Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 3

 Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 3 by ric gustafson

Lloyd put down a half eaten sandwich. He took a sip from a diet coke. He was staring out a window at the old man. " That is a pitiful sight".

" He's not bothering anybody" replied Fred Jones. He decided to try and change the subject. " So what are your plans this weekend?".

" I'm going to be playing golf with three of my brothers". All of a sudden, Lloyd put a hand on his chest.

" What's wrong Lloyd?".

" I've been having some chest discomfort lately". He took another sip of his diet coke. " It comes and it goes".

" You should get yourself checked out". Fred stood up and threw the rest of his lunch into a trash can. " Don't ignore it". He walked out of Lloyd's office.

Lloyd stared out the window at the old man again. The chest discomfort was still there.

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 25

 Pilate 2021 page 25 by ric gustafson

Pilate could not sleep. He wanted to ask his friend what had heavily been on his mind for eleven years.

" Cornelius my friend, something has been bothering me for the last eleven years?".

" The missing body of Jesus of Nazareth".

" Yes". His voice hesitated. " Do you believe he was the Son of God?".

" Yes, I believe that Jesus came from the essence of God".

" So you do believe he was the Son of God?".

" Yes Prefect I do".

" I believe that this Jesus I crucified was perhaps innocent".

Cornelius smiled. " Perhaps he was".

" I also believe he was mortal like everyone else".

" Let me know if you wish to discuss this further".

Pilate sighed. " I don't think so".

He bade his friend goodby.

The End

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

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Pilate 2021 page 24

 Pilate 2021 page 24 by ric gustafson

Pilate was talking to a friend named Cornelius.

" Did you know that Herod Agrippa died?".

" Yes I heard".

" Did you know he killed James and almosr killed Peter?".

Pilate scratched his chin. " Who are they?".

" Disciples of Jesus the Christ".

Pilate gave the centurion a sad look. " Are you a member of that Jesus cult?".

" Yes". He smiled. " I am a Christian".

" Is it true this Peter escaped  from prison while he was chained between two guards".

Cornelius shook his head. " It is true".

Pilate smiled. " Then it was he who took the carpenter's body eleven years ago".

" Prefect, I don't believe that for a second".

" So how do you explain his escape?".

" I believe it was divine intervention".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 23

 Pilate 2021 page 23 by ric gustafson

The young bearded man pointed a finger at Pilate.

" You have commited the worst crime in history".

" Who are you?".

" My name is Saul". He grinned. " I am a tentmaker from Tarsus".

" So do you know what happened to that carpenter's body?".

" Yes, Yeshu returned to life". He smiled. " He rose from the dead".

" You are as crazy as the rest of that Jesus cult".

" I sawhim on the road to Damascus".

" I saw him also" Pilate sneered. " So what?".

" I saw him after you crucified him".

" You're mad".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

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Pilate 2021 page 22

Pilate 2021 page 22 by ric gustafson

Pilate stared at Flavius Artemis. " Centurion, tell me again why you didn't break this Jesus's legs?".

" The one on the center cross was already dead".

" How did you know he was dead?".

" He was not breathing".

Pilate thought for a moment. " Then why did you spear him with a lance?".

" To make sure he was dead".

" Then what happened Centurion?".

" When the lance was removed". Flavius sighed. " Blood and water came out".

" So there was no question he was dead?".

Flavius grinned. " I'd wager my life on it".

" Thank you Centurion". Pilate smiled. " That will be all".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 98

 Psalms: Psalm 98 by ric gustafson

The writer of Psalm 98 had a song in his heart. Psalm 98:1 says sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things. In verse 2 and 3, he praises God for his salvation his love and his faithfulness. In verse 4 he says shout for joy to the Lord all the earth burst into jubilant song with music.

We need to always be thankful because God gives us everything. He gives us family, friends and our daily needs. Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: accepted

 Life in Christ: accepted by ric gustafson

As his people, we belong to God. We are his own and are fully accepted by him. According to Ephesians 1:6, he made us accepted in the Beloved. God has established a permanent relationship with us. In John 6:37, Jesus says I will never reject them. In Jesus, we are accepted and approved. Our approval brings peace. God fully knows us and still loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: new

 Life in Christ: new by ric gustafson

In Jesus, we have become a new person. The past is gone and everything is new and fresh. We have been given a new life and a new nature. According to Titus 3, we have the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. According to Ezekiel 36, I will give you a new heart with new and right desires. When we die, the new us will go to be with the Lord. In Jesus, we are a new creation. We will have a new nature and identity. Jesus loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 2

 Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 2 by ric gustafson

Lloyd pushed the button for line 1. " Good morning Police Chief Littler". His voice hesitated. " Were you able to find out anything based on what we talked about?".

" Mr Tucker". The voice sighed. " I checked with City Attorney Boysen". 

" And what did you find out?".

" The old man can stay as long as he doesn't bother anybody".

" He bothers me Chief Littler". He looked out the window at the old man. " He wears tattered rags and is covered with sores".

" Is he bothering anybody going through your security gate?".

" No, I have had no complaints".

" So what bothers you?".

" For one thing, I've have seen dogs come up and lick at his sores".

" Mr Tucker, I realize you don't want him there". The voice hesitated. " Outside of your security gate is city property".

" So as long as he doesn't bother anybody".

" He can stay".

" Thank you Chief Littler". Lloyd loudly hung up the phone.

research help: The Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: a receiver

 Life in Christ: a receiver by ric gustafson

God gives us grace through his Son. In Christ we receive abundant grace. Feeding on God's Word is a benefit from the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus, we have dependence, submission and gratitude. In Jesus, we have God's unmerited favor. According to Romans 5:20, where sin abounds grace abounds much more. We are under grace. Grace is the new place where we live. The Holy Spirit wants to give us fullness and grace. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: filled

 Life in Christ: filled by ric gustafson

When we become a believer in Jesus, we start to have inner fulfillment and fullness. He wants us to experience this with grateful and growing awareness. We are citizens of heaven and have been given the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives us everything we need for living a godly life. Our cup overflows. We are not empty or lacking purpose. We can be full of spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 21

 Pilate 2021 page 21 by ric gustafson

On Monday evening after the crucifixion, Pilate and the Antonia garrison tribune visited the tomb. They quietly entered a rock hewn sepulcher. They noticed a slab of stone. On it were linen grave wrappings. At the head was a burial napkin. There was an odor of myrrh and aloes. There was no body.

Pilate stared at the tribune. " Are you sure this is the right tomb?".

" Yes Prefect". the tribune sighed. " This was the tomb sealed by the temple guard".

" And where are the guards now?".

" They left Prefect". The tribune frowned. " Right after the earth tremor early Sunday morning".

That night, Pilate had trouble sleeping. He was pondering about the missing corpse of Jesus of Nazareth. He knew it was the work of his disciples. Who else would have a motive for stealing his body?.

That had to be the answer. Pilate went to sleep.

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 97

 Psalms: Psalm 97 by ric gustafson

Psalm 97:10 says let those who love the Lord hate evil for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Hatred requires one hundred times the energy of love. According to Amos 5:15, hate evil love good. Psalm 97:12 says rejoice in the Lord you who are righteous and praise his holy name. Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: one with Christ's spirit

 Life in Christ: one with Christ's spirit by ric gustafson

According to I Corinthians 6:17, the person who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. In our spirit we become one with Christ's spirit. The qualities of Christ is also true of us. We share Jesus's love, his holiness and his submission to his Father. Before we were in union with sin. Now, the Holy Spirit is part of us. We are spiritually with Jesus. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 96

 Psalms: Psalm 96 by ric gustafson

Jesus wants our devotion. The question is are we consistent with it?. According to Psalm 96:4, for great is the Lord and most worthy of praise. Is my christian walk consistent or erractic?. Jesus wants our devotion to him to be daily. Is our christian walk dependable or unreliable?. Jesus wants our love to him to be daily. We need to proclaim Jesus's love and power every day. Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: united with Christ

 Life in Christ: united with Christ by ric gustafson

My life belongs to Christ. My life is in Christ. Jesus is living his life through mine. He uses me and works through me. We need to pray that we can live our life by Jesus's life. According to Colossians 3:4, Christ is your real life. Jesus is pure, holy, loving and powerful. We can share in Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. We are one in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 95

 Psalms: Psalm 95 by ric gustafson

In Psalm 95:6, the psalmist uses three words to describe kneeling to God in reverence. The first word for kneeling is bow. This means to sink down to one's knee giving respect and worship to the Lord. The second word used is worship. This means to fall prostrate as a sign of honor to the Lord. The third is the word kneel. This means to be on one's knees giving praise to God. Kneeling in God's presence is showing reverence. Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: dead to sin

 Life in Christ: dead to sin

Our new life in Jesus Christ comes with a death. We need to share with Jesus's crucifixion and burial. According to Romans 6, we are to consider ourselves dead to sin. We can say like Paul, I have been crucified with Christ. We were dead to sin and now we are alive to God. God has granted to us wonderful aliveness. God wants us to believe him and to take him at his word.So we were dead to sin. But now we are alive to God in Christ Jesus. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 1

 Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 1 by ric gustafson

Lloyd Tucker turned on the left blinker. He stared at the security gate. He frowned as he observed the old man lying by the gate. The light turned green. He slowly turned toward the gate. He stopped next to a old red security shack. A familiar figure stood next to it.

He lowered the window. " Good morning Gordon".

" Good morning Mr Tucker". He pushed the gate button.

" Gordon, has that old man been causing any trouble?".

" No, Mr Tucker". The gate went up. " He just sits there and causes no trouble".

Lloyd drove down into the underground parking. He parked in his usual spot. He got out and walked into the elevator. It stopped on the 19th floor. He walked up to the office's new receptionist.

" Good morning Rhonda".

" Morning Mr Tucker".

He began to walk toward his office.

" Excuse me Mr Tucker".

" Yes".

" There is a message on your desk".

research help: original story

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Pilate 2021 page 20

 Pilate 2021 page 20 by ric gustafson

Pilate stared at the mob. " Shall I crucify your king?".

" We have no king but Caesar".

" Jesus of Nazareth, do you have anything to say in your defense?".

Jesus was silent.

" Because your Sanhedrin has condemned him to death". Pilate frowned. " The prisoner will be crucified".

A roar of approval filled the air.

Pilate washed his hands in a basin. " My hands are clean of this man's blood".

Pilate pointed to a centurion. " Let him be crucified".

Jesus and two bandits were led to a hillock just beyond the northwestern wall of Jerusalem.

There, all three were crucified.

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 94

 Psalms: Psalm 94 by ric gustafson

All of us have experienced the dark night of the soul. We are tired of body and sick of heart. It becomes hard for us to pray. We think of ourselves as spiritual castaways. 

All we need to do when we fill this way is to just lie in God's arms. According to Psalm 94:18, your love O Lord supported me. In God's loving arms, we will get through the dark night of our souls.

Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: a new birth

 Life in Christ: a new birth by ric gustafson

When we have our new birth, we pass out of death to life. This entrance to spiritual aliveness is linked to Jesus's resurrection. According to Romans 6, we are alive to God alert to him through Jesus Christ our Lord. God is life giving. Our new birth gives us unbroken access to God. God is our constant source of life. By believing in Jesus, we have already passed from death to life. According to John 6, it is the Holy Spirit who gives life. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 19

 Pilate 2021 page 19 by ric gustafson

A beaten and ridiculed Jesus now stood next to Pilate.

" Behold the man".

The chief priests yelled. " Crucify Crucify".

" You crucify him". Pilate was losing his patience. " I've found no case against him".

" According to our law this man ought to die". Caiaphas walked up to Pilate. " He claims to be the Son of God".

Pilate became disturbed. " The Son of God?".

Caiaphas frowned. " Blasphemy is the greatest offense in Hebrew law".

" I will have a private hearing on this new claim".

Jesus was brought into the palace.

" Where have you come from?".

Jesus was silent.

" You won't speak to me". Pilate stared at Jesus. " I have the authority to release you or to crucify you".

" You would have no authority at all over me if it had not been given you from above".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 18

 Pilate 2021 page 18 by ric gustafson

Pilate was frustrated. Jesus had returned. He had to think of a fast solution to this judicial quandary. Just then, an answer came to him.

" Whom do you want me to release?". He stared at the growing mob. " Jesus Bar Abbas or Jesus of Nazareth?".

Then Pilate received a note from Procula pleading him not to do anything with this innocent man.

" Which of the two Jesuses shall I release to you?". He called out to the mob. " The Nazarene or Bar Abbas?".

A unified cry arose. " Bar Abbas Bar Abbas".

" Then what am I to do with Jesus of Nazareth?".

The mob cried. " Let him be crucified".

Pilate wanted to avoid a blood bath.

" Bring him into the courtyard for scourging".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 17

 Pilate 2021 page 17 by ric gustafson

Herod Antipas stared at the manacled man in front of him. " Yeshu, I've wanted to see you for some time".

Jesus was silent.

" I've wanted to see a prophet for myself".

Jesus was silent.

" Don't just stand there". He was beginning to lose his temper. " Do a miracle".

Jesus was silent.

" Guards, I think it's time to show reverence to this king".

The guards began to mock and ridicule Jesus. A white robe was put on him.

After a while.

" That's enough". Herod sneered. " Take him back to Pilate".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: we are clean

 Life in Christ: we are clean by ric gustafson

According to John 13, you are clean. The blood of Jesus purifies our souls from death. Purification will make us clean. No matter how deep our sins are, Jesus can make us clean. In Jesus, our sins have been washed away. Our forgiveness was purchased at a high price. Jesus blots out our transgressions. We need to confess our sins. Then our sins will be forgiven. Then we will be clean. Our redemption means that we are no longer wrong in God's eyes. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 93

 Psalms: Psalm 93 by ric gustafson

There are two great mystery's in the Bible. The first is God's triune nature. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. According to Psalm 93:2, the second mystery is the timeless existence of God's eternity. Job 11:7 asks can you fathom the mysteries of God?. These mysteries baffle the mind. Mystery is at the heart of the Christian faith. At the heart of our faith is the eternal triune God. The Father loves us. The Son died for us. The Holy Spirit helps us to be holy.

Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: no longer condemned

 Life in Christ: no longer condemned by ric gustafson

Guilt bonds us to sin and death. Sin was my enemy and I was enslaved to it. I was condemned before God because I was a fallen person. I had chosen to go my own way. 

But now Jesus has given me a guilt free identity. I am acquitted no longer condemned. According to Romans 8, so then there is no condemnation at all for those who are in union with Christ Jesus. Jesus Christ is our Advocate. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: desired

 Life in Christ: desired by ric gustafson

God called us and chose us because he desired us. We were lost but now is found. We are the returning prodigal son. We are the missing coin and the stray lamb. God has a relentless desire for us. God bestows gifts on us because he loves us so much. We will never be seperated from God. God knows everything about us. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: called and chosen

 Life in Christ: called and chosen by ric gustafson

We are called. We have been called personally by God and to God. This is personal because God uses our name. According to Isaiah 43, I have called you by your name you are mine. Jesus as the Good Shepherd calls his sheep by name. According to Romans 8, we are called according to his purpose. God wants us to have an intimate relationship with him. We are called by God because we were chosen by God. Ephesians 4 says lead a life worthy of your calling for you have been called by God.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: knowing my need

 Life in Christ: knowing my need by ric gustafson

Before we gave our life to Jesus we were spiritually dead. We ignored God and lived in darkness. God wants us to admit that we are needy, weak and poor. We need to cast away our self centered pride. God wants us to admit how needy we are. God wants to be first in our lives. According to Psalm 62, my soul finds rest in God alone my salvation comes from him. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 92

 Psalms: Psalm 92 by ric gustafson

Some people think that in old age you are too old to serve God. The simple truth is that is not true. No matter what age we are, we can serve the Lord. Psalm 92:14 says they shall still bear fruit in old age they shall be fresh and flourishing. To endure at any age till the end we need to be grounded and rooted in the Lord. Then we will bring forth fruit of the Spirit. This pleases Jesus very much.

Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: made for God

 Life in Christ: made for God by ric gustafson

God the Creator and us were made for each other. We were created for God and were formed as a special work of art. We are a treasure to God that he enjoys. We were created by God for day by day fellowship. God wants the undivided love of our hearts. According to Mark 12:30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. That is what God desires, our undivided love. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: a created being

 Life in Christ: a created being by ric gustafson

Because we are a human being created by God, we have the potential of having a life rich with expansiveness and dignity. I can know who I am. I can plan, ponder, think and reason. I can design and create things. I can make choices and act in a productive way. I can love others. Most of all, I have a spirit. Because of that spirit, I can delight in his presence and know I am a valued person. Having a spiritual relationship with God takes time. God wants to transform us through a new birth.

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

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: a new image

 Life in Christ: a new image by ric gustafson

We can choose to have the wrong image of ourselves. God wants us to have a new image of ourselves. With a new image of ourselves, God can start to transform us. Gradually, positive changes can begin to happen in our life. When a negative thought or emotion comes, we can simply say no. We must want to change our thinking for the better not the worst. We must admit our realistic negatives and focus on the positives. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 16

 Pilate 2021 page 16 by ric gustafson

Pilate stared at the growing crowd. " Can anyone offer testimony in defense of Jesus of Nazareth?".

" Yeshu Hannosri means trouble wherever he goes". Rabbi Jonathan frowned. " Even here at your tribunal".

Someone yelled. " This man is a born troublemaker".

" His teachings are inflaming the people throughout all Judea". Rabbi Jonathan's voice hesitated. " Starting from Galilee and spreading as far as this city".

" Did you say that this Jesus began teaching in Galilee?".

Jonathan nodded. " Yes".

" Where?".

" Capernaum on the Sea of Tiberias".

" It is in Galilee".

" Yes".

" Therefore I remand this case to Herod Antipas who is in the city right now".

Caiaphas protested. " But Prefect you have the legal right".

" This tribunal is adjourned".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: a wrong image

 Life in Christ: a wrong image by ric gustafson

We must acknowledge a wrong and hurtful image in our life. We should not hold onto mistaken ideas about ourselves. We should not have unrealistic beliefs about people. We should not have unrealistic beliefs about life. Most of all we should not have an unrealistic belief about God.

God wants us to shed a wrong image of ourselves and start a new image. Our relationship with God will improve and we can serve him better. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 15

 Pilate 2021 page 15 by ric gustafson

Pilate stared at Jesus. " Are you the king of the Jews?".

" Do you ask this of your own accord?". He looked up at Pilate. " Or did others tell it to you concerning me".

" What, am I a Jew?". He sneered at Jesus. " What have you done?".

" My kingship is not of this world". Jesus stared at the Prefect. " If it were, my followers would fight to defend me".

" So?". Pilate showed a puzzled look. " You are a king".

" For this I have come into the world". Jesus's voice hesitated. " Everyone who  is of the truth hears my voice".

Pilate gave Jesus a quizzical stare. " What is truth?".

He led Jesus back outside.

" I find no guilt in him".

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Pilate 2021 page 14

 Pilate 2021 page 14 by ric gustafson

On both sides of Jesus were Annas, Caiaphas, Helcias and others.

Behind Jesus were Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes and elders.

Pilate stared at Jesus. He was bound, powerless and unkempt.

Pilate turned to the chief priests. " What charge do you bring against this man?".

Ananias stared at Pilate. " If he were not a criminal, we would not have brought him before you".

" Very well then,  take him out of this court". Pilate sneered. " Judge him according to your law".

" According to your law". Caiaphas now spoke up. " We are not allowed to put anyone to death".

" What charge do you bring against this man?".

A priest spoke up. " We found this man subverting our nation".

Another priest spoke up. " He claims to be a Messiah a King".

This bothered Pilate greatly. He decided to talk to this Jesus inside his reception hall.

research help: ' Pontius Pilate' by Paul L Maier

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: an inner identity

 Life in Christ: an inner identity by ric gustafson

Am I somebody or a nobody?. Our self  image is very important. A self image is key to a human personality and behavior. When our self image is threatened, we feel anxious and insecure. We have many pictures in our identity album. Some of these pictures are sin, spiritual failure and self will. 

God does not want our sinful past to dominate our inner identity. God wants to transform our mind. A new image with God's Word at the helm. We cannot totally change our sinful past. But we can with God's help start producing positive images as far as our identity. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: our influences

 Life in Christ: our influences by ric gustafson

What subtle influences do we have in our life?. One influence is our environment. We could feel abandoned or rejected. This could hinder our unique beauty. Another influence is our choices. We can strive for a healthy thought and behavior pattern. We can also strive for an unhealthy pattern also.

God wants us to accept ourselves. According to God, we are wonderful and unique. We are flawed and morally guilty. We are also fully dependent on God. 

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

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: a mirror

 Life in Christ: a mirror by ric gustafson

We need a mirror to see ourselves. We want to look at ourselves to see who we really are as a person. We look in the mirror of people's opinion of us. Disapproval by others can lead to guilt, hostility and anxiety.

God's mirror is truth and love. This is revealed in his Word. God's love for us is limitless and perfect. God gives us encouragement, strength and purpose. God's love never changes. We can look at Philippians 4:8 for inspiration. God's truth in this bible verse can give us confident, obedient and joyful living.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life in Christ: who are you?

 Life in Christ: who are you? by ric gustafson

Who are you?. What is your self image?. Do we have a small self image?. Do we have a negative self image?. Do we have an inflated self image?. God wants us to have a changed self image that is transformed in him. Through God's Word and the Holy Spirit, God wants to transform our minds. God's truth can set us free from pride, insecurity and other negatives. God does not want us to have false self confidence. God created us to have a God supported ego. We strengthen our faith by practice.

research help: ' Christ Life' by Ruth Myers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 91

 Psalms: Psalm 91 by ric gustafson

There are things that bring fear into our lives. Illness, money problems and personal conflicts to name a few. These events in our life sometimes cause us to think that our life is at a dead end. But in the worst of these storms and trials, God comes to us. God holds out his hand and tells us to hold it. Then God quietly and slowly walks with us through the storms in our life.

Praise God's name. 

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Philip and Elizabeth page 3

 Philip and Elizabeth page 3 by ric gustafson

Philip and Elizabeth were walking in the rain. Philip's hands were frozen. It was a cold, wet winter day.

Elizabeth looked at him. " Don't you have sisters?".

" Yes I do". He smiled. " I'm the baby of the family".

" Really".

" I was real close to my sister Cecile". He frowned. " She died in an air crash in 1937".

" What a tragedy".

" I have three other sisters".

" My grandfather and Kaiser Wilhelm were cousins".

" I haven't had a home since I was nine".

" I enjoy talking to you". She smiled. " Keep writing letters to me".

" Think of me after the war". He grinned. " If you are still looking for a prince".

" We'll see".

research help: ' Before the Crown' by Flora Harding

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 90

 Psalms: Psalm 90 by ric gustafson

Moses starts this psalm in a somber mood. He starts by talking about our secret sins and our days will pass away under your wrath. He was somber about God's eternal majesty and our human frailty. 

But Moses does not end the psalm that way. He talks about the value of each moment. He talks about the redemption and blessings of God. Moses talks about gladness, hope and peace.

Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

this was your life: Luke 12:20

 this was your life: Luke 12:20 by ric gustafson

Newt heard the doorbell. " It's probably the pizza". He walked inside the house and grabbed his wallet from a nearby table. He opened the front door. It revealed a young man holding two pizzas.

" I'm Robert". He pointed at his badge. " Grim Reaper Pizza".

Newt laughed. " The Grim Reaper".

" Here's your pizzas". He handed them to Newt. " Enjoy your final meal".

He gave the young man a puzzled look. " What do you mean my final meal?".

" Newt Martin". The young man stared at him. " You are a fool".

Newt gave him a mad stare. " Why would you call me that for?".

" Newt Martin, this very night". The young man frowned, " Your soul shall be required of thee". He walked out the front door after Newt paid him.

Newt shook his head. " He's crazy".

research help: ' This was your life' by Chick Publications

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

this was your life: Luke 12:19

 this was your life: Luke 12:19 by ric gustafson

Newt Martin sat in a chair on the huge deck. " This is the life Jeff".

" It sure is" Jeff Richards replied as he sipped wine from a glass. " I can't believe we are already retired".

" Why not". Newt picked up a nearby stock statement. " Our stock has made us rich".

" I just can't believe". Jeff scratched his chin in thought. " We are drinking wine at noon while all of our friends are still working".

" I told my soul". Newt smiled. " That I was going to eat, drink and be merry".

Jeff sipped his wine. " This is the life".

Newt glanced at his watch. " Oh, I have takeout pizza coming".

research help: ' This was your life' by Chick Publications

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 89

 Psalms: Psalm 89 by ric gustafson

Sometimes we call things we have our own. We say my office, my desk and my phone. The simple truth is that nothing we have is ours. Everything that we have is on loan from God. Psalm 89:11 says the heavens are yours and yours also the earth you founded the world and all that is in it. Our time, talents and possessions are all on loan from God. I pray we use them wisely.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric