Our Daily Bread: Isaiah 30:18

 Our Daily Bread: Isaiah 30:18 by ric gustafson

In life, troubles and trials will come. How do we handle them?. Do we try to cope ourselves?. This way it is easy to fall into bad habits and strongholds. In this bible verse from Isaiah, even though we fail Jesus will still love us and show us compassion. Jesus wants to help us so we do not fall into strongholds. God loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Our Daily Bread September 2022' by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Women of the Bible: the wife in Luke 10

 Women of the Bible: the wife in Luke 10 by ric gustafson

The wife watched her Jewish husband leave the house. She did not realize the turn of events that would happen that day. She did not know that her husband would be robbed. That he would be left by the side of the road to die. A Jewish priest walked by. A Levite walked by. Neither of the two helped him.

Finally, a Samaritan stopped to help. Jews and Samaritans despised each other. This person even paid an innkeeper to help take care of him.

If this victim had a wife, she would of been surprised who helped her husband. In God's eyes, we are all equal. We are all born sinners in need of a Savior. God does not believe in racial prejudice. God loves everyone the same. God commands us to love one another. Praise God's name.

This Jewish victim's wife is a woman of the Bible.

research help: ' Women of the Bible' by Dianne Neal Matthews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Women of the Bible: the mother in John 6

 Women in the Bible: the mother in John 6 by ric gustafson

The mother carefully packed a small lunch for her son. She did not know that it was going to feed five thousand men plus women and children. Her son was probably excited and burst through the door to tell her what had happened. She probably beamed with joy at his excited news. There was not enough food in the entire village to feed that many people. She probably thought how could this preacher from Galilee take this small lunch from her son and feed that many people. It was a miracle from God.

This mother in John 6 was a woman from the Bible.

research help: ' Women of the Bible' by Dianne Neal Matthews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the return of Peter Rabbit page 2

 the return of Peter Rabbit page 2 by ric gustafson

Peter and his sisters began to hop through the garden. They loved the vegetable garden of McGregor Manor. There were strawberries, radishes and carrots to eat. After they ate, they hopped into the house.

They stopped at Bea's printing workshop. 

Peter heard a noise outside. He hopped outside to see Tommy Brock the badger eating one of Thomas's tomatoes. He hopped over.

" Get away from there".

The badger stared at the rabbit. " Why is this garden your concern?".

" It is the McGregors". Peter's voice hesitated. " We share this garden".

" Whatever". The badger left still eating the tomato.

research help: ' Peter Rabbit 2' by Frederick Warne

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Women of the Bible: Eve

 Women of the Bible: Eve by ric gustafson

God created the first man. He placed him in the Garden to live. But there was something missing. God spent six days creating a world, plants and animals. But his creation was not complete. Eve was the crowning touch to God's perfect creation. Eve was designed and shaped by God's own hand. Then God's work was finished and he could say that it was very good.

Eve was a woman of the Bible.

research help: ' Women of the Bible' by Dianne Neal Matthews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Jesus

 Men of the Bible: Jesus by ric gustafson

Finally, we come to the most important man in the Bible. Jesus walked with his Father God. But Jesus had something else too. He had an obedience for obeying his Father. He lived that passion every day on this earth. He lived to obey his Father. Jesus wanted nothing more than to obey his Father. He thought of nothing than to accomplish his Father's will. God wanted to save mankind through his Son. He accomplished that through his Son and the cross.

The End

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Joseph of Arimathea

 Men of the Bible: Joseph of Arimathea by ric gustafson

According to the Gospel of Luke, Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Jewish high council. According to Luke 23, he was a good and righteous man. In secret, he followed Jesus out of fear. He was concerned about the reactions of his fellow council members.

Pilate had already condemned Jesus to die. With courage, Joseph approached Pilate. He asked permission to remove Jesus from his cross so that he could be buried. He was granted permission.

Joseph and Nicodemus prepared Jesus's body. Joseph supplied the tomb. Joseph rolled a large stone in front of the tomb to protect it from vandals and grave robbers.

Joseph of Arimathea was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the return of Peter Rabbit page 1

 the return of Peter Rabbit page 1 by ric gustafson

It was not a typical wedding. The wedding quartet was made up of four well dressed mice. Next to the groom Thomas McGregor were two small rabbits. Peter Rabbit was a clever bunny who had a knack for getting into trouble. Next to Peter was his cousin Benjamin Rabbit. 

The bride's guest list included ducks, badgers, foxes and a hedgehog named Mrs Tiggy Winkle. When Bea came down the aisle, Peter's sisters Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton Tail spread rose petals in front of her. 

Later, Peter was asked one thing. " The ring?".

When the ceremony was over, Bea and Thomas walked down the aisle. The mice quartet sang.

It was a beautiful wedding.

research help: ' Peter Rabbit 2' by Frederick Warne

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Haggai

 Men of the Bible: Haggai by ric gustafson

There was an Old Testament prophet named Haggai. He believed in right priorities. He encouraged others to do the same. When the people came back from Babylonian captivity, there priorities were wrong. They forgot the importance of the Holy Temple. They had started rebuilding it and then stopped. 

Haggai came and scolded them. The people listened to Haggai and went back to work.

Haggai was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: John 11:40

 Our Daily Bread: John 11:40 by ric gustafson

Jesus's friend Lazarus had died. Jesus came four days later. In John 11:38, Jesus raises him from the dead. Then in verse 40, Jesus says did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God. 

Jesus offers us the chance of salvation through him. Jesus died on a cross. He paid the penalty for our sins. He will forgive our sins. We can give our life to him. Then we will join him in heaven. Our lives will forever be changed. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Our Daily Bread Sept 2022' by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: Mark 8:36

 Our Daily Bread: Mark 8:36 by ric gustafson

We have a choice in life. Do we totally follow Jesus or not?. Two verses before this passage says to be a disciple you must deny yourself in order to follow Jesus. What matters the most in your life?. Is it what we want? or what Jesus wants?. It is easy to follow our own desires and not God's. Jesus says walk in me. Follow me. That is the best way to follow Jesus.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' Our Daily Bread Sept 2022' by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the footsteps of Jesus page 7

 the footsteps of Jesus page 7 by ric gustafson

Jesus went up to a mountainside and sat down. There he began to teach to his disciples. He taught them many things including that blessed were the poor in spirit. What Jesus taught to them that day has been known as the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said that they were the salt of the earth. He said that they were the light of the world. Jesus addressed the issue of money and possessions. Jesus told them not to judge others.

Then Jesus and his disciples walked to the Sea of Galilee. It is actually a lake seven or eight miles across and thirteen miles long. Sometimes it is called Lake Gennesaret. Sometimes it is called Lake Tiberias. Mount Hermon supplies its water. Jesus loved the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus told them three stories involving water. Some of his disciples were fishermen and he called them to be his disciples. One day, by boat they were going across the Sea. A storm came up. Jesus was asleep at the back of the boat. The disciples woke him up because they were worried they were going to drown, Jesus calmed the wind and the waves. The third story involved the disciples crossing the Sea without Jesus with them. A storm came up and the disciples were really scared. Then in the dark they noticed someone walking to them on the water. It was Jesus. He told them not to be afraid.

research help: ' The Way' by Adam Hamilton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Zacchaeus

 Men of the Bible: Zacchaeus by ric gustafson

Zacchaeus was a tax collector. His business was shady. He knew he needed forgiveness. He had heard of a preacher named Jesus. Zacchaeus was small in stature. One day, Jesus and his group were walking through the town where Zacchaeus was. He wanted to see Jesus. The huge crowd made that impossible. 

A thought came to Zacchaeus. He ran and climbed up a tree next to the road. Jesus saw him and invited himself to his home for dinner. Zacchaeus was saved that day. 

Zacchaeus was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Nehemiah

 Men of the Bible: Nehemiah by ric gustafson

There was a man named Nehemiah. He served a pagan king. He found out that the walls around Jerusalem had left it's Jewish residents vulnerable to attack. So he talked to God about the situation. He praised and worshiped God. He confessed his sins and the sins of the people. He thanked God for everything. He made his requests known. He did not rush into the project but prayed to God for help.

Nehemiah was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Walking in Grace: Philippians 4:6-7

 Walking in Grace: Philippians 4:6-7 by ric gustafson

We can make plans to solve our problems. But in this bible verse, Paul says do not be anxious about anything. God is in control. God is near. God is in control, I am not. Paul says to present your requests to God. With God in control, we can have peace. God's peace will guard our hearts and our minds.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' Walking in Grace' by Guideposts Aug Sept 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Boaz

 Men of the Bible: Boaz by ric gustafson

There was a young Moabite widow named Ruth. Her mother in law was Naomi. One day, a wealthy influential man named Boaz met them in Bethlehem. He was kind to Ruth and cared for her. Eventually, he married her. Boaz was called a family redeemer and married Ruth who was a poor widow in his family. Because Boaz married Ruth, she became a direct ancestor of Jesus.

Boaz was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Walking in Grace: Psalm 18:39

 Walking in Grace: Psalm 18:39 by ric gustafson

It is easy to be worried about tomorrow. But Jesus tells us in Matthew not to worry about tomorrow. Our life can easily spin out of control. But there is a way to prepare for that. That way is God's Word. The Bible is our weapon of war. With God's Word we can be prepared for whatever trouble comes our way.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' Walking in Grace' by Guideposts Aug Sept 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Onesimus

 Men of the Bible: Onesimus by ric gustafson

There was a slave named Onesimus. He was owned by a wealthy believer named Philemon. Onesimus deserted Philemon. He left for Rome. There he met the Apostle Paul. Paul brought him to faith. Onesimus had to make a decision. Do I go back to my master and face the crimes he had done before he was saved?. Or not?. Because he was now a believer, he went back to face Philemon. He went back knowing that now God was with him.

Onesimus was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Aya page 9

 Aya page 9 by ric gustafson

One day, Avidan came in with a somber look on his face.

" What's wrong Avidan?".

" A Galilean named Jesus of Nazareth came with his followers".

" Husband, why the worried stare?".

" He overturned the moneychanger's tables".

" Did you arrest him?".

Avidan frowned. " No, he and his followers slipped away".

Aya began to cry. " I have started bleeding".

Avidan looked concerned. " Are you going to see the midwife?".

" Yes".

Aya did lose the baby.

research help: ' The Apostle's Sister' by Angela Hunt

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Aya page 8

 Aya page 8 by ric gustafson

One night, Aya smiled at Avidan.

" I am with child". She put a hand on her growing belly. " You will be a father this fall".

" Praise Adonai". His eyes crinkled. " I must tell our parents".

Avidan kissed Aya's forehead. " You have made me very happy".

One day, Aya noticed more activity going on in the city. She asked the women as she drew water from the Pool of Siloam. 

" What's going on in the city?".

One of the women smiled. " It's Passover dear".

The yearly event brought thousands of visitors to the city.

" Showing hospitality is a commandment here".

Aya thought about her small house. " But our house is small for visitors".

" Having guests is a blessing".

research help: ' The Apostle's Sister' by Angela Hunt

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Walking in Grace: I John 5:11

 Walking in Grace: I John 5:11 by ric gustafson

Time here in this temporary place goes so quickly. According to I John 5, there is no time in heaven. God gave me eternal life a long time ago. Eternal life is in his Son Jesus. Neither time here or space can seperate us from the love of God Jesus or the Holy Spirit. God loves us more than anything else.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' Walking in Grace' by Guideposts Aug Sept 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Cornelius

 Men of the Bible: Cornelius by ric gustafson

There was a Roman military officer named Cornelius. He became a Christian and made a difference to his community and family. According to Acts 10, Cornelius was the first Gentile to come to faith after Jesus's death and resurrection. He was a generous devout man who feared God. His conversion was because of meeting Peter. He was a part of Gentiles now coming to faith in Jesus.

Cornelius was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Walking in Grace: Proverbs 22:4

 Walking in Grace: Proverbs 22:4 by ric gustafson

It is easy to totally think about ourselves. But God does not want us to think that way. Proverbs 22 says humility is the fear of the Lord it's wages are riches and honor and life. God does not want us to totally think about ourselves. God wants us to think about others more than ourselves. If we do that, God will smile at us. He will bless us. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Walking in Grace' by Guideposts Aug Sept 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Amos

 Men of the Bible: Amos by ric gustafson

During the reign of King Uzziah and Jeroboam lived a man named Amos. He was a shepherd and also tended sycamore fig trees. But he had something God wants the most. And that is a willingness to follow and to obey. God asked him to preach to the people about the judgment of the rebellious. Also about the restoration of the repentant. The people told Amos to stop what he was preaching. God had given him a message to preach. He would not stay quiet.

Amos was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Aya page 7

 Aya page 7 by ric gustafson

Aya looked around the one room house Avidan had rented. It was located in the lower city. Aya frowned. She was used to designed tiles not packed earth. She did like the flat roof so she could enjoy it during the hot summer months.

" Can we visit Sha'ul?". She smiled at her husband. " Can we visit him?".

" Right now". He frowned. " We are still unpacking".

" I just want to know where they live". She grinned. " So I can visit Bettina".

Later in the day, they were welcomed into a home similar to theirs.

Aya and Bettina embraced.

Aya pointed. " This looks like a home".

Bettina smiled. " And how is your home?".

" It's not a home yet". Aya frowned. " We just arrived".

research help: ' The Apostle's Sister' by Angela Hunt

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Florida reflections 7

 Florida reflections 7 by ric gustafson

We are just about to head for the airport. I enjoyed being in paradise for a week. But it is time to go home. I enjoy being here but I miss being home. As much as I miss and love my earthly home, it is not my eternal home. As a christian, I know where my eternal home is. My bags for my earthly home is ready. My bags for my eternal home is also ready. I'm ready to go now. When it is time to go to my eternal home and be with Jesus, I will be ready. My bags are ready. I am ready.

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Florida reflections 6

 Florida reflections 6 by ric gustafson

Tomorrow we fly home. It has been a wonderful week here in paradise. But the time comes when we need to go home. This whole week I have felt God's presence. I have felt it walking on the beach and looking at all the seashells. I feel God in the wind, the sand, the birds, the rain and Tampa Bay. I have enjoyed our time here and seeing family. I have felt God here in this place. Praise God's name. I pray for a safe trip back home tomorrow. Thank you for reading my vacation reflections. God is good.

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Florida reflections 5

 Florida reflections 5 by ric gustafson

I was walking on the beach this morning. It was beautiful out and there were lots of people on the beach. As I walked, I noticed a lot of footprints on the sand. Some were made with footprints from shoes. Some of the footprints were made by people's bare feet. As I walked, I could feel God's presence. It was so peaceful and quiet, I could feel God there. I knew that some of those footprints were God's footprints. God is always walking next to us keeping us safe from harm. It gives me peace and comfort knowing that God is always with me. He promises that. God loves us more than anything else.

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Florida reflections 4

 Florida reflections 4 by ric gustafson

We are going to a play tomorrow on the Island. The Island has a theatre group and it is opening night. We miss our theatre friends very much. God brings special people into your life. Our theatre friends entered our life when we needed it. We will go to the play tomorrow and think about our theatre friends. We will see them soon but we miss them. I thank God for the special people God brings into your life.

Praise God's name.

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Florida reflections 3

 Florida reflections 3 by ric gustafson

As I was walking on the beach, I noticed small shells underneath my feet. Each shell is different. Each shell is shaped different and has it's unique color. Every person I see on the beach is different and unique. God designed every person to be different and unique. Everyone is special in God's eyes. God gives talents and unique abilities to each person. God loves everyone the same. 

God loves us more than anything else.

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Florida reflections 2

 Florida reflections 2 by ric gustafson

Today was my wife's birthday. As we searched for dolphins in Tampa Bay, I thought about what was important to me. My wife that I have been married to for a long time is important to me. But as I looked out from our dolphin boat, I knew who was most important in my life. God Jesus and the Holy Spirit is the most important thing in my life. God takes cares of me. He watches over me. He keeps me safe. I know that God loves me. I love God more than anything else. Praise God's name.

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Florida reflections 1

 Florida reflections 1 by ric gustafson

Work gets hectic. Life in general gets hectic. Sometimes you need to step away and get away from all the busyness. As I walked up toward the City Pier, I could feel that God was there. The people going to the Pier were relaxed. The water was quiet and peaceful. As we ate and listened to music, life was peaceful and quiet. I could feel the presence of God there. I am going to enjoy the quietness and peace of the Island. One day, I will have to go back to normal life and the go go go. Right now I just want to enjoy the peace and quiet of God's presence.

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Walking in Grace: Ephesians 6:13

 Walking in Grace: Ephesians 6:13 by ric gustafson

It is hard to resist Satan. He will try to bait us with everything in his arsenal. In Ephesians 6, Paul says put on the full armor of God. Because the day of evil will come. Without God's help, we cannot stand our ground. We need God to protect us from Satan. He promises to help us. That's comforting.

research help: ' Walking in Grace' by Guideposts Aug Sept 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Micah

 Men of the Bible: Micah by ric gustafson

There was an Old Testament prophet named Micah. He called the nation of Judah to repentance. He warned the people about false prophets, political corruption, greed, selfishness and he stood up for the poor and the oppressed. Along with judgment, Micah preached God's promises of blessing and forgiveness. Micah knew that God loved him.

Micah was a man of the Bible.

research help:  ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Walking in Grace: I Peter 3:8

 Walking in Grace: I Peter 3:8 by ric gustafson

It is easy to be none sympathetic and not compassionate toward others. But in I Peter 3, we are told to be like minded. We are told to be sympathetic and to love one another. We are told to be compassionate and humble toward others. When we do these things, people will be seeing God through us.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Walking in Grace' by Guideposts Aug Sept 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Isaac

 Men of the Bible: Isaac by ric gustafson

Isaac wanted to have children with his wife Rebekah. But after twenty years, it had not happened. Isaac did the thing he knew he had to do. He got on his knees and prayed to God. According to Genesis 25, Isaac pleaded to God on behalf of his wife. God answered his prayer. Rebekah had twins.

Isaac was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Walking in Grace: Matthew 24:6

 Walking in Grace: Matthew 24:6 by ric gustafson

It seems that the world is spinning out of control. Matthew 24:6 talks about wars and stories of war. But the truth is that God is still in control. The world seems like it is spinning out of control. We can have comfort knowing that we have God's protection and presence. Nothing can seperate us from God's love and care. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Walking in Grace' by Guideposts Aug Sept 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Joseph husband of Mary

 Men of the Bible: Joseph husband of Mary by ric gustafson

How did Joseph feel when Mary told him she was pregnant?. Joseph only knew two things. Mary was pregnant and he was not the father. The news shattered Joseph. He thought what will my family think?. 

At first, he considered ending their engagement. But God had other plans for Joseph. One night in a dream, God told Joseph not to be afraid to marry Mary. God gave Joseph the privilege of caring for the most important child ever born.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Walking in Grace: Philippians 1:3

 Walking in Grace: Philippians 1:3 by ric gustafson

People who are close to us will pass away one day. Some of those people will pass away before we do. 
Will we remember them or not?. Philippians 1:3 the Apostle Paul says I thank my God upon every rememberance of you. God reminds us to remember people who have passed on before us with good and happy memories. Some events in our life are not pleasant to remember. God reminds us to remember precious memories not bad. God will always be there for us.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Walking in Grace' by Guideposts Aug Sept 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Simon of Cyrene

 Men of the Bible: Simon of Cyrene by ric gustafson

Jesus was dragging his cross. He was exhausted from a sleepless night and brutal treatment in the morning from the Romans. At one point, Jesus sank under the weight of his cross. 

Watching was a Jewish pilgrim from the North African city of Cyrene. Jesus could not go another step. The centurion in charge looked around for a strong male to carry the cross. He saw Simon. He gave him the job of carrying Jesus's cross. Simon played a part in Jesus's story.

Simon of Cyrene was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Zephaniah

 Men of the Bible: Zephaniah by ric gustafson

There was a prophet named Zephaniah. He ministered at the time of King Josiah. This king instituted some broad religious reforms. Zephaniah told the people to make changes in their lives from within. He taught them that true religion is a matter of the heart. Zephaniah railed against immorality, idolatry and injustice. He decried Judah's sin and urged the people to repent. Zephaniah 3 proclaims God's faithfulness and love. Zephaniah knew that God delighted in his people. He knew about God's everlasting love.

Zephaniah was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Jethro

 Men of the Bible: Jethro by ric gustafson

Jethro was the father in law of Moses. He celebrated with the people of Israel when they were delivered from their oppression in Egypt. Moses told him of the great things God had done for the people. In Exodus 18, Jethro praised and thanked God for all that he did for the people.

Jethro was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Ezra

 Men of the Bible: Ezra by ric gustafson

There was a priest named Ezra. He led some of the Jewish exiles back to their homeland after captivity in Babylon. He was upset at what he saw in Jerusalem. People were openly disobeying God's law and living like pagans. 

Ezra knew what he had to do. He instructed the people to confess their sins. Ezra prayed for the people. Ezra practiced repentance by example. The people listened to Ezra and turned back toward God.

Ezra was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the footsteps of Jesus page 6

 the footsteps of Jesus page 6 by ric gustafson

As Jesus walked to Capernaum, he noticed two men casting nets into the sea. He invited them to come with him and become fishers of people. They left their nets and joined Jesus. Their names were Simon and Andrew. Then Jesus noticed two men mending their nets. Jesus asked them to join him. They left and joined him. Their names were James and John.

Jesus stayed at the home of Simon. His wife and mother were also there. At the Sabbath, Jesus was invited to the synagogue to teach. As he did so, a man with an unclean spirit began to shout I know who you are the Holy One of God. Jesus told the spirit to be silent and come out of him. The unclean spirit left him. The people were amazed. Soon huge crowds searched for the healer and teacher from Nazareth. One time at Peter's home, some friends lowered a friend through a hole in the roof so he could be healed by Jesus.

Jesus's reputation as a healer spread. People began flocking to him to be healed.

research help: ' The Way' by Adam Hamilton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Walking in Grace: Matthew 11:28

 Walking in Grace: Matthew 11:28 by ric gustafson

Today is Labor Day. Our society culture says go go go no resting. But God says different. Matthew 11:28 says come to me all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. God says redeem the time and rest in me. It is ok to labor but God tells us also to slow down and rest in me.

research help: ' Walking in Grace' by Guideposts Aug Sept 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Simeon

 Men of the Bible: Simeon by ric gustafson

There was an aging saint named Simeon. He lived a long life in fellowship with God. The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Anticipation filled Simeon every day. 

One day, the Holy Spirit told Simeon to go to the Temple. He went. When he went to the place of worship, he saw the baby Jesus. He knew this was the one he was waiting for. Simeon reacted with joy, contentment and relief. According to Luke 2, he told the Lord to now let your servant die in peace as you have promised.

Simeon was a man of the Bible.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the footsteps of Jesus page 5

 the footsteps of Jesus page 5 by ric gustafson

From Nazareth Jesus walked to Capernaum. He walked through the Valley of the Doves. From Mount Arbel, Jesus could see the northern half of the Sea of Galilee. As Jesus walked through the village of Magdala he encountered a woman who was afflicted with seven demons. The woman's name was Mary. Jesus healed her. She began to follow Jesus. Herself and other women who followed Jesus supported Jesus and his disciples. During the 24 mile walk from Nazareth to Capernaum, more than likely Jesus prayed.

research help: ' The Way' by Adam Hamilton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Men of the Bible: Aquila

 Men of the Bible: Aquila by ric gustafson

Aquila was a Jewish believer. He had a wife named Priscilla. They were husband and wife. They were also partners in ministry. In Corinth, they shared their home with the Apostle Paul. They traveled with Paul to Ephesus. There they met a man of God called Apollos. As husband and wife, Aquila and Priscilla brought strength and encouragement to those they encountered for Jesus.

In Romans 16, Paul thanked the couple for risking their lives for Jesus.

research help: ' Men of the Bible' by James Stuart Bell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the footsteps of Jesus page 4

 the footsteps of Jesus page 4 by ric gustafson

Shortly after Jesus was in the desert, John the Baptist was arrested. Jesus decided to return to his hometown of Nazareth. The village was very small compared to Sephoris known as the Jewel of the Galilee. Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit. He wanted to call people to repentance and usher in the kingdom of God.

The small synagogue in Nazareth was full because people wanted to hear Jesus speak. The scroll was opened to Isaiah. Jesus read the words and then paused. According to Luke 4, Jesus said ' today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing'. People began to murmur. Some watched him grow up and knew his family. Some thought it was blasphemy. Outraged, some of the people seized Jesus and threatened to throw him off a cliff. He walked away. Jesus left rejected and alone.

research help: ' The Way' by Adam Hamilton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric