" Jack". He grinned. " I would like to try lower wattage light bulbs".

" Lower wattage?".

" The lower the wattage". He smiled. " The more light bulbs companies will buy from us".

" Mr Kincaide". Jack frowned. " It sounds like you are trying to deceive people".

" Jack". He gave him a stern look. " Do you know what my principle is?".

" What principle is that?".

" The principle of making more money".

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 5

 Psalms: Psalm 5 by ric gustafson

When we wake up in the morning, we should have one thought in mind. We should look up to see the face of Jesus. Some people are morning people and that is their time to pray. Some people like to pray right before going to sleep. Some people like to pray during the day. 

God wants our prayers. It does not matter to him what time of the day we pray to him. All that matters is that we pray to him. Psalm 5:3 says in the morning O Lord you hear my voice.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John 8:12 page 3

 John 8:12 page 3 by ric gustafson

Jack yawned as he turned off his laptop. He picked up the purple workout bag from underneath his cubicle. The overhead light in the room was flickering. His plan for tonight was to work out and then attend a men's bible study at church. He stood up with the bag. There was a knock on his cubicle.

" Sorry to bother you Jack". Roger Francis sighed. " Mr Kincaide would like to see you before you leave for the day".

" Our new boss".

" Yep". He quickly left.

Jack walked down a dimly lit hallway. He stopped in front of a door that read ' Glen Kincaide'. He knocked.

" Come in".

He walked into a dimly lit office that was scantly furnished. He noticed that there was only a small lamp on a large wooden desk.

A small serious looking man walked over. He shook Jack's hand. " I'm Glen Kincaide". He smiled and pointed to an empty chair by the desk. " Please have a seat".

Jack sat down. He shook his hand. " I'm Jack Dallas".

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 4

 Psalms: Psalm 4 by ric gustafson

Do you have trouble sleeping?. Do anxious thoughts keep you awake?". We need to ask God to quiet our heart. We need to ask for faith so we can relax and fall asleep. We need to ask God to solve our problems that are keeping us awake. In Psalm 4:8, David asked God to do that for him. God will do that for us when we ask him. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John 8:12 page 2

 John 8:12 page 2 by ric gustafson

Jack took a light bulb out of his bag. " I could bring you a little bit of light".

" Come in". The door slightly opened.

Jack stumbled through the front door. He could not see where he was walking.

" What's in your bag?".

" Light bulbs". He took another out of his bag. " Do you have a lamp close by?". He noticed a dark form along a wall.

" I like it dark".

Jack found a lamp. " I'm a Christian and I sell light bulbs".

" I'm not a Christian". The voice hesitated. " I like it dark".

Jack screwed the light bulb into the lamp. Light filled the room.

A loud shriek came from the wall. Then there was silence.

Jack ran over and saw a young man crumpled on the floor.

" Help me".

Jack knelt down and hugged the young man for a long time.

John 8:12 ' I am the Light of the World'.

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John 8:12 page 1

 John 8:12 page 1 by ric gustafson

Jack Dallas put his heavy bag on the sidewalk. He opened a small black bible to John 8:12. It said ' I am the light of the world he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life'. It was because of this passage that Jack became a Christian. It also became the reason he chose the line of work he did. 

He looked weary because he had knocked on several doors. He decided that this was the wrong neighborhood to try and sell light bulbs. As he walked toward his car, he did notice one house that was totally dark. All the other houses had lights on. He walked up to the door and rang the doorbell. There was no answer. He rang it twice more. After no response, he picked up his bag of light bulbs. He began to walk away.

" What do you want?".

Jack put his bag down and walked to the door. " I'm a light bulb salesman". His voice hesitated. " I noticed that your house was totally dark".

" I don't want anything".

" If you could let me show you what was in my bag".

" Go away".

research help: the Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 3

 Psalms: Psalm 3 by ric gustafson

Glory is a Hebrew word meaning weight or significance. People measure their worth by different means. Examples of this are prestige, power, money and beauty. David who wrote Psalm 3 found his worth and security in God. Many people stood against him. The Lord was a shield around him. David had confidence because he had God on his side. We can have peace even in our struggles. God wants to know about our troubles. He is our glory. Praise God's name.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 2

 Psalms: Psalm 2 by ric gustafson

Wicked nations plot to overthrow God. They want to oppose the Almighty himself. But God sits in heaven unthreatened and calm. Man's efforts to oppose God are ludicrous. God laughs. 

But God has sympathy for man. God will triumph over evil. Any defiance of God and his will are futile. We need to submit to God and take refuge in him.

Praise God.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the road to Emmaus page 3

 the road to Emmaus page 3 by ric gustafson

As they walked, Cleopas and his friend listened as the stranger explained many things to them. Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he told them things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.

The stranger noticed they were approaching the village. " I'm traveling farther down the road".

Cleopas's friend spoke up. " Stay with us for it is getting toward evening and the day is now nearly over".

The stranger agreed. He entered their house. They reclined at a table. The stranger took bread, blessed it and then broke it. He handed them pieces of it. 

Cleopas's eyes and the eyes of his friend were suddenly opened. At that moment, they recognized the stranger as Jesus. Just as suddenly, Jesus vanished from their sight.

Cleopas and his friend that night returned to Jerusalem. They told many people that night that they had seen the Lord.

The End

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 1

 Psalms: Psalm 1 by ric gustafson

As Christians, we are like plants. We need to put down roots. We need to break up through the earth, We need to spread our branches. We need to burst into bloom. This is not always evident in our lives. It's easy to become listless and bored in our daily routines. Sometimes we do not want to move toward fruitfulness and maturity. Then we are at a spiritual standstill. 

We must allow Jesus to warm our hearts with his love. We must send our roots deep into the Word of God. Then we will be like a fruitful tree planted by rivers of living water. Our branches will be full of righteous living blossoms. Praise God.

research help: ' My soul thirsts for God' by Discovery House Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the road to Emmaus page 2

 the road to Emmaus page 2 by ric gustafson

" The things about Jesus the Nazarene who was a prophet in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people".

His friend spoke up. " The chief priests and our rulers delivered him to the sentence of death and crucified him".

Cleopas sighed. " We were hoping that it was he who was going to redeem Israel".

" And then something happened?".

Jesus grinned. " What happened?".

" After three days, some of the women went to the tomb early in the morning". Cleopas scratched his chin. " They did not find his body".

" A vision of angels told them he was alive". His friend smiled. " Some went to the tomb and found it exactly as the women had said".

" O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken". Jesus looked at the two with loving eyes. " Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?".

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3-30-1981 page 7

 3-30-1981 page 7 by ric gustafson

On June 11 2004, Ronald Reagan had the largest funeral service since John F Kennedy. Reagan's body was in the Capitol Rotunda for two days. Five thousand visitors per hour walked past his coffin. Reagan's state funeral was the first since 1973. Among those in attendance were President George Bush, Ford, Carter, the elder Bush and Clinton. Mikhail Gorbachev and Margaret Thatcher were in the front row. Reagan's body was buried in California.

John Hinckley Jr was found not guilty of trying to kill Ronald Reagan by reason of insanity. Since then, he has been staying at St Elizabeth's Hospital. In 2013, he was given permission to visit his mother in Williamsburg Virginia. Over time, he may become a totally free man.

The End

research help: ' Killing Reagan' by Bill OReilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3-30-1981 page 6

 3-30-1981 page 6 by ric gustafson

Agent Tim McCarthy opened the right rear door of the limo. Right before he gets in, President Reagan waves to the crowd. On this day, he is not wearing a bullet proof vest. Hinckley pulls out the pistol and shoots. 

The first bullet strikes Press Secretary James Brady in the head. The second bullet strikes Police Officer Thomas Delahanty. The third shot strikes no one. The fourth bullet strikes Secret Service Agent Tim McCarthy. The fifth shot strikes no one. The sixth and final bullet strikes President Reagan under his left arm. The bullet enters his lung and stops one inch from his heart.

President Reagan is rushed to George Washington University Hospital.

John Hinckley JR is taken into custody.

research help: ' Killing Reagan' by Bill OReilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the road to Emmaus page 1

 the road to Emmaus page 1 by ric gustafson

Cleopas and his friend walked along a dusty road. They knew they were near the village of Emmaus. The village was about seven miles from Jerusalem. Both of them were tired and sad. They had just witnessed the brutal death of their teacher and savior. They were discussing that as they walked. 

They came up to a crossroads. Cleopas looked to his left to see a young man approach. He had a dark beard. He gave them a smile.

" Would you mind if I walk with you toward the village?".

" No". The three of them started to walk down the road.

As they walked, Jesus listened to their conversation.

" What are these words that you are exchanging as you walk?".

Cleopas turned toward the stranger. He could not place his face.

Both men stopped and stared at the stranger.

Cleopas spoke up. " Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?".

Jesus looked at their bewildered faces. " What things?".

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3-30-1981 page 5

 3-30-1981 page 5 by ric gustafson

Hinckley watched as the motorcade pulled up to a canopy VIP entrance. Hinckley now stood less than ninety feet from the entrance. It was a good spot to fire at the President from close range. Nearby were ABC newsmen including Sam Donaldson. Also standing around were several Secret Service agents.

An agent opened the right rear door of the vehicle. Reagan quickly steps out and waves to the crowd. At that moment, Hinckley had the opportunity to shoot. He hesitates. He decides to wait until Reagan comes back outside.

research help: ' Killing Reagan' by Bill OReilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3-30-1981 page 4

 3-30-1981 page 4 by ric gustafson

John Hinckley Jr put on some simple trousers, a shirt and ankle high boots. After reading in the paper that President Reagan was giving a speech at the Washington Hilton, he knew what he had to do. He sat down and wrote a love letter to Jodie Foster. He put the letter into a suitcase. He takes his Saturday Night Special pistol along with six bullets called ' Devastators'. Hinckley takes a cab to the Washington Hilton. There he waits nervously for the President to arrive.

research help: ' Killing Reagan' by Bill OReilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3-30-1981 page 3

 3-30-1981 page 3 by ric gustafson

President Ronald Reagan gets into a 1972 Lincoln Continental. It's nicknamed ' Stagecoach'. Seated next to the President was Secretary of Labor Raymond Donovan. Reagan and his 15 vehicle motorcade were on their way to the Washington Hilton. The hotel was not far from the White House. President Reagan was scheduled to give a speech there. Also in the motorcade was Press Secretary James Brady, the Presidents physician and several secret service agents.

The motorcade was scheduled to arrive at the hotel at 1:51 pm.

research help: ' Killing Reagan' by Bill OReilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3-30-1981 page 2

 3-30-1981 page 2 by ric gustafson

John Hinckley Jr did not care about the debate. His only focus in life was a female. Her name was Jodie Foster and she attended Yale University. Hinckley was obsessed with the 18 year old actress. He was so obsessed with her that he moved to New Haven Connecticut so he could meet her. He sat in her classes and called her for a date. She refused.

Now back home in Evergreen Colorado with his parents, Hinckley is considering suicide. Schizophrenia was slowly taking over his life. His appointment with a psychiatrist was a week away. The only thing on his mind was impressing Jodie Foster.

research help: ' Killing Reagan' by Bill OReilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3-30-1981 page 1

 3-30-1981 page 1 by ric gustafson

" Governor, you have been criticized for being all too quick to advocate military action". Marvin Stone stared at Ronald Reagan. " What are the differences between the two of you on the use of American military power?".

Ten feet away, President Jimmy Carter grips his lectern. His eyes were tired. Lack of sleep has made him short tempered.

" I believe that our first priority must be world peace".

President Carter is asked the same question.

" Under what circumstances would you use military force to deal with Persian Gulf oil?".

President Carter grinned. " Our interests will be protected in the Persian Gulf region".

Governor Reagan was asked about defense spending.

" Under the Carter administration". His voice hesitated. " There was a 38 percent reduction in America's military force".

At the end of the debate, Governor Reagan was asked for a final thought.

" Are you better off than you were four years ago?".

The American people replied.

Ronald Reagan became our 40th President on Jan 20 1981.

research help: ' Killing Reagan' by Bill OReilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

searching for Messiah page 10

 searching for Messiah page 10 by ric gustafson

Flavius and his informant stood outside a large house.

" This is the home of John Mark". He pointed. " He is one of Yeshua's followers".

Flavius handed him a bag of coins. He quickly left. He took out his sword and ran up the exterior stairs. When he reached the door, he kicked it open. He ran in.

The large upper room was dimly lit. Several people were seated. He only recognized one person. It was the one he had been seeking. It was Yeshua.

How could this be. Flavius was staring at a man he saw die on a cross. He showed them his scarred hands and feet. He showed them his pierced side.

In shock, Flavius quietly walked out. His search was over.

The End

research help: ' Risen' by Angela Hunt

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

searching for Messiah page 9

 searching for Messiah page 9 by ric gustafson

Flavius glanced at the man seated in front of him. " What is your name?".

" Cleopas". He smiled. " And I know something you don't".

" And what is that?".

" Yeshua is alive".

" And how do you know that?".

" On the road to Emmaus". His eyes lit up. " I walked with him".

" And you believe that?".

" He's alive".

Flavius pointed a finger at Cleopas. " Where are the carpenter's disciples?".

Cleopas sighed. " I will tell you where they are".

" So tell me".

Cleopas grinned. " Yeshua's disciples are everywhere".

research help: ' Risen' by Angela Hunt

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

searching for Messiah page 8

 searching for Messiah page 8 by ric gustafson

Flavius studied the young woman. " Why were you at an inn when we found you?".

" Delivering news".

Flavius clapped his hands. " I'm eager to hear it".

Mary Magdalene frowned. " You are not ready to receive it".

Flavius gave her a cold stare. " Did you take the carpenter's body?".

" No". She smiled. " He's right here".

He shook his head. " What are you talking about?".

She touched her chest. " Open your heart and see for yourself".

Flavius banged a fist on a chair. " I will find the Nazarene's body".

Mary smiled. " Centurion, you look for something you will never find".

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searching for Messiah page 7

 searching for Messiah page 7 by ric gustafson

Flavius watched as the tall thin man walked in. He wore the black and white garb of the Sanhedrin.

Flavius smiled. " And your name is?".

" Nicodemus".

" Please sit down".

The man sat down. He leaned on a walking stick.

" We are trying to locate the body of Yeshua the Nazarene".

" He told me all this would happen". He grinned. " I visited him one night".

Flavius scratched his chin. " What did you talk about?".

" Several things I had questions about".

" What convinced you to become one of his secret followers?".

" I saw his miracles". He grinned. " He told me to return his love".

" Is that why you brought spices to his dead body?".

" Yes".

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searching for Messiah page 6

 searching for Messiah page 6 by ric gustafson

Flavius watched the bloated face in the noose. He turned to the farmer. " How long?".

" I'm not sure". He stared at the corpse. " It looks like suicide".

Flavius stared at the farmer. " Why would you think that?".

" I heard he betrayed Jesus of Nazareth".

" Bury him before someone else finds out". He looked again at the corpse. " My theory is that it was revenge carried out by his followers".

Flavius watched as the farmer cut down the young man.

His body fell. His skin burst and spilled onto the field.

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searching for Messiah page 5

 searching for Messiah page 5 by ric gustafson

Flavius saluted Herod Antipas as he entered the room. " Greetings Tetrarch".

" Greetings Centurion". Herod smiled. " What can I do for you?".

" There is a matter regarding Yeshua of Nazareth".

" That Nazarene carpenter who was crucified?".

" Yes".

" I sent him away with a royal robe".

" His body has been missing since yesterday".

Worry came over his face. " I'll need protection".

" I saw him die on that cross". Flavius frowned. " I will find his body".

" You have my cooperation".

" Thank you".

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searching for Messiah page 4

 searching for Messiah page 4 by ric gustafson

Flavius stood by a gnarled olive tree. An old man approached him.

" Do you own this garden?".

He gave a toothless grin. " Everyone owns this garden".

" Have you seen any men pushing a handcart or a wagon earlier today?".

He shook his head. " No one has been here".

" Were you here when the Nazarene was arrested?".

" I did". He frowned. " I saw it all".

" What happened?".

" It was a large mob". He frowned. " They came with weapons and torches".

" Then what happened?".

" Then one of the Rabbi's followers kissed him on the cheek".

Flavius shook his head. " I wonder why he did that?".

" I heard it was a signal".

" A signal?".

" To show who they had to arrest".

" And then they arrested the Nazarene".

" Yes they led him away bound in ropes".

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searching for Messiah page 3

 searching for Messiah page 3 by ric gustafson

Flavius watched as Joseph of Arimathea approached the entrance to the tomb.

He looked at Flavius. " Where is he?".

Flavius frowned. " You tell me".

" Then who moved him?".

Flavius shook his head. " That's what I intend to find out". He thought for a moment. " Was he anointed?".

" No". Joseph scratched his chin. " Because of the Sabbath, we had to wrap him quickly".

Flavius pointed to one of his men. " Post a watch here".

" Am I needed any longer Centurion?".

" No".

He pointed to another guard. " Make sure this place is not disturbed".

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searching for Messiah page 2

 searching for Messiah page 2 by ric gustafson

Caiaphas and his entourage walked in. " Your guards came to me".

Flavius stared at the High Priest. " My guards?".

" They knew the penalty for leaving their post".

Caiaphas frowned. " We need to squash any rumor that a Messiah has come". He thought for a moment. " We need his body".

" Yes". Pilate looked out a window. " We need to find his corpse". He looked at Flavius. " We need to find this carpenter's body".

" Where do I look first?".

" The scene of the crime". Pilate grinned. " His tomb".

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searching for Messiah page 1

 searching for Messiah page 1 by ric gustafson

Flavius Artemis walked into the praetorium.

Pilate stared at his centurion. " He's gone".

Flavius thought for a moment. " The Nazarene?".

" His tomb was found empty".

" Who told you the news?". He frowned. " My guards".

Pilate gave his centurion a hard stare. " Let's talk about your guards".

Flavius scratched his chin. " What happened?".

" Your guards disappeared also".

" Impossible". His voice hesitated. " They know the penalty for leaving their post". He stared at Pilate. " I will investigate".

Pilate frowned. " Please do before Caiaphas finds out".

" Too late".

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the great egg souffle caper page 6

 the great egg souffle caper page 6 by ric gustafson

Dumbfounded, Elnora began to walk back downstairs. When she walked by the back door of the church, she noticed it was ajar. She walked out onto a sidewalk. She quickly looked around. She noticed the young man who had taken the hot dish. He was standing next to a green dumpster across the street.

She quickly walked up to the dumpster. She peeked around the corner. She could not believe what she was seeing. The young man, a young woman and four young children were eating the egg souffle dish as if they hadn't eaten in days.

" What are you doing eating our egg souffle dish?". She pulled out her cell phone to call the police.

" Please don't call". Tears came to the young man's eyes. " You have everything and we have nothing".

Elnora put her cell phone away.

" I figured you would not miss it".

With tears in her eyes, Elnora walked back into church. They did end up with plenty of egg souffle to go around. When the services were over, Elnora sat down in a chair to relax. She knew that what had just happened to her was God showing her the true meaning of Easter.

The End

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the great egg souffle caper page 5

 the great egg souffle caper page 5 by ric gustafson

Lucille Gass gave a loaded tray to a church member. " Elnora, we're getting a lot more people than expected". 

Elnora noticed the long line coming through. " How are the hot cross buns and orange juice doing?".

Lucille grinned. " Fine".

Elnora was worried. She had already given her only extra egg souffle for upstairs.

" Elnora, we need more egg souffle upstairs".

In disbelief, she turned to see her friend George Weiler.

" I gave the dish to someone to bring up there". Horror came over her face. " You never got it".

" No".

Elnora ran upstairs into the small kitchen. " Marjorie, I sent a young man up here with my last egg souffle dish".

" I haven't seen him". She handed a loaded plate to a church member. " I sure could use it right now".

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the great egg souffle caper page 4

 the great egg souffle caper page 4 by ric gustafson

After the 8:00 service started, more egg souffle came. Hot cross buns were warmed up and more orange juice was poured. Elnora had just enough egg souffle for when the service ended. She was concerned. She only had one extra egg souffle dish just in case the crowd was larger.

When the service ended, the line began to form down the stairs.

" How is it going Elnora?". It was Pastor Greerson. He was first in line.

" We're doing fine so far".

" I got in line because I'm hungry". He filled a plate and sat down.

" We need some more egg souffle upstairs".

Elnora turned to notice a young man casually dressed in jeans and a t shirt. She did not recognize him. She figured he was helping Marjorie upstairs.

" I have an extra egg souffle dish warming up". She wiped the sweat from her brow. " You can take it". She got the dish and handed it to the young man.

" Thank you". He carefully picked up the dish and ran up the stairs.

After the crowd had died down, Elnora began to pray that more egg souffle would be coming.

research help: original story

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