Psalms: Psalm 59

 Psalms: Psalm 59 by ric gustafson

In this sinful world, do you feel secure?. Where can we find security?. Where can we feel safe?". Our security should not be human protection. Our protection should be in God himself. We need to take refuge in the Lord. David prayed for help. David had hope in the Lord. Psalm 59:16 says for you are my fortress my refuge in times of trouble. God promises to be our refuge in every situation. In Jesus Christ, we have real security. Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 57

 Psalms: Psalm 57 by ric gustafson

What strikes fear in you?. Is it the death of a loved one?. Is it an illness that will not go away. Is it the loss of a job?. David is fearing for his life. King Saul is pursuing him and trying to kill him. 

We beg God to eliminate our trouble. I'm sure David did. But the difficulty remains. David then took refuge in God. Psalm 57:1 says I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Are we in trouble?. Take refuge in God.

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

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Titanic 2021: the Navratil brothers

 Titanic 2021: the Navratil brothers by ric gustafson

Michel Navratil was embittered by his recent divorce. He decided to take his boys Michel and Edmond to the US away from their mother. He bought tickets for a second class cabin on the Titanic. After the iceberg struck the liner, Michel put his two sons on Collapsible Lifeboat D. He stayed onboard. He did not survive. On the Carpathia, Margaret Hays found the boys and brought them safely to New York.

Their mother Marcelle Navratil came to New York and got her boys.

research help: ' The Titanic the shipwreck that shocked the world' by Centennial Media

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Psalms: Psalm 56

 Psalms: Psalm 56 by ric gustafson

The reality of life is unavoidable. We can try to hide and run but we can't. Our trials and struggles will eventually catch up to us.

God wants us to face up to our problems. David had problems. Foes and false friends were against him. David acknowledged the storms in his life and looked to the Lord. Psalm 56:4 says in God I trust I will not be afraid. In our trials we need to trust God and draw close to him.

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

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God's Promises: Jesus is your Lord

 God's Promises: Jesus is your Lord by ric gustafson

According to Philippians 2:9-11, everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and bring glory to God the Father. We believe with our hearts and so are made right with God according to Romans 10:9-10. Acts 2:36 says God has made Jesus the man you nailed to the cross both Lord and Christ. Mark 12:30 says Love the Lord your God with all your heart all your soul all your mind and all your strength.

research help: ' God's Promises for every day' by Thomas Nelson

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Psalms: Psalm 55

 Psalms: Psalm 55 by ric gustafson

Personal loss and tragedy will occur in our life. It happened to David it will happen to us. Like David, we cry out in distress. We can cave in to our trials or we can turn to God. David poured out his heart to God. In Psalm 55:16-17, he calls out to God and the Lord saves him. God will hear our voice. Prayer can lift our eyes from tragedy to compassion. When our hearts are full of pain, we need to call on God. He will hear us. He promises that he will do that. God loves us more than anything else.

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

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Titanic 2021: Eva Hart

 Titanic 2021: Eva Hart by ric gustafson

Eva Hart was born in 1905. Eva's father decided to move his family to the US for a better life. He was a skilled carpenter. Her father booked a second class cabin on the Titanic. Eva's mother Esther had misgivings about the massive liner. She had heard that the liner was unsinkable. 

When the liner struck the iceberg, Eva's mother knew right away something had happened. Eva's father put his wife and daughter into Lifeboat 14. 

After Titanic, Eva Hart became a professional singer and was active in the Titanic Historical Society. She passed away at age 91 in 1996.

research help: ' The Titanic the shipwreck that shocked the world' by Centennial Media

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Samson page 3

 Samson page 3 by ric gustafson

Caleb ran through the doorway. " You should of seen him mother".

" Sit down". She stared at her son. " Your food is getting cold".

Caleb handed two bags of silver to his father.

Manoah sighed. " What is this?".

" Silver". Caleb smiled. " Two bags full".

Zealphonis frowned. " How did you get these?".

" Samson won these in a fight".

Zealphonis frowned again. " A fight?".

" Caleb". Manoah frowned. " Take this silver to the council".

" These coins should be for us".

" Our welfare should not be more highly than our neighbors".

" I hope". Zealphonis looked worried. " That is Nazirite vow has not been broken".

Caleb grinned. " He told me his vow was still unbroken".

research help: ' Samson' by Eric Wilson

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God's Promises: Jesus is our Savior

 God's Promises: Jesus is our Savior by ric gustafson

According to Titus 3:5-6, he saved us because of his mercy. According to Romans 3:22-24, God makes people right with himself through their faith in Jesus Christ. According to Ephesians 2:4-5, he gave us new life with Christ. You have been saved by God's grace. Verse 8-9 of that same chapter says you have been saved by grace through believing you did not save yourselves it was a gift from God.

research help: ' God's promises for every day' by Thomas Nelson

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Psalms: Psalm 54

 Psalms: Psalm 54 by ric gustafson

At times, life will get us down. Sorrow and circumstances can weigh us down. Psalm 54:4 says surely God is my help the Lord is the one who sustains me. We need to let God pull us up by his power. Then we need to hold onto God's hand. We need to cling to God. We need to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. We need to trust God's power and hang on. God loves us more than anything else.

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

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Samson page 2

 Samson page 2 by ric gustafson

" These Hebrews". Prince Rallah sneered. " They are trying to take over our land".

" Someone" King Balek replied " Is giving them confidence".

" I have heard whispers".

King Balek frowned. " What whispers?".

" They are being encouraged by a Hebrew with great strength".

" Great strength".

" He can break bows with his bare hands".

" We must stop that". The King frowned. " Hope is rebellion".

" What do you want me to do about it?".

" Set a trap".

" How?".

" Find me a strongman". The King grinned. " A contest to the death".

The Prince grinned. " I think I have just the man".

research help: ' Samson' by Eric Wilson

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Titanic 2021: Lawrence Beesley

 Titanic 2021: Lawrence Beesley by ric gustafson

Lawrence Beesley was a science teacher at Dulwich College in London. He was taking an extended trip to Canada to visit his brother. He decided on the Titanic to travel because it was the largest ship ever launched. When the ship collided with an iceberg, Beesley felt the impact. The commotion drew him up to the deck. Beesley ended up in Lifeboat 13. After the tragedy, Beesley became a headmaster of an English prep school.

research help: ' The Titanic the shipwreck that shocked the world' by Centennial Media

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Psalms: Psalm 51

 Psalms: Psalm 51 by ric gustafson

God does not want us to have unconfessed sin. Psalm 51:2 says wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. David wanted his joy restored. He prayed a prayer of repentance to God. Psalm 51:12 says restore to me the joy of your salvation. David turned back to the Lord. His sense of purpose returned. If we confess our sins, God will forgive them. He loves us more than anything else.

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

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Psalms: Psalm 47

 Psalms: Psalm 47 by ric gustafson

Psalm 47:2 says how awesome is the Lord Most High the great King over all the earth. The word awesome is a powerful word. When we can know the Creator and sustainer of the universe. That is awesome. According to Psalm 47:7 says for God is the King of all the earth sing to him a psalm of praise.

Our great God is awesome. We need to think about that daily. Praise God's name.

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

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Psalms: Psalm 46

 Psalms: Psalm 46 by ric gustafson

Psalm 46:1 says God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble. This psalm describes calamity such as natural disasters and war. But even when our life and others is falling apart, God is not.

Psalm 46:11 says the Lord Almighty is with us the God of Jacob is our fortress. We do not need to fear. When we call for help, God will always be there. God loves us more than anything else.

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

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Samson page 1

 Samson page 1 by ric gustafson

Zealphonis shook the olive tree. Olives came down onto a cloth. " Caleb, do you know where your brother is?".

" No I don't". He gathered the cloth after filling it full. " Probably Timnah again".

She frowned. " I hope it's not a girl".

" Oh mother". They began to drag the cloth down the hill toward the olive press. " Samson is already nineteen".

" I know". They began to seperate the pits from the olives. " My hope is that he finds someone from our people or the tribe of Dan".

" Mother".

She smiled as her older son ran down the hill toward them. " My son, it's nearly time for the evening meal".

Samson grinned at Caleb. " Is father here?".

" He's meeting with the council".

Samson grinned. " Mother, I've fallen in love".

" Who is she?".

" She's thin and beautiful". He smiled. " And she's a Philistine".

research help: ' Samson' by Eric Wilson

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the unopened gift page 5

 the unopened gift page 5 by ric gustafson

Monica walked into the church. She began to walk down a hallway not knowing where she was going. Not finding her husband, Monica walked into the large sanctuary. She sat down in a pew. The church's choir was rehearsing. 

The choir began to sing. Tears began to form in Monica's eyes. She began to remember what motivated her to sing in the first place. As a youth, Monica sang with her parents in church choir. After a while, she dabbed her eyes with a tissue. She got up to leave. As she exited the sanctuary, Jeffrey walked in.

" Jeffrey". She hugged her startled husband. " I tried to find you and get my day planner".

He stared at his wife's face. " You've been crying".

" I was listening to the choir". She dabbed her eyes again. " I was thinking about mom and dad".

" What are you saying?".

" When I get back from the tour". She pecked him on the cheek. " Let's talk about doing some volunteer things at church".

" Monica, would you like to open that unopened gift?".

She smiled. " Yes".

The End

research help: original story

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the unopened gift page 4

 the unopened gift page 4 by ric gustafson

Monica put her two suitcases by the front door. She was waiting for the cab to arrive. She was tired. After two months, she was already going out on another singing tour. She had not spent much time with Jeffrey. He was busy with activities at church. He always tried to get her to help him. She refused.

The doorbell rang. She opened it to reveal a young man in a cab outfit.

She smiled. " Can you please put the luggage in the trunk?".

As he did this, she checked her purse to make sure she did not forget anything. She had her plane tickets and her car keys. All of a sudden, she felt as if she was missing something.

" Oh no!". She frantically ran through the house. " Where is my day planner?". Then she remembered that Jeffrey had it at church.

" I'm ready to go". She locked the door and closed it. " I'd like to make one stop on the way to the airport".

" Sure".

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 42

 Psalms: Psalm 42 by ric gustafson

In this psalm, David experiences a dark night of his soul. He is harried and hounded. It is possible he is being hounded by his son Absalom. In the isolation of the night, David is experiencing pain and fear. In the night, darkness grips us. Sometimes we ask hard questions of God. 

Psalm 42:11 says hope in God for I will yet praise him my Savior and my God. God is at work in the darkness. God gives us peace and light in our darkness. Praise God's name.

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

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Titanic 2021: Countess of Rothes

 Titanic 2021: Countess of Rothes by ric gustafson

Lucy Martha Dyer Edwards became the Countess when she married Norman Leslie in 1900. She became a prominent philanthropist. The couple was going to celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary in California when she got on the Titanic. Her parents, her maid and her cousin joined her. 

After the liner was struck, the Countess and her cousin were put into Lifeboat 8. The Countess and seaman Thomas Jones kept the people calm during the rough night.

The Countess of Rothes died in 1965.

research help: ' The Titanic the shipwreck that shocked the world' by Centennial Media

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Psalms: Psalm 41

 Psalms: Psalm 41 by ric gustafson

Psalm 41:1 says blessed is he who considers the poor. The word considers means to take thought for others. The word poor means those in need. There are many people who are poor in love and hope. We can show them that we care. Instead of money, we can give of ourselves, We can tell people we are thinking of them. We can pray for them and give them encouragement. We can tell them about Jesus. Consider the poor. Help others not yourself. God loves you more than anything else.

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

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Titanic 2021: Benjamin Guggenheim

 Titanic 2021: Benjamin Guggenheim by ric gustafson

Benjamin Guggenheim was an heir to a mining and smelting magnate. His name was Meyer Guggenheim. Even though he had a wife and daughters, he went to Paris with one of his mistresses. The mistress Leontine Aubart came onboard Titanic with her maid and Guggenheim's valet. Guggenheim and his valet helped the women into Lifeboat number 9. Then Guggenheim put on a different suit. He sat down in a deck chair and calmly went down with the liner.

research help: ' The Titanic the shipwreck that shocked the world' by Centennial Media

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Psalms: Psalm 40

 Psalms: Psalm 40 by ric gustafson

Psalm 40:3 says he put a new song in my mouth a hymn of praise to our God. Because of what God does for us every day, we should sing to him a new song of praise. God's work in his people are numerous. God's works should give us reasons to express our praise to him. God's gospel story never changes. Our songs of praise and thanksgiving should be new. Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the unopened gift page 3

 the unopened gift page 3 by ric gustafson

Jeffrey looked at the small card on the box. " This gift is addressed to you".

" I don't have time to open it". She walked downstairs with her suitcases. " Please put it in the closet for now".

He put it in the bedroom closet.

The yellow cab came. She handed the suitcases to the driver.

" I'm going over to church to help with meals on wheels". They embraced. " They could use a great voice like yours in the choir".

" We'll see". She kissed him goodbye and got into the cab.

Two months later.

As Jeffrey vacuumed the bedroom closet, he bumped into Monica's unopened box. He yawned as he

cleaned the house. He was tired from spending hours at church putting bulletins together.

Monica came home. She cooked a fabulous dinner.

" Dinner was fabulous". He helped her with the dishes. " You could help with Wednesday night meals".

She yawned. " I like to cook for you".

" Monica, would you like to open your box that is in the closet?".

" Not right now". She yawned again. " Please leave it in the closet".

Jeffrey did not ask her any longer.

research help: original story

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Psalms: Psalm 39

 Psalms: Psalm 39 by ric gustafson

Have we ever spoken foolishly?. David wrote Psalm 39 when he was gravely ill and desperate. He expressed a hopeless attitude toward death. When he could not take it any longer, Psalm 39:7 says but now Lord what do I look for my hope is in you.

David told God he was sorry. God forgave him. God will forgive us also. Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Titanic 2021: Dorothy Gibson

 Titanic 2021: Dorothy Gibson by ric gustafson

At the time of Titanic, 22 year old Dorothy Gibson was a famous actress. She signed with Eclair Studios and found out stardom is not what it's cracked up to be. She had an affair with an Eclair executive. She traveled to Italy to avoid the spotlight. She came back on the Titanic.

Gibson and her mother made it unto Lifeboat 7. After surviving the tragedy, she wrote a film based on what happened to her. As with all the survivors, she was traumatized by the experience.

Dorothy Gibson died of a heart attack in 1946. Gibson was 56.

research help: ' The Titanic the shipwreck that shocked the world' by Centennial Media

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the unopened gift page 2

 the unopened gift page 2 by ric gustafson

Jeffrey opened up the leaf and waste bag and put in some leaves he had just raked. It was a beautiful fall afternoon in October. He wanted to get the leaves done before he went over to the church. After retirement, he spent a lot of his time helping out at Edgewood Lutheran Church. He helped with several projects including meals on wheels and serving meals at the local homeless shelter.

He watched as a brown UPS truck pulled up to the curb. He walked over.

The driver got out and put a huge box at Jeffrey's feet. " Sign here".

He signed the clip board. " That is a big box".

The driver smiled and got back into his truck. " It's the biggest box I've had today". He grinned and drove off.

Jeffrey picked up the box. He walked into the house.

He put down the box. He walked up to the large bedroom. His wife Monica was packing clothes into a suitcase.

" What happened outside?".

" The UPS driver dropped off a box".

" Can you open it?". She checked her purse for her plane ticket. " The cab will be here any minute".

" How long are you going to be gone?".

" Two months". She grinned as she looked into the mirror. " Not long".

Jeffrey went downstairs and opened up the large box. Inside was a decorative red box with a big red bow.

research help: original story

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Psalms: Psalm 37

 Psalms: Psalm 37 by ric gustafson

Psalm 37:25 says I was young and now I am old. Everyone gets older. Being young has it's advantages. Getting older makes you reflect on God's faithfulness. There may of been times when you thought God had forsaken you. That is far from the truth. Psalm 37:28 says for the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. God gives us mercy and puts the love of his law in our hearts. The truth is God loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.

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

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Titanic 2021: Major Archibald Butt

 Titanic 2021: Major Archibald Butt by ric gustafson

Major Archibald Butt was an adviser and confidant to President William Howard Taft. Before Titanic, Butt was busy helping Taft in his reelection fight against Woodrow Wilson. Taft would lose to Wilson. Butt requested a vacation to try and avoid burnout. 

On Titanic, Butt had joined Captain Smith on the night the liner sank. He helped get women and children into the lifeboats. Taft was devastated when he learned that Butt did not survive.

research help: ' The Titanic the shipwreck that shocked the world' by Centennial Media

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Psalms: Psalm 36

 Psalms: Psalm 36 by ric gustafson

Psalm 36:7 says how priceless is your unfailing love. When troubles brew in our life, God is there. He gives us blessings galore. He gives us his care and concern. God created the universe. And yet God cares for us more than anything else. We need to thank him for our blessings each day. The fact is 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

Titanic 2021: Margaret Brown

 Titanic 2021: Margaret Brown by ric gustafson

Margaret " Molly" Brown was a first class passenger on the Titanic. She was raised in Missouri by Irish Catholic parents. She moved to Leadville Colorado when she was 18. A year later, she married J J Brown. When J J Brown struck it rich through mining, the Browns were rich.

The couple moved to Denver. Molly became a socialite and a philanthropist. Molly and J J split in 1909 after 23 years of marriage. She came onto Titanic with her friends John Jacob Astor IV and his new bride Madeleine. 

She helped get women and children onto the lifeboats. Then she herself was put onto Lifeboat 6. The Denver Post called her " The Unsinkable Molly Brown".

Molly Brown died in 1932. She was 65.

research help: ' The Titanic the shipwreck that shocked the world' by Centennial Media

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Psalms: Psalm 34

 Psalms: Psalm 34 by ric gustafson

Psalm 34:18 says the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Sometimes something we depend on is all of a sudden gone. Our life is shaken. It could be a loved one, a job or good health. The loss makes us feel unstable, off balance or lost.

But the truth is God's presence in our life will never leave. God continually watches over us. He is rock solid and his love for us will always remain the same. Praise God's name.

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

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Titanic 2021: John Jacob Astor IV

 Titanic 2021: John Jacob Astor IV by ric gustafson

John Jacob Astor IV was the great grandson of John Jacob Astor. Astor was a real estate magnate and fur trade monopolist. Astor IV went to Harvard. He wrote a novel called ' A Journey in Other Worlds'. He patented several inventions including a bicycle brake, a turbine engine and a road improver. 

Astor IV married Madeleine Force. She was 18 and he was 47. The large age gap was not viewed well by Astor's family. The couple traveled to Egypt and Europe. After Madeleine became pregnant, they booked a suite on the Titanic. He was the wealthiest man on the liner. 

When the liner hit an iceberg, he put his young wife in Lifeboat 4. He then went down with the liner. 

John Jacob Astor IV was 47 years old.

research help: ' The Titanic the shipwreck that shocked the world' by Centennial Media

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the unopened gift page 1

 the unopened gift page 1 by ric gustafson

Jeffrey Fitzpatrick was finishing mopping one of the church's restrooms. All of a sudden, his cell phone chirped. He took it out of his pant pocket. " Hello".

" Hi". It was the voice of his wife Monica. " Guess what?".

" I don't know". He grinned. " Tell me".

" My singing tour starts in three days".

He put the mop back into the yellow bucket. " That soon".

" Actually". Her voice hesitated. " I'm going to have to fly out tomorrow morning".

He frowned as he put the bucket away in the janitor's closet. " I was hoping you could help me with things at church".

" No time". Her voice hesitated again. " I'm going to need your help packing".

" Ok".

research help: original story

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Beautiful Gate page 4

 Beautiful Gate page 4 by ric gustafson

As Peter was speaking to the crowd, the captain of the temple guard approached with some of his men and some priests and Sadducees.

" Seize them". He pointed at the two. " For teaching and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead".

Peter and John were thrown into jail.

The next day, the two were brought in. They stood in front of the rulers, elders and scribes.

The man who was healed now stood next to Peter and John.

A ruler spoke up. " By what power or in what name have you done this?".

" Rulers and elders of the people". Peter was now filled with the Holy Spirit. " That by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene whom you crucified whom God raised from the dead by this name this man stands in front of you in good health". Peter stared at their accusers. " He is the stone which was rejected by you but now has become the chief cornerstone".

All of them were amazed. These were uneducated men. " We must confer with each other".

After some time, one of the rulers spoke up. " We command you not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus".

Peter replied. " We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen or heard".

They let the two men go.

The End

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

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Psalms: Psalm 33

 Psalms: Psalm 33 by ric gustafson

According to Psalm 33:1, sing joyfully to the Lord you righteous. God has placed a new song in our heart. This song says that God loves us and always will. And someday he will take us to be with him forever. We have grace now and glory ahead. That is a reason to sing. We need to think about God's goodness. We can think about heaven and a new song with the angels. Praise God.

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

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Beautiful Gate page 3

 Beautiful Gate page 3 by ric gustafson

Peter, with authority in his voice, addressed the large crowd. " You disowned the holy and righteous one and asked for a murderer to be granted to you".

The captain of the temple guard was listening intently to the burly fisherman.

" You put to death the Prince of Life, the one whom God raised from the dead a fact to which we are witnesses".

The crowd was listening intently.

" And on the basis of faith in his name it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know and the faith which comes through him has given him this perfect health of you all".

The captain kept listening.

" And now brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance just as your rulers did also".

The captain frowned at that statement.

" But the things which God said beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets that the Christ would suffer he has just fulfilled". Peter pointed a finger at the crowd. " Therefore repent and return so that your sins may be wiped away in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord".

With disgust in his eyes, the captain of the temple guard walked away.

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

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3 days page 10

 3 days page 10 by ric gustafson

The sun was setting as Miriam and Yosef entered the Court of Women. They had not seen their son in three days. All of a sudden, Miriam smiled. She noticed her son sitting with a young rabbi and some older scribes.

She ran up to her son. " Son, why have you done this to us?". She embraced him. " Your father and I have been looking for you".

" Why were you looking for me?". He smiled at them with love in his eyes. " Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house".

Yeshua said goodbye to the rabbi and the scribes.

The next morning, Yosef, Miriam and Yeshua left for home.

Yeshua was an obedient son. He grew in wisdom and statue

The End

research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien

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3 days page 9

 3 days page 9 by ric gustafson

Yeshua was standing near the Court of Women.

A rabbi was teaching some students.

" What did Adonai want from Abraham?".

Yeshua quoted from Proverb 21:3

" So did Abraham sacrifice his son to the Lord?".

Yeshua quoted Hosea 6:6

" Tell us your name?".

" Yeshua".

The rabbi smiled. " Welcome Yeshua to our group".

" Why then did God provide Abraham with a ram?".

Yeshua quoted I Samuel 15

The rabbi was stunned at Yeshua's  answers.

Then Yeshua quoted from Deuteronomy 7.

research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien

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Psalms: Psalm 32

 Psalms: Psalm 32 by ric gustafson

How do we face storms that occur in our life?. Do we deal with them ourselves?. Disappointments in life can cause us to despair and confusion. 

God wants to guide us as we deal with storms in our life. God's Word can give us wisdom and insight for living. God's leading will always be right. We need to trust God to guide us in life. Psalm 32:8 says I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.

Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 31

 Psalms: Psalm 31 by ric gustafson

In Psalm 31, David is being terrorized. Threats are threatening his life but also his reputation. He writes that there is terror on every side. He explains that they plot to take my life. When his life seems bleakest, David cries out to God. In Psalm 31:14 he says but I trust in you O Lord. He also says my times are in your hands. David's God is our 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 26

 Psalms: Psalm 26 by ric gustafson

In Psalm 26, David expresses to God that he had walked in integrity. He tells the Lord in verse 1 that he trusts in the Lord and will not slip. In verse 11, David asks God to redeem him and asks for mercy. 

Does our conscience fill us with self doubt and fear?. God says talk to him. If we have unconfessed sin, we need to confess it. Then we need to put our trust and hope in God. He will give us peace. If we ask him, he will do that. 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 8

 3 days page 8 by ric gustafson

Yeshua woke up early the next morning. He was excited. It was the day of the Passover sacrifice. He had waited his whole life for this day. He had to fast today. He and his father were taking a little lamb to the Temple to be slaughtered for their Seder. The lamb had to be without blemish. Thousands would be doing the same today.

In the afternoon, Yosef and Yeshua were one of the first to enter the city gate. Later, Yeshua carried the flayed lamb back to the camp. Miriam cleaned the lamb with water and seasoned it. The lamb would then be put on a spit to cook. Later, they would eat the lamb along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

As the celebration continued that evening, Yeshua thought about his heavenly Father.

research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3 days page 7

 3 days page 7 by ric gustafson

The family walked to the Nicanor Gate. They came to the Court of Israelites. Only men were allowed to proceed. Miriam put a prayer shawl over Yeshua, She smiled. " You're closer to manhood my son".

He hugged her with his thanks.

Yosef, John and Yeshua walked up the steps. When they reached the top, they noticed a high altar. On each corner was a horn shaped carving. 

Some men were chanting and praying. Others were busy in conversation. 

Yeshua stopped at the draped Holy of Holies. He bowed and then started praying. He prayed for his family. He prayed for his friend Ezra. Then he led all the men present in group prayer.

John turned to Yosef and quoted Isaiah 11:6. ' The calf and the young lion shall browse together with a little child to guide them'.

Yosef smiled at his son.

research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 25

 Psalms: Psalm 25 by ric gustafson

It's hard to wait for God's timing in our lives. God's plan for us is on his time not ours. Noah and Abraham had to wait. According to Psalm 25, David chose to wait. He waited on the Lord. When we wait on God, we can have peace and our faith will grow. David waited on God. So can we.

Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 24

 Psalms: Psalm 24 by ric gustafson

The word Selah is at the end of this psalm. One of it's meanings is pause. God wants us to have a Selah moment and worship him. Psalm 46:10 says be silent and listen to the voice of God. Psalm 42 says pause from a hectic schedule to be refreshed in spirit. Psalm 40 says exalt the name of God for answered prayer. Psalm 119 says end the day by reflecting on the Lord's faithfulness. Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 23

 Psalms: Psalm 23 by ric gustafson

God wants to lead us. He knows our way because he prepared it. Sometimes we cannot see him. So we read God's Word so we can follow his guidance. Sometimes it seems as if he's hidden from us. Sometimes God is too fast in front of us. Sometimes we wish God would slow down. We must let the Holy Spirit guide us on the right path. God is always there beside us. Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 19

 Psalms: Psalm 19 by ric gustafson

With as many people in this world, it is hard to have solitude. But God says to us look and gaze at my creation. Psalm 19:1 says the heavens declare the glory of God. He says the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:2 says day after day they pour forth speech. Night after night they display knowledge. God wants us to be still and know that I am God. God says spend time in my creation.

Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 18

 Psalms: Psalm 18 by ric gustafson

When you read Psalm 18:2 what comes to your mind. David writes physical elements that convey spiritual realities. David writes the Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation my stronghold. David uses pictures to express deeper thought. He conveys pictures to deepen our understanding.

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 6

 3 days page 6 by ric gustafson

Yeshua was sitting in front of their tent. He was smoothing a toy boat he was carving. It was for his cousin John who was soon to arrive. He had not seen his cousin in more than five years. When John had spent a summer with Yeshua's family, they became inseparable.

When he saw his cousin, Yeshua ran to him. They embraced.

" I have something for you". John took a rock out of a pouch. " It is a piece from the old Temple".

" I have a gift for you also". Yeshua handed him the carved boat.

" Thank you". He studied the carving. " Impressive work".

John's mother Elizabeth was waiting for them outside the Chamber of Nazirites.

research help: ' Three Days' by Chris Stepien

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric