Pilate 2021 page 13

 Pilate 2021 page 13 by ric gustafson

The two highwaymen stood before Pilate's dais.

" I judge both of you guilty". The men did not flinch. " The sentence for both of you is death". Pilate pointed to his guards. " Let them both be crucified".

Pilate watched as Malchus ran up to the dais. " What is this interruption Malchus?".

" My Master Caiaphas is asking your confirmation of the verdict against Yeshu Hannosri".

" They have already tried him?".

Malchus frowned. " Yes".

" What was their verdict?".

" They seek the death penalty".

" Let them come in".

Malchus frowned again. " They must remain outside to avoid defilement".

Pilate moved his dais outside.

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 86

 Psalms: Psalm 86 by ric gustafson

Does God hear all of our prayers?. The answer is yes. David knows that he can cast all of his cares on God. Psalm 86:7 says in the day of my trouble I will call to you for you will answer me. David knows and believes that all of his prayers will be answered. God will always answer our prayers. He promises 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

Psalms: Psalm 84

 Psalms: Psalm 84 by ric gustafson

In our lives will be storms and hardships. But God says I will guide you through them. Psalm 84:12 says O Lord Almighty blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:11 says the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord bestows favor and honor. God is our sun and shield. God always shines bright within me. 

Praise God's name. 

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 12

 Pilate 2021 page 12 by ric gustafson

Pilate sighed at his wife. " Did you enjoy observing that young prophet?".

" You should of heard him". She smiled. " He held everyone spellbound".

Pilate frowned. " Many prophets do that".

" The Pharisees tried to trap him".

" How so?".

" They asked him if it was lawful to pay tribute money to Caesar or not?".

" Procula, what did he say?".

" He said pay Caesar what is due Caesar". She smiled. " Pay God what is due God".

Pilate sighed. " Ingenious".

Thursday was the preparation for Passover.

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 81

 Psalms: Psalm 81 by ric gustafson

If we do not eat, physical hunger sets in. It is the same with spiritual hunger. If we refuse God's provisions, spiritual malnutrition will set in. God longs to give us spiritual food. Our spiritual hunger can subside with daily studying of God's Word, worship with others and daily depend on him. Psalm 81:10 says open wide your mouth and I will fill it. God will fill our hearts with spiritual food if we let him.

Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 11

 Pilate 2021 page 11 by ric gustafson

Pilate and Procula's caravan stopped at the entrance to the Water Gate. The crowds of pilgrims this year was the largest he had ever seen for a Passover.

" Look". Procula pointed. " Up the slope of the Mount of Olives".

Pilate squinted his eyes. There were two large groups of people on both sides of a roadway. Some of them were waving palm branches.

" I can't see who is coming down the roadway". Pilate frowned. " I will find out tonight".

Later, Pilate was briefed about what had happened earlier.

" It was the prophet Jesus". The Antonia tribune sighed. " Yes, he has come out of hiding".

Pilate scratched his chin. " So what is your opinion Tribune?".

" A lot of people follow him". He sighed. " A lot of people don't".

" Is he still in the city?".

" No". The Tribune shook his head. " He stopped at the Temple briefly and then went back to Bethany".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Philip and Elizabeth page 2

 Philip and Elizabeth page 2 by ric gustafson

Elizabeth was talking to one of her friends. They were in the drawing room of Windsor Castle. She was hoping that Philip would join them. As soon as she thought that, he came. He was wearing his naval uniform. He walked over to them.

Elizabeth smiled. " Philip, this is my friend Lord Porchester".

Philip noticed his uniform. " In the Guards?".

" Yes". His voice hesitated. " I'm in a battalion of the Grenadiers".

Her friend excused himself. He walked away.

" Have you known him long?".

" Since we were children".

" Thank you for the letters you've been sending me".

" I hope". Elizabeth gave him a serious look. " They are not boring".

" Not at all".

research help: ' Before the Crown' by Flora Harding

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 10

 Pilate 2021 page 10 by ric gustafson

Centurion Cornelius entered the room.

" So tell me about this new prophet?".

" Multitudes follow him wherever he goes".

" What's his message?".

" Repentance". The Centurion frowned. " The same message as the Baptizer".

Pilate scratched his chin. " Does he preach revolution?".

" A spiritual revolution". His voice hesitated. " The Pharisees hate him".

Pilate grinned. " Why is that?".

" Because of his constant attacks of their character".

" Who is this new prophet?".

" He's from Nazareth in Galilee".

" What's his name?".

" His name is Yeshua". He grinned. " In our language it is Jesus".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Philip and Elizabeth page 1

 Philip and Elizabeth page 1 by ric gustafson

Philip's head hurt. The last thing he wanted to do was sit through a pantomime. He was only doing it to please the King and Queen. A short time later, the main lights dimmed and the Waterloo Chamber got dark. 

Then the curtain opened. Out came a young woman tap dancing across the stage. He began to stare at the seventeen year old. She was wearing a gold and red Chinese jacket. She was beautiful.

Elizabeth smiled. He came backstage. He was with his cousin the Duchess of Kent.

Philip grinned. " You were very funny tonight".

She frowned. " My sister Margaret is a better actor than I am". She looked at the time. " I'd better change".

" Of course". His voice hesitated. " Hopefully I'll see you later".

" I'll look forward to it".

research help: ' Before the Crown' by Flora Harding

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 9

 Pilate 2021 page 9 by ric gustafson

Pilate and Herod Antipas watched as his stepdaughter finished her enticing dance.

" Lovely One". Antipas smiled. " Ask me for anything and it's yours".

" Anything?".

Antipas smiled again. " Even it it's half my kingdom".

" Father, your appreaction is enough reward".

" Salome, I want to give you a gift".

" May I ask Mother first?".

" Of course".

She later returned and stood right in front of Antipas.

" I want the head of John the Baptizer on a platter".

Antipas frowned. " Salome, I assume you are joking".

" No father". She glanced at her mother. " Mother told me to remind you of your oath".

Antipas muttered. " I gave my word".

A short time later, the gory head was given to Salome.

Salome gave the platter to her mother.

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 78

 Psalms: Psalm 78 by ric gustafson

It is easy for us to want to chart our own future. But God wants us to seek his direction for our lives. His will for us is based on wisdom and love. If we let God direct our path in life, we can enjoy fulfillment and joy. God will guide us into what he wants us to do for him. He will lead us to his calling for us. When we follow God, life becomes an adventure. 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

Pilate 2021 page 8

 Pilate 2021 page 8 by ric gustafson

An aide walked into Pilate's room.

" So tell me about this John?".

" If you look at him". The aide grinned. " You can tell he's not the Jewish Messiah".

" How do you know he doesn't have Messianic ambitions?".

" He said himself I am not the Messiah".

" So how does he describe himself?".

" He said I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness".

" So what do the Jewish authorities think of this John?".

" Extreme suspicion". He smiled. " You can't blame them".

" Unless he raises a sedition". Pilate frowned. " I think we should let him alone".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 7

 Pilate 2021 page 7 by ric gustafson

Pilate's group stopped in front of Herod's Jerusalem palace. It was built in a Hellenistic style with many porticoes, pools and fountains. Pilate's cavalry escort stayed in a barrack built for that purpose. While Pilate worked on official business, Procula explored the city.

Pilate was concerned about the city's water supply. It was decided to build an aqueduct from a point near Bethlehem into the city. It was decided to tunnel under Bethlehem.

Pilate had a meeting with Joseph Caiaphas and Rabbi Helcias to discuss how to pay for the large project.

" I propose that the temple treasury pay for the aqueduct".

Caiaphas frowned. " Why this source Prefect?".

" Rabbi Helcias". Pilate grinned. " Don't you have a surplus of unexpended funds each year?".

Caiaphas began to object. " Sacred money should not be used for that purpose".

Pilate knew he had to use his trump card. " You do use Shekalim?".

" Yes".

" Then use those temple dues to pay for the aqueduct".

Two days later, the Sanhedrin agreed.

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 6

 Pilate 2021 page 6 by ric gustafson

The first weeks of Pilate's rule were quiet. A small advisory council helped him adjust. Procula was putting her palace in order and meeting important women of the city. Pilate had about 3,000 troops at his disposal. As Prefect, Pilate had supreme authority.

One day, Pilate had to use military force for the first time. Some of his new standards had graven images on them. All of a sudden, a growing mob was about to storm the Antonia Fortress. All the people wanted was for them to remove the images from the standards. Pilate did not back down neither did the people.

Pilate asked for a group of leaders to come to Caesarea to resolve this growing scandal. Instead of a small group arriving it turned out to be another huge crowd. Pilate had troops surround the mob. Pilate nor the mob gave in. All the mob wanted was for Pilate to remove the graven images from the standards. At one point, Pilate was so fed up with the whole thing he almost told his men to kill everyone. Pilate did not want a massacre on his hands soon after taking office. He gave in and the people gave in. Both claimed victory in their first standoff. Sejanus found out about the affair of the standards.

That first winter in Judea, Pilate mostly spent time in Caesarea.

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 5

 Pilate 2021 page 5 by ric gustafson

The trip from Egypt to Caesarea was short. Pilate spent the short time working on his Greek language. Caesarea was the Roman capital of Judea. Pilate and Procula were startled by the size of the city. The city was built by Herod the Great. Herod had spent much money on the city.

When their ship docked, Pilate and Procula were escorted to Herod's palace. They were greeted by Valerius Gratus.

" I'm sorry I could not greet you". He coughed. " I have been ill with a recurring fever".

A state reception was held in Pilate's honor.

Later, Pilate had a talk with Joseph Caiaphas.

The next morning, Gratus and his wife left for Rome.

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 4

 Pilate 2021 page 4 by ric gustafson

Pilate had the choice of how to get to Judea. He decided on a direct sea voyage. He decided on a grain fleet ship that would sail the third week of August.

The ship was called the ' Trident of Neptune'. It was about 180 feet long with a 45 foot beam. Pilate, Procula and their servants had spacious passenger cabins. An honor guard bid Pilate farewell. Sejanus gave him a governor's military standard. Pilate's name was  woven into fabric. Tiberius gave Pilate a gold ring.

On day 18, the ship reached the Pharos Lighthouse at Alexandria Egypt. They spent a week there with Gaius Galerius  the prefect of Egypt.

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 77

 Psalms: Psalm 77 by ric gustafson

Do you have days of doubt?. I do. Psalm 77:7 says will the Lord reject forever will he never show his favor again. Is our faith floundering?. In this Psalm, the writer lists his doubts. God wants us to remember what he does for us every day. In Psalm 77:11 it says I will remember the deeds of the Lord yes I will remember your miracles of long ago. When doubt creeps into our life, we need to remember one thing. And that is that 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

Pilate 2021 page 3

 Pilate 2021 page 3 by ric gustafson

Wearing a floral wreath, Pilate looked around the Proculeius grounds. While waiting for his bride, a consecrated ewe was brought for an ancient rite.

Then his bride came in. They joined right hands. Then they offered prayers to Jupiter, Juno and other gods. A lavish banquet was served along with cake and wine. Then Procula was escorted to Pilate's home.

The night after the wedding, a smaller banquet was held. Then there were several dinner parties before they left for Judea. Procula became in charge of the household affairs. Pilate began to discuss matters of state with her.

One day, Pilate had a long discussion with Emperor Tiberius.

He asked Pilate a question. " Why is Judea important to Rome?".

" It's the religious capital of seven million Jews". Pilate grinned. " Also it is important in a defense between Asia and Africa".

" Good luck Tribune".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 2

 Pilate 2021 page 2 by ric gustafson

Pilate stood in an atrium. It was mosaic and marble. There were rich colored curtains. Fountains splashed into sunken pools.

A domestic stood next to Pilate.

" Please inform Lady Procula that I am here".

She walked in wearing a simple house tunic.

" Procula, if we had to live somewhere outside of Rome". He smiled. " Where would you prefer to go?".

She thought for a moment. " Greece or Egypt".

" Try in between".

" Syria?".

" Sejanus has recommended me to be the new prefect of Judea".

" Judea".

" As my wife". Pilate smiled. " Will you go with me?".

" Yes".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 73

 Psalms: Psalm 73 by ric gustafson

We need water to live. What we need more is a thirst for God. When we are spiritually dry, we need to hear God through his Word. We need to be close to God and receive his strength. God wants us to be spiritually thirsty not dry. Psalm 73:28 says but as for me it is good to be near God I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge. 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

Pilate 2021 page 1

 Pilate 2021 page 1 by ric gustafson

" Come in Pilate". Sejanus smiled.

He sat down in an empty chair in the library.

" I assume the garrison is running smoothly".

" It is Sir".

" Pilate, you have an excellent education". His voice hesitated. " And nearly completed your military obligations".

" Thank you Sir".

" Valerius Gratus has been the prefect of Judea for eleven years". He smiled. " I am going to suggest that you succeed him".

" Thank you Sir". Pilate's voice hesitated. " Why me?".

" Because of your experience in that part of the world".

" Because of the Twelfth Legion".

" Yes".

Pilate clapped his hands in joy. " When do I sail".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Samson page 10

 Samson page 10 by ric gustafson

" Kill him".

Samson could hear Prince Rallah screaming for his death. His arms were against two pillars. He planted his feet and squared his hands on the pillars.

" Kill him".

Samson began to push against the pillars with all of his might.

" Kill him" yelled Prince Rallah.

" Lord". He prayed through clenched teeth. " Give me your strength one last time".

Delilah could see that Samson's hair had grown back. 

Samson could feel the pillars begin to move.

The pillars began to shift and crumble.

" Let me die with these Philistines".

The roof began to crumble. Those on top of it plunged to their death.

A column fell on Prince Rallah.

As everything came down, Samson looked up toward heaven.

His body stopped quaking.

The End

research help: ' Samson' by Eric Wilson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Samson page 9

 Samson page 9 by ric gustafson

Delilah stared at Samson's hair and the bags of money on the floor.

Prince Rallah turned Samson's eyes to darkness.

Delilah again stared at his hair. He finally admitted to her how he got his great strength.

Caleb came and tried to help his brother. It was to no avail.

Rallah warned Caleb that he could take his eyes too.

Both Samson and Caleb were taken away.

research help: ' Samson' by Eric Wilson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 71

 Psalms: Psalm 71 by ric gustafson

When we are young, we can't wait to grow up. When we are old, we look back at former years. God wants us to take each season of life as it comes. No matter what are our age is, we can commit to God and accept our struggles. We can rely on God's strength. In Psalm 71:14 David says but as for me I will always have hope I will praise you more and more. No matter our age or beauty, 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

Samson page 8

 Samson page 8 by ric gustafson

Samson stared at his brother. " I must leave".

" Why?".

" I made a deal with King Balek". He frowned. " I have no choice".

" You always have a choice".

Samson smiled. " Brother, I have fallen in love".

" Who now?".

" She tended to my wounds after I was attacked".

" I remember". Caleb's voice hesitated. " At the gates".

" Her name is Delilah".

Caleb shook his head. " She is a Philistine".

" I don't care". He headed for the door. " I must get to her before Prince Rallah does".

" Lead us Samson". He grinned. " Our nation needs you".

" Goodbye brother".

He quickly left.

research help: ' Samson' by Eric Wilson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 69

 Psalms: Psalm 69 by ric gustafson

According to Psalm 69:32 the poor will see and be glad you who seek God may your hearts live. The Lord's grace has paid our debts in full. David spoke and sang about being glad. 

It is easy to feel poor and powerless. God wants us to be glad. We need to stop our sinful ways. We need to proclaim that God's ways are right. When we praise God, gladness will spring forth.

Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 66

 Psalms: Psalm 66 by ric gustafson

David is facing sadness. Silver is refined by fire. David in Psalm 66:12 says we went through fire. God the Refiner sits by the furnace and tends the flames. God will not allow us to be tried beyond our endurance. This refining process is for our good. Our ordeal may feel like it will never end. God is refining us. 

We should not fret or be afraid. Our present trial is screened by God's wisdom and love. The truth is that 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

Psalms: Psalm 65

 Psalms: Psalm 65 by ric gustafson

According to Psalm 65:2, God hears our prayers. Is our prayers heartfelt?". Some people pray silently. Some people pray out loud. Some people write prayers on paper. The simple answer is that God listens to our prayers. 

The bad news is that our prayers could be self serving. Our sin could be blocking our prayers. God knows our needs and he wants us to enjoy his presence. God hears all of our prayers.

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

Samson page 7

 Samson page 7 by ric gustafson

Samson's eyes opened. He knew that his fever had broken. He felt his hurt thigh. There was a bandage on it. Groaning, he put himself into a sitting position. A woman's form was walking toward him.

" Taren".

" Your awake". Delilah smiled as she handed him some water to drink. " You've been turning and tossing for two days now".

Samson stared at her. " You take a risk helping a Hebrew".

" I found you alone and injured".

Samson shook his head in anger. " Prince Rallah killed my father".

" I'm sorry Samson".

He looked around. " I can't stay".

She looked at Samson's thigh. " You're still too weak to leave".

" I must find mother".

" Samson". She began to plead. " Please stay".

He quickly left.

research help: ' Samson' by Eric Wilson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Samson page 6

 Samson page 6 by ric gustafson

Samson walked into the throne room. King Balek was waiting patiently for him.

" Mighty Samson". The king grinned. " We meet at last". He had a look of concern on his face. " I hope nobody saw you come".

Samson frowned. " I was not seen".

" So". His voice hesitated. " What brings you here?".

" I'm here on the behalf of the people you starve".

" Your Hebrew people".

" Remove the tribute and give back our harvest".

The king looked sternly at Samson. " And if I don't".

Samson pointed a finger at him. " You will face the wrath of God".

He grinned. " I have a proposition for you".

" That is".

" You disappear".

" And what about the Hebrew people?".

" Stay and your people starve to death". His voice hesitated, " Leave and they will not starve".

research help: ' Samson' by Eric Wilson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 63

 Psalms: Psalm 63 by ric gustafson

It is frustrating and painful to be ignored. We don't like it when someone does that to us. Think how God feels when we do it to him. His heart is broken when his children ignore him. 

God pleads to us to not ignore him. Psalm 63:8 says my soul clings to you your right hand upholds me. We need to keep God in our thoughts always. We need to talk to him and read his Word.

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

Samson page 5

 Samson page 5 by ric gustafson

" Give Samson to us". Prince Rallah shouted toward Manoah and Caleb. " Our your entire village will burn".

Manoah quietly replied. " Samson will answer for Samson".

" I will spare your village". Rallah sneered. " Just tell me where he is".

" I do not know where he is".

" Seize him". Manoah was put into a chariot. 

Zealphonis fainted.

" If Samson does not show". Rallah pointed at Manoah. " He will be without a father".

The chariot, with Manoah inside, quickly left.

research help: ' Samson' by Eric Wilson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Titanic 2021: the last survivor

 Titanic 2021: the last survivor by ric gustafson

Millvina Dean knew her place in history. She was the last living link to the story. What story was that?. She was the last living survivor of the Titanic tragedy. 

Two month old Millvina and her brother Bertram were traveling on Titanic to Wichita Kansas. Like many had to do, Bertram and his wife had to switch ships at the last moment. When the mighty liner was struck by an iceberg, Bertram put his wife and two children into Lifeboat 10. He did not survive. 

After Titanic, Millvina drew warmaps for the British government and worked for an engineering company. In 2007, she became the last living survivor. Millvina died in 2009.

One day, director James Cameron had an idea for a movie that he wanted to direct.

The End

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Samson page 4

 Samson page 4 by ric gustafson

Samson saw her outside the storehouse. He walked up to her.

" Hello".

She grinned. " Are you hurt from the quarry fight?".

" You were there". He smiled. " I saw you there".

" I was collecting wagers for the priest". She shook her satchel. " That's my job".

" I came to find out your name".

She frowned. " I know about you Samson".

" I  came a long way to find out your name".

Prince Rallah appeared. " Come along".

" I have to go". Her voice was hesitant. " I have to leave".

" Please". He began to plead. " I just want to know your name".

She turned to leave. " Taren".

research help: ' Samson' by Eric Wilson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Titanic 2021: Rhoda Abbott

 Titanic 2021: Rhoda Abbott by ric gustafson

Rhoda Abbott and her two sons had moved to England. She had recently divorced her husband who was a middleweight boxer. After spending time with her widowed mother, she and her sons were returning to the US. All three stayed on board as the liner sank. All three were tossed into the bitter cold Atlantic. Rhoda got on board Collapsible A. Her two sons did not. Rhoda and the others on the Collapsible were saved because Officer Harold Lowe got everyone on Lifeboat 14. Rhoda Abbott was the only woman who was flung into the ocean and survived. She died in London in 1946 at age 73.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 62

 Psalms: Psalm 62 by ric gustafson

We are used to noise. Noise comes at us from every direction. David in Psalm 62 saw the wisdom of silence. In silence, reverence to God can be heard. Where ever we are, we can be silent and talk to God. We can be silent and wait for God to speak. Psalm 62:5 says wait silently for God alone.

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