Aya page 14

 Aya page 14 by ric gustafson

Sha'ul took a bite of the food Aya had put in front of him.

" Your husband was bold dealing with that blasphemous Stephen".

Avidan smiled.

" He was also the first to drop a stone into the pit".

Aya smiled at her husband.

" I'm going to ask Caiaphas for permission to arrest followers of the Way in other cities".

Aya looked at her brother. " Any followers in particular?".

" There is one in Samaria performing miracles".

" I have heard of him". Avidan grinned. " I believe his name is Philip".

Avidan shook his head. " I can't believe the last words of that Stephen".

Aya looked at her husband. " What were his last words?".

" He forgave us".

Aya could not believe it. " He said that while he was being stoned in a pit".

" Yes". Avidan frowned. " He asked HaShem not to hold the sin against us".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Aya page 13

 Aya page 13 by ric gustafson

After forty days, Avidan and Aya took Seraiah to the Temple. As they entered the Court of the Gentiles, they heard the Levites singing. Then Aya took her son to the Gate of Nicanor. There she was greeted by several new mothers. She gave the priests a pair of turtledoves. That was all she and Avidan could afford. Then she gave the priest five shekels of silver as the price of her son's redemption.

Avidan took the baby.

Aya knew today was Pentecost.

They noticed Sha'ul running toward them.

" Avidan, there is trouble ahead".

" What's the trouble?".

" The followers of that Nazarene are going around the city talking gibberish".

" The Nazarene is dead". Avidan grinned. " Who is their ringleader?".

" Today it is a man from Capernaum". Sha'ul frowned. " He used to be a fisherman".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Advent 2022: Genesis 12:3

 Advent 2022: Genesis 12:3 by ric gustafson

Abram was 75. Sarai was 65. In Genesis 12:3, God tells them he will bless them. Is this a joke?. God tells them their descendants will fill an entire nation. God also tells them because of one of their offspring, the whole world would be blessed.

Jesus was a blessing in his own way. Jesus is a blessing divine. Jesus was borne for us. God is always working for our good. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Be born in us Today' by Chad Bird

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Aya page 12

 Aya page 12 by ric gustafson

Aya held the baby in her arms. She smiled. Ha Shem had blessed them with a son. Aya had named him Seraiah.

Avidan smiled. " Why Seraiah?".

" It means the Lord's Prince".

Avidan held his son. " That will be his name".

As Aya took care of their son, Avidan prepared for his examination.

Sha'ul came over often to help him prepare.

According to the Law, Seraiah was circumcised after eight days.

One day, Avidan looked at his wife.

" There is a rumor that Yeshua of Nazareth escaped his tomb".

Aya shook her head. " Haven't they found his body yet?".

" Not yet".

" How can that be?".

" Some of his followers witnessed him ascending from the Mount of Olives".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Advent 2022: Genesis 1:28

 Advent 2022: Genesis 1:28 by ric gustafson

What is a blessing?. It is not a wish. Blessing is a divine word. It accomplishes things. It is a divine gift. When Jesus spoke, the words of God came out. In Genesis 1:28, God blessed them. He said be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. Being fruitful and multiplying are divine words.

God promises blood bought pardon. God promises resurrection life. These are God's powerful words. These promises are divine. They are blessings from God. They will bring us a harvest of hope and joy.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' Be born in us Today' by Chad Bird

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Aya page 11

 Aya page 11 by ric gustafson

Aya touched her swollen belly. She had conceived in the month of Elul. She was being very cautious. She had lost her first child. She was also grieving the loss of Bettina's child.

One night, she overheard Avidan and Sha ul talking.

" Lazarus of Bethany". Avidan frowned. " He was dead for four days before Yeshua brought him back to life".

Sha ul snapped. " That is impossible".

" Caiaphas has scouts throughout the city".

" Yes". Sha ul grinned. " A plan has been set in motion".

" What plan is that?".

" We will be giving thirty pieces of silver to one of his disciples". Sha ul's voice hesitated. " For their help".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Advent 2022: Luke 21:28

 Advent 2022: Luke 21:28 by ric gustafson

We wait in hope for our redemption to come. Luke 21:28 says your redemption is drawing near. Jesus says to have an audacious faith. Jesus says stand still lift up our heads and grin from ear to ear. Why?. It is because our redemption is on it's way. 

We are to be bold and unwavering. We have God within us. He fills our heart with blessings. Our Redeemer will come with power and glory. Jesus says cling to me. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Be Born in us Today' by Chad Bird

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Aya page 10

 Aya page 10 by ric gustafson

Aya picked up her water jugs. She was sad. The other women filling their jugs told her Ha Shem would bless her with another child. As she walked, she could barely see ahead of the large water jugs.. She quickly turned a corner. She bumped into someone. She recognized the smiling face of the Commander of the Fortress Antonia.

" Greetings Commander Lysias".

The Roman grinned. " It's Tribune now".

She blushed. " I apologize".

The Tribune patted his horse. " I believe I met you two years ago in Tarsus".

" My husband and I live here now".

" You are wearing sackcloth". He frowned. " Are you in mourning?".

" Yes". 

" I must be off". He got on his horse. " I hope your God brings you comfort".

" Thank you Shalom".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus 2022: he did not act high and mighty

 Jesus 2022: he did not act high and mighty by ric gustafson

Max Lucado who is a Texas pastor writes that Jesus did not act high and mighty. He could have. His purpose was to show up not show off. He went to the synagogue. He worked in the workshop. Upon his shoulders was the challenge of redeeming creation. 

Some people liked him. Some did not. He was called a radical and a blasphemer. Jesus was likeable. We need to be the same as Jesus. Our faith needs to be likeable. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' The Book of Jesus' by Calvin Miller

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

giving thanks 2022

 giving thanks 2022 by ric gustafson

We anticipate Thanksgiving all year. We look forward to turkey, pumpkin pie and football. Is that the real meaning of the holiday?. There is one thing we should be doing on this holiday. We should be giving thanks to God. Giving thanks to God should be a daily routine not just once a year. According to 2 Corinthians 4, we should glorify God. Giving thanks helps us see God. Giving thanks puts us in God's will. Giving thanks brings peace. Giving thanks draws us closer to God. Giving thanks brings contentment. Giving thanks deepens our faith. Giving thanks leads us to joy. God expects us to give him thanks. We should every day including today. Praise God's name.

research help: A Pastor Chris Andersen sermon

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: Ecclesiastes 10:14

 Our Daily Bread: Ecclesiastes 10:14 by ric gustafson

We wish we knew what the future will bring to our lives. According to Ecclesiastes 10:14, no one knows what is coming. No one can claim they know the future of their life. 

Scripture talks about wise and foolish people. Proverbs 27:1 talks about is humility about the future. The truth is only God knows what our future here will be. Foolish people think they know. Only God knows.

Praise God's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus 2022: Jesus as they saw him

 Jesus 2022: Jesus as they saw him by ric gustafson

According to William Barclay, who was an esteemed British scholar, we need to look at the meaning of Jesus's name. In Hebrew, there is the names Joshua and Jehoshua. These names are Jesus in Greek. Mary was told to name her son Jesus. Because he will save his people from their sins according to Matthew 1.

Jesus was God's appointed and sent rescuer. His function was to deliver men from their sins. He came to liberate men from the bondage of sin. Jesus brought victory from defeat. Jesus of Nazareth came to rescue us from sin so we can be with him forever. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' The Book of Jesus' by Calvin Miller

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: James 2:26

 Our Daily Bread: James 2:26 by ric gustafson

According to James 2:26, faith without deeds is dead. James mentions Abraham who in obedience followed God. James also mentions Rahab who hid spies in Jericho. James says that if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds it does them no good. God does not need our good deeds. But our faith is proven by our actions.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: the Great Day

 Jesus: the Great Day by ric gustafson

One day in the future will be a great day. According to Jude verse 6, Jesus will return. That day, a shout will get our attention. We will hear Jesus's voice. The dead will hear his voice. Then there will be an archangel with the trumpet of God. 

On that Great Day, an angel will escort you into the skies. There we will meet God. Then the greatest gathering in history will happen. Then there will be a reunion of spirit and flesh. 

On that Great Day, every knee will bow to the name of Jesus. Everyone in heaven, earth and under the earth. Everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

That is the end of the story. Praise Jesus's name. Amen.

The End.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: it is finished

 Jesus: it is finished by ric gustafson

Jesus was abandoned by God. According to Matthew 27, Jesus cried out with a loud voice. Why did God forsake his only Son?. His Son carried all our sins in his body. Jesus took our place. 

At one point, Jesus draws a deep breath. Then according to John 19, he cries out ' it is finished'. Jesus was tempted. But he didn't quit. We cannot deal with our own sins. According to Mark 2, only God can forgive sins. Jesus offered forgiveness of sins. Is that the end of the story?.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: God saves

 Jesus: God saves by ric gustafson

Why do we do the wrong thing?. It is because we have a sin nature. We were born with it. We all entered the world with a sin nature. Why did Jesus come to earth as a baby?. God saves. Jesus came to save us from ourselves. God's Kingdom is perfect. We are not. God could of abandoned us. Maybe he should start over. God loves us too much to do that. God has always had a plan to save us. Praise God's name.

Praise Jesus's name. Praise the Holy Spirit.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Lamb of God

 Jesus: Lamb of God by ric gustafson

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus feared a cup of suffering. The cup was God's anger, judgement and punishment. The cup equals God's wrath. We have ignored God's Word. We had dismissed him. He is angry. Why is he angry?. God is holy. He cannot ignore our rebellion.

God is holy. God is love. God's love will punish our sin. By drinking that cup, Jesus bore our sins. He became our substitute. Jesus was willing to do that. Jesus took our place.

Thank you Jesus. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Marley page 4

 Marley page 4 by ric gustafson

Belle and Ebenezer were dancing to a rendition of ' Sir Roger de Coverley'.

Ebenezer twirled her. " I remember this song from Fezziwig's party".

She smiled. " You remember". 

" Of course".

Marley walked over with a gentleman. " Belle Ebenezer, this is the host of the party Antoine Berniere".

He warmly greeted them.

Marley grinned. " Ebenezer is my business partner".

" And what is your business?".

" Ebenezer and I are in the import export business".

Berniere smiled. " Maybe we can do some business together".

" Marley". Ebenezer took Belle's hand to lead her away. " I will let you take care of that".

" I will have my business partner Sr Montiverdi get in touch with you".

research help: ' Marley' by Jon Clinch

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: the wonder of worship

 Jesus: the wonder of worship by ric gustafson

One day, Jesus just healed people. It went on for three days. What did the people do after they were healed?. They praised Jesus. Some might of fell at his feet. Some may have shouted his name. Some people may have walked off and smiled. The people were so happy they praised the God of Israel. 

Matthew 15 defines worship. Worship is an act of gratitude. We offer it to Jesus. Some day we will stand in front of Jesus face to face. We will thank Jesus for everything and worship him.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: your faith has made you well

 Jesus: your faith has made you well by ric gustafson

There was a woman who was bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all of her money and was getting worse. She was down to her last prayer.

When she gets to Jesus, he is surrounded by people. He was heading to help an important man in the community. His name was Jairus. 

Still, she took a chance. If I could just touch his clothes she thought. She would be healed. It was a risky decision. She had no choice. She touched him. Her faith made her well. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Marley page 3

 Marley page 3 by ric gustafson

Ebenezer smiled as his sister entered the house. Fanny always came to visit him on Friday. He was working at his small desk. He did not look up. He knew it was her.

" Ebenezer".

He did not look up. " Hello Fanny".

She smiled. " Mother is waiting with supper".

Later, Mother Scrooge put some roast goose on the table. She noticed four chairs.

" Fanny, where is your guest tonight?".

" He could not come tonight Mother".

" Dinner guest". Ebenezer grinned. " Do I know him?".

" I would think so". She smiled. " It's your business partner".

" Jacob Marley?".

" Yes".

Ebenezer gave her a startled look. " Why would you invite him for?".

" I find him interesting". She looked at her brother. " I'm not marrying him".

Ebenezer frowned. " Good".

research help: ' Marley' by Jon Clinch

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: I Thessalonians 2:12

 Our Daily Bread: I Thessalonians 2:12 by ric gustafson

In this bible verse, the Apostle Paul is sending encouragement to the local church. He is encouraging the believers to live lives worthy of God. He talks about quiet integrity, love and service. Paul prays that God would make their love increase and overflow. He encourages the believers to love each other and serve each other. Praise God's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: even the winds and waves obey him

 Jesus: even the winds and waves obey him by ric gustafson

One time, Jesus and his disciples were in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. All of a sudden, a storm comes. Huge waves were slapping the boat. Imagine yourself in that boat. The boat is sturdy but not for those waves. All you hear are screams and prayers. You are looking around. Where is Jesus?.

Then you see Jesus asleep at the back of the boat. One of the disciples wakes him up. " Teacher, don't you care if we drown?".

Why was he sleeping when everybody was panicking?. Because he was in charge of the storm. What did he do?. He got up, rebuked the wind and told the waves to be still.

He turned to the disciples. " Why are you afraid do you still have no faith?".

The disciples had never met anyone like Jesus. Even the wind and the waves obeyed him.

Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Marley page 2

 Marley page 2 by ric gustafson

Scrooge and Marley had the perfect partnership. Scrooge was happy at his desk. He loved numbers. On the other hand, Marley had no patience for numbers. Marley walked in grace. He was in command of himself. 

Scrooge and Marley's joint stock company was doing well. Funds were always coming in. There were bank drafts and lots of cash. Scrooge and Marley ran a modest importing business. Along with ledgers and listings, Scrooge kept two books. Keeping the books was an obsession for Scrooge.

Marley enjoyed the chase not the books.

research help: ' Marley' by Jon Clinch

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

are you going to Heaven?

 are you going to Heaven? by ric gustafson

Some people say to themselves I keep the Ten Commandments. I give to charity, I do my best I lead a good life. I do good works, I thithe and go to church. I pray, I fast and do Holy Communion. Will doing these things get me into Heaven?.

The fact is I cannot keep all the Commandments. Good works or gifts to charity will not save me. Regular church attendance is good but according to Isaiah 64 we are unclean like filthy rags. Communion will not help us. 

So what will qualify us for heaven?. The simple answer is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God sent his only Son to die for sinners like you and I. His resurrection gave us the chance for our salvation. When we trust in Jesus 100 percent, we can be with him forever. What a happy day that will be.

research help: a tract from Crossway

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: Exodus 4:12

 Our Daily Bread: Exodus 4:12 by ric gustafson

God asked Moses to communicate with Pharaoh. Moses told God he was not confident enough to do that. God challenged him. 

" Who gave human beings their mouths?".

Then God reassured Moses. " I will help you speak and will teach you what to say". Even though Moses had his limitations, God can work through that. God allowed Moses's brother to go with him. 

God wants us to help others. We might be afraid. We may feel like we cannot do it. Or we might feel that we don't have the right words. God can provide the voice and the words for us to say. God wants us to serve others and spread his Word. Praise God's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: I am the Vine

 Jesus: I am the Vine by ric gustafson

God is a Vine keeper. He pampers, blesses, cuts and prunes his vines. Jesus is a vine. The vine is a root and a trunk. Jesus is the root of life. 

Who are we?. We are the branches. We bear fruit. Fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and goodness. When we cling to Jesus, God is honored. Fruit bearing matters to God. We want to be at home in Jesus. 

Jesus says hold my hand. He will walk with us through this brief life here.

Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Marley page 1

 Marley page 1 by ric gustafson

Young Ebenezer Scrooge was working on a series of sums. He squinted in the dying light.

A boy walked in. He put a document on the small table.

" Ebenezer". Jacob Marley smiled. " You're not going to like this".

It was a lawsuit against Ebenezer's professor.

Marley grinned. " Luckily the professor hasn't seen it yet".

Ebenezer glanced at the document. " It says I caused damage to Mr Stumps property".

Marley gave him a strange look. " Well did you?".

" Of course not".

Marley shook his head. " The problem is that your name is on the suit".

" So what do we do?".

" We will make an offer". Marley smiled. " And then work out terms".

" Ok".

research help: ' Marley' by Jon Clinch

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: through the Wilderness

 Jesus: through the Wilderness by ric gustafson

The Wilderness is a tough place. There is parched ground, sharp rocks, thorns and burning sun. There is also a Wilderness of the soul. There is parched promises, sharp words and burning anger. Jesus knows about both of them. He was tempted by Satan for forty days. Jesus went toe to toe with Satan. 

God says heed to my voice. Trust his voice. Trust his Word. Don't trust your emotions. God's Son needs to be our model. Jesus's weapon against Satan was God's Word. It needs to be ours also.

Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: Psalm 57:10

 Our Daily Bread: Psalm 57:10 by ric gustafson

In this life we will face difficult setbacks. David says in Psalm 57:1 ' take refuge in the shadow of God's wings. Verse 10 says great is your love reaching to the heavens your faithfulness reaches to the skies. David says it's alright to cry out to God. God says tell me your fears and your worries. When we need God the most, he is there. Praise God's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: Colossians 3:12

 Our Daily Bread: Colossians 3:12 by ric gustafson

According to Psalm 145, our God  is gracious and compassionate and rich in love. The apostle Paul tells us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Because God shows us compassion, he expects us to do the same with others. We are reminded to do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: one who has authority

 Jesus: one who has authority by ric gustafson

Jesus says that truly no one knows the Father except the Son. Jesus holds the one key to heaven. Matthew 7:29 says that he was teaching them as one who had authority. Jesus shares his knowledge. Jesus gives us the secrets of eternity. Jesus shares with the needy and the hungry. In Matthew 11, Jesus says let me teach you. We need answers. Jesus can offer them. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: Psalm 51:10

 Our Daily Bread: Psalm 51:10 by ric gustafson

We live in a broken world. Do we know why?. It is our sinful hearts. David knew he was sinful at birth. We are broken from the beginning. David pleads to God in this bible verse. ' Create in me a pure heart O God. If we ask, Jesus will give us a new heart through the Holy Spirit.

Praise God's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: the Con Artist

 Jesus: the Con Artist by ric gustafson

In Luke 19, there was a chief tax collector named Zacchaeus. After Rome got their portion, Zacchaeus could take the rest. He became filthy rich. One day, Jesus and his friends were coming through Jericho. Zacchaeus was a short man. He wanted a glimpse of Jesus like everyone else. So what was he to do?. He decided to climb a sycamore tree. 

Grace came to the pint sized tax collector according to Luke 19:5. Jesus came to his home. Why?. Because Jesus loves everyone including a chief tax collector. 

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ringo page 4

 Ringo page 4 by ric gustafson

Lonnie Donegan who was Scottish born was at the start of a new craze in England. It was called skiffle. In 1954, a cover of Lead Belly's ' Rock Island Line' exploded on the British charts. This happened in 1956. It was the first debut record in England to go gold. Donegan was nicknamed ' the King of Skiffle'. His sound was catchy and upbeat. Many British teenagers formed their own skiffle groups. One group was called the Quarrymen. It was started by sixteen year old John Lennon. 

Richy now 17 joined a band called the Eddie Clayton Skiffle group. He played drums in the group. The band became the best skiffle group in Liverpool. Richy also played the washboard. In the summer of 1958, Richy borrowed money from his grandfather to buy a new drum kit. Richy began dressing like the local Teddy Boys. Richy's nights were getting busy with playing drums. Richy had several girlfriends including Patricia Davis and Geraldine McGovern. Behind his drum, Richy began to have a local reputation. 

In November 1958, Richy joined a group called the Cadillacs.

research help: ' Ringo with a little help' by Michael Seth Starr

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: Ephesians 5:17

 Our Daily Bread: Ephesians 5:17 by ric gustafson

Some things in life are clearly right or wrong. But according to Romans 14, sometimes we wrestle with that. In Ephesians 5, the apostle Paul encourages these believers to be careful how they live. He encourages them to be not as unwise but as wise. Paul wanted them to understand what the Lord's will is. God wants us to lead a life of wisdom. Praise God's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Whoever

 Jesus: Whoever by ric gustafson

According to John 3:16, whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. The key word is whoever. Titus 2:11 says God's grace that can save everyone has come. The gospel of God has a whoever policy. We are always invited to Jesus's party. Jesus is a friend to the outcast, to the friendless with the unpopular and the sick. Jesus came for these people. Jesus comes for us.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Grace and Truth

 Jesus: Grace and Truth by ric gustafson

As Jesus's followers, how do we treat others who are completely different than ourselves?. Our behavior, how we dress and out faith is different. Romans 15:7 says accept one another just as Christ accepted you. 

Even being Jesus's followers, we can stray away. But Jesus's grace can bring us back. Jesus tells us to go and not sin any longer. That is truth. Grace and Truth. 

Jesus offers us Grace and Truth. Jesus wants us to accept both from him.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: Ecclesiastes 2:24

 Our Daily Bread: Ecclesiastes 2:24 by ric gustafson

Working people dread Mondays. It is the start of a new work week. It couild be the start of another difficult week. At work we may feel overwhelmed or underappreciated. King Solomon did not give us a cure all for work. God wants us to display Christlike character. Every work week, God is always with us. God is always there with us in power and his presence. We can be thankful for Mondays.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: life with joy and abundance

 Jesus: life with joy and abundance by ric gustafson

Sometimes Jesus laughed. Sometimes Jesus smiled. He enjoyed being around people. People wanted to be near him. One time there was a wedding at Cana. Jesus and his followers were invited to come. They wanted him to come. He did not act high and mighty. He came to the wedding.

Not everyone liked him. Some called him a blasphemer. Some accused him of heresy. Some people called him a radical. But Jesus called people by their names. He answered their questions. People were drawn to him. As his followers, Jesus wants us to have a life filled with joy and abundance.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ringo page 3

 Ringo page 3 by ric gustafson

It was in 1954 that Richy Starkey found his gift. He was confined to his bed for long periods of time. This was at Heswall Children's Hospital. Richy was now a teenager and he was confined to the TB ward at the hospital. He was in the boy's ward recurring from tuberculosis. Years later, he vividly remembered two people in his recovery. One was Sister Clark. The other was a nurse. 

It was during this recovery that Richy was  given a drum. He loved it from the beginning. He was constantly banging away on it.  Richy made homemade drumsticks from cardboard. Richy and a friend made drums from metal lockers. 

In 1955, Richy was discharged from the hospital. Now 15 instead of returning to school, Richy began looking for work. He registered with the local Youth Employment office in Liverpool. His first job was as a messenger boy for British Railways. He made fifty bob a week. The job lasted five weeks. His next job was tending bar on a pleasure steamer. That job lasted six weeks. His next job was an engineering and manufacturing firm in Liverpool. His job was a apprentice joiner.

At this time, a new craze started in Liverpool that would change Richy's life forever.

research help: ' Ringo with a little help: by Michael Seth Starr

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Jesus gets you

 Jesus: Jesus gets you by ric gustafson

The God of this universe was born into poverty. He spent his first night in a feed trough. Jesus became dependent on lungs and his legs. He experienced hunger and thirst. He went through the normal stages of human development. He went through puberty. he was human.

Sometimes Jesus was full of joy. Sometimes he was full of real tears. He became a servant. Why did he come down and do that for us?. Jesus can and has. Why did he die on a cross?. Because he loves us more than anything else. He wants us to be with him forever. He loves us he gets us.

Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: John 10:27

 Our Daily Bread: John 10:27 by ric gustafson

We live in a world of panic. The question is do we listen to chaos?. Or do we listen to Jesus?. In John 10:27, Jesus says that his sheep listen to his voice. Jesus says I know them and they follow me. Jesus used this figure of speech to explain himself to the religious leaders. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We his sheep follow him. We know Jesus's voice. We would not follow a stranger. Jesus says hear my voice and follow me. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ringo page 2

 Ringo page 2 by ric gustafson

In 1945, Richy and his mother moved to Number 10 Admiral Grove. Richy started classes at St Silas Primary. Richy's first teacher was Enid Williams. After a year, six and a half year old Richy had a burst appendix. He was taken to the Myrtle Street Children's Hospital. He was diagnosed with peritonitis. He was rushed into surgery and had his appendix removed. In 1947, it was a complicated and risky operation. He was lucky to survive. Even Richy's father came to see him. Richy was in the hospital for almost a year.

While he was in the hospital, Richy turned 7. 

He had to recuperate for another 12 months before he could return to school. A friend from across the street helped Elsie with Richy while she worked. Marie helped Richy catch up in school. Richy loved Gene Autry. Elsie worked several jobs to support her and Richy. 

Richy's second school was Dingle Vale Secondary Modern. Elsie became interested in a man named Harry Graves. Richy's actual father was mostly out of the picture by this time. At the age of 13, Richy was again in the hospital this time for pleurisy. It was while he was recovering at Heswall Children's Hospital that the most important thing in his life happened.

research help: ' Ringo with a little help' by Michael Seth Starr

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: Psalm 19:7

 Our Daily Bread: Psalm 19:7 by ric gustafson

The decrees of Jesus are firm and righteous. They are more precious than gold. They are sweeter than honey. If we keep them, there is great reward. The Holy Spirit inside of us keeps us from losing sight of these decrees. The Holy Spirit keeps us from wandering from God. God loves us so much and wants us to always be near him. Praise God's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Ringo page 1

 Ringo page 1 by ric gustafson

In July 1940, it was warm in Northern England. At 9 Madryn Street Liverpool 8 Richard Starkey was wailing and kicking. It was July 7 1940 and he was a week later than expected. Richard weighed 10 pounds. He was born at home not in a hospital. Richard was to be Richard and Elsie Starkey's only child.

It was cheaper to have the baby at home. 

Richard's father was a baker who worked at Cooper's Bakery in Liverpool. He and Elsie married in 1936. They lived in an area called the Dingle. This area was in the southern part of Liverpool. It was close to the docks filled with sailors and workers loading and unloading supply ships. The Dingle also had the reputation of being one of the toughest areas in Liverpool. The area was tight knit where everybody watched each other.

The house at 9 Madryn Street was typical of the Dingle. There was a front room, a tiny kitchen and three small rooms upstairs. The toilet was located outside in the backyard. Richard's parents were natives from Liverpool. Richard's grandfather changed his name from John Parkin to John Starkey. When Richard was born, everyone began to call him Richy.

research help: ' Ringo with a little help' by Michael Seth Starr

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: Acts 2:44

 Our Daily Bread: Acts 2:44 by ric gustafson

God's people are designed to help one another. Acts 2:44 says all the believers were together and had everything in common. Acts 2:42 says believers in Jesus as devoted to the apostles teaching and to fellowship. As we grow closer to God, we care for one another. Seeing God's love may cause someone to have a relationship with Jesus. We need to serve others with a smile like Jesus.

Praise Jesus's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread November 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: the Word became flesh

 Jesus: the Word became flesh by ric gustafson

According to Job 36, the number of God's years is unsearchable. God is not bound by time. God's Son lived in a body. He was a boundless spirit. Then he was flesh and bones. God is everywhere. God became imprisoned in flesh. Jesus got tired like everyone else. Jesus never gave in to temptation. Jesus felt anxious, alone and guilty. Why did Jesus give up the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns?.

He did it for us. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric