because of the cross: I can have eternal life

 because of the cross: I can have eternal life by ric gustafson

According to John 6, all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life. When we think about the cross, we need to think eternal life. When Adam and Eve sinned, we inherited eternal death. But God gave us a second chance. What was God's perfect love?. He sent his only Son to die for all of our sins. Past Present and Future. The most important decision in this life is to believe that Jesus Christ died on a cross for me. That we can live forever with God and his Son. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Because of the Cross' by Beverly Courrege

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Potiphar's wife page 1

 Potiphar's wife page 1 by ric gustafson

Zuleika watched sailors depart the ship. Where was her husband?.

" I couldn't wait to see my dark eyed goddess".

Zuleika turned. She smiled. Standing in front of her was a bare chested man smelling of sweat and sea air. He picked her up and twirled her around.

" So wife". He put her down. " How is the record keeping?".

She sighed. " I had to write down a lot of ships today".

Zuleika's mother Mitera walked over. " She needs to finish her duty".

Minas smiled. " That's right, there is a feast tonight".

Just then, the ground shook. Stones began to crumble from the stone wall of Zakros Palace.

Zuleika knew that her husband and her mother had just gone into the palace. She tried to run toward the Palace. At one point, she fell down. As her eyes were shutting, she noticed the walls of the Palace crumbling down. She blacked out.

research help: ' Potiphar's Wife' by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hosea and Gomer page 15

 Hosea and Gomer page 15 by ric gustafson

Gomer was crying. " Yahweh hates me".

" The Living God wants to give you life".

" I was a harlot".

They embraced. " Gomer, God loves you".

She began to cry. " How could a loving God abandon me to a brothel?".

" Yahweh sent me here to love you".

Tears flowed down Gomer's face.

They embraced again.

" Just love me Gomer please".

" Ok". Gomer wiped tears from her face. " Maybe I can learn to love as you love".

The End

research help: ' Love In A Broken Vessel' by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hosea and Gomer page 14

 Hosea and Gomer page 14 by ric gustafson

Gomer heard the knock. She assumed it was the soldiers returning. She opened the door. It was Hosea and Yuval.

" Hosea". She stared at her husband. " How did you find me?".

" Yahweh". He smiled. " We knew you were in Samaria".

" Bur how did you know to look here?".

Hosea grinned. " At the market we asked about a beautiful copper haired woman".

Yuval smiled. " You were not hard to find".

" Gomer". Hosea took her hand. " Yahweh told me to bring you back".

Gomer shook her head. " I am a slave".

" And to love you again".

" Don't pretend to love me Hosea".

" Wether you believe it or not". He smiled. " I do love you".

" What do you want me to do husband?".

" Return to Tekoa as my wife".

research help: ' Love In A Broken Vessel" by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hosea and Gomer page 13

 Hosea and Gomer page 13 by ric gustafson

King Menahem held up a scroll. " I read your message from King Uzziah". He frowned. " Why would you risk your life to bring me this message?".

Hosea stared at the King. " I also bring you a verbal message from Yahweh".

The King shook his head. " Why is Yahweh mad at us now?".

" You have aligned yourself with Assyria".

The King now smiled. " Do you know what has happened since we aligned ourselves with Assyria?".

" I was instructed to give you a warning".

" Rains have been coming and our fields are producing record crops".

" Yahweh is giving you a reprieve for now".

" Our storehouses are overflowing".

" King Menahem, you face destruction". Hosea pointed a finger at the King. " For you and your nation".

Fury came over the King's face. " Take this prophet to an empty tent".

General Eitan stared at the King. " My Lord!".

" I'll make my decision about the fate of this prophet in the morning".

research help: ' Love In A Broken Vessel' by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Because of the Cross: there is hope for the future

 Because of the Cross: there is hope for the future by ric gustafson

According to Romans 15, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace. When we become believers, our souls are filled with hope. Jesus says stand at the cross and connect with it. Step up to the cross, we cannot miss. There is hope for the future with Jesus

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Because of the Cross' by Beverly Courrege

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

biblical questions: should we give God respect?

 biblical questions: should we give God respect? by ric gustafson

Some people go to church and put on a facade of holiness. How much respect should we give the Master of all creation?. We should give him the highest respect because he knows our past, present and future. We need to love and serve God. God wants us to respect him with our words and actions.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' 365 essential questions from the Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

because of the cross: Easter is every day

 because of the cross: Easter is every day by ric gustafson

According to I Peter 3, though his body died his spirit lived on. This same Jesus who walked the earth 2000 years ago. This same Jesus who performed miracles, healed the sick and cast out demons. This Jesus who loved the unlovable. This same Jesus who forgave the sinner. This same Jesus who was despised and convicted. This same Jesus who hung on a cross one dark and terrible Friday. It was this same Jesus who rose from the dead three days later. Because of the cross, the joy of Easter is every day.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Because of the Cross' by Beverly Courrege

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: pray with scripture

 Prayer: pray with scripture by ric gustafson

In God's Word, whenever Jesus was tested he quoted scripture. Jesus knew the power of the scripture. Whenever Satan tried to trick him, Jesus quoted scripture. We must know God's Word if we want to know God. In our prayer life, we must rely on scripture. Psalm 119 says that God's Word is like a lamp that lights our path. The best way to know God's heart is to know his Word.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

because of the cross: I can love others

 because of the cross: I can love others by ric gustafson

We have love for spouses. We have love for children. We have love for parents. We have love for friends. This love is based on who they are, what they mean to us and how they make us feel. 

As God's people, we have a deeper and uncondtional love for the cross. The cross loves at all times. The cross loves all things. God wants us to love the ungrateful, the unjust, the lonely and the unloved. Romans 12 says that we should be devoted to one another and serve the Lord.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Because of rhe Cross' by Beverly Courrege

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Because of the cross: I have treasure in heaven

 Because of the cross: I have treasure in heaven by ric gustafson

According to Luke 6, rejoice in that day and leap for joy because great is your reward in heaven. Some people see treasure in front of them and sadly miss it. Many people will miss the treasure of heaven. Because of the cross, we can have riches greater than anything we have on this earth. When we give our life to Jesus, we can have riches abundantly. Our old self is torn away and a new one is revealed.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Because of the Cross' by Beverly Courrege

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

biblical questions: should we honor our heavenly Father?

 biblical questions: should we honor our heavenly Father? by ric gustafson

Malachi 1 says if then I am the Father where is my honor?. Even Christians forget to honor God the Father. We could profess to honor the Father but our heart tells otherwise. 

The question is how do we honor God the Father?. One way is to obey him. God the Father loves us, cares for us and gives us compassion. But he expects us to be obedient. We are to love God the Father with all of  our heart, mind and strength. God is our heavenly Father. He deserves honor.

research help: ' 365 essential questions from the Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: just like breathing

 Prayer: just like breathing by ric gustafson

Ephesians 6 says pray at all times in the Spirit. The Apostle Paul says pray in every circumstance following in the Holy Spirit's direction. We are to pray without ceasing. We are to pray as a way of life. We can pray to God anytime and anywhere. We are to pray in every season. Prayer needs to be like breathing. That means easy and second nature. We can pray out loud or silently. We can pray standing or sitting. 

We need to pray in the Spirit. When we develop a lifestyle of prayer, we will grow spiritually. We need to pray to God all the time every day. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' the power of simple prayer' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hosea and Gomer page 12

 Hosea and Gomer page 12 by ric gustafson

Hosea and Gomer stood before King Jotham.

The King smiled. " My friend Hosea". He glanced at Gomer and the baby. " I see you have a new little one".

" Thank you for the welcome King Jotham".

" What is your purpose coming here Hosea?".

Hosea glanced at his wife. " We came to offer a sacrifice for Gomer's purification".

The King sighed. " Is that the only reason prophet?".

" King Jotham". He frowned at the King. " I am also here to give you a warning".

The King shook his head. " Again?".

" I gave your father the warning". Hosea's voice hesitated. " And now I am giving you the warning".

" Prophet". The King stared at Hosea. " I am giving the Judeans a safe place to worship whomever they please".

" King, you are making a grave mistake".

" Get out of my courtroom prophet". He sneered at Hosea. " And take your family with you".

research help: ' Love In A Broken Vessel' by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: God's purpose

 Prayer: God's purpose by ric gustafson

Nehemiah praised God in prayer. Then he asks God for blessing and favor. Nehemiah tells God about his baggage through confession. Then he asks for repentance from sin. Through confession and repentance, Nehemiah had freedom in prayer. This enabled Nehemiah to step into God's purpose for his life.

We must let go of our baggage in order to run the race set before us. We are all called to service for God. God has a purpose for each one of us. Prayer brings that purpose into focus. Prayer helps us to accomplish God's will. Confession and repentance prepares us for that purpose.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

biblical questions: can idols speak to us?

 biblical questions: can idols speak to us? by ric gustafson

According to Habakkuk 2, can an idol tell you what to do?. How can we trust in a god that can;t even talk. Can an idol tell us what to do?. Of course not. According to Isaiah 37, the Lord is the living God. An idol is lifeless and not living. God speaks to us in a still small voice. Listen to God not idols.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' 365 essential questions from the Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: the greatest privilege

 Prayer: the greatest privilege by ric gustafson 

Prayer is the greatest privilege we can have. We do not have to do it. The point is we want to do it. With God in prayer we can see his plans and purpose for our life. By prayer, we can come into the presence of God. We can share our heart with God. We can listen for his voice. God did not mean for prayer to be complicated. God planned it to be an easy and natural thing to do. God wants prayer to be simple. 

God can hear the simple child like prayers. God wants us to pray to him in a childlike way. God is looking for a sincere heart. God is looking for faith. It is not how long is our prayer. It is how we pray.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The power of simple prayer' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

biblical questions: should we blame God?

 biblical questions: should we blame God? by ric gustafson

Storms will happen in our lives. If the outcome is not in our favor, should we blame God?. The fact is we should not blame God. We should blame ourselves. Will God answer our prayers, the answer is yes. But we must be obedient. If we sin all the time, he will not hear. As a Christian, we have forgiveness in Jesus Christ. According to I John 1, we must confess our sins. Then Jesus is faithful and will forgive our sins and purify us. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' 365 essential questions from the Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: Lord teach me

 Prayer: Lord teach me by ric gustafson

Does God hear you when you pray?. Do we really know how to pray?. Do you wonder why your prayers go unanswered?. Jesus wants us to think Lord teach me to pray. Jesus wants to help our prayer life individually. We pray as individuals. Jesus wants a personal relationship with us. Our prayers need to flow out of our heart. We need to step out in faith and follow the Holy Spirit. We need to approach Jesus as his friend. God wants to be our friend. When we are friends with God, our prayers can become bold. 

God and Jesus love us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Power of Simple Prayer' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: pray with assurance

 Prayer: pray with assurance by ric gustafson

We have not lived up to our end of the bargain. But God is faithful and gives us his blessings anyway. We are far from perfect yet God takes care of us. Boldness in prayer is the heart of prayer. 

God points to the cross. We do not have to fight a losing battle. Jesus fought it for us and won. Jesus defeated sin and death. He rose again. We can pray on our knees that Jesus went before us. The victory has been won. Death was defeated. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: God's blessings

 Prayer: God's blessings by ric gustafson

God wants us to pray for his blessings. He has given us permission to do so. God loves us. He welcomes us with open arms. God cares about every detail of our lives. God says pray to me. God wants to give us peace, joy, purpose and hope. God gives us full permission to ask for his blessings. God has the best intentions for us. Because of that, we need to live and pray. We can bring to God any request. God will respond with love and wisdom. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: God's Protection

Prayer: God's Protection by ric gustafson

So where do the powerless go for help?. They get on their knees and pray. Even though we are faced with spiritual battles, God hears our prayers. God always hears our prayers for protection. Even if our physical safety is at risk, God hears our prayers for protection. When the enemy comes to do battle with us, God will be there to protect us. I know that God will protect me. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Jesus the Servant

 Jesus: Jesus the Servant by ric gustafson

To the Romans, being at the top of the pecking order was very important. Jesus had a different view of the pecking order. Jesus said whoever wants to be first must be your servant. As a servant, Jesus washed the disciples feet. Jesus sat at a table in the back not the head table. Jesus humbled himself and became a servant. Jesus came in swaddling clothes. He leaves as a servant.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Who Is This Man?' by John Ortberg

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: when you feel hopeless

 Prayer: when you feel hopeless by ric gustafson

It is easy in this world to be discouraged and feel hopeless. And sometimes it is easy to wonder where God is?. But God tells us not to feel hopeless that he is still in control. God wants us to think eternally and not the here and now. This eternal reality we cannot always see. But when we pray, we can think eternally. 

God says to us open your eyes and think eternally. We can have peace and joy when knowing God is present. God is already at work in our lives. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

biblical questions: are we God's fruit?

 biblical questions: are we God's fruit? by ric gustafson

God has gone to a lot of trouble to cultivate godliness in us. And when it comes time, God hopes to extract from us the fruit of righteousness. If we fail to cultivate godliness, to God we are bitter useless fruit. 

God is always active in our life. But if we give God fruit of sin, hatred and selfishness, our fruit will be useless. God wants us to be good fruit of his vine. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' 365 essential questions from the Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

oz dialogue 9

 oz dialogue 9 by ric gustafson

Glinda: keep tight inside of them their magic must be very powerful or she wouldn't want them so badly

Wicked Witch: You stay out of this Glinda or I'll fix you as well

Glinda: Oh rubbish you have no power here be gone before someone drops a house on you too

Wicked Witch: Very well I'll bide my time and as for you my fine lady It's true I can't attend to you here and now as I'd like but just try to stay out of my way just try I'll get you my pretty and your little dog too

The Wicked Witch disappears in a cloud of smoke.

Glinda: It's all right you can get up She's gone you can all get up

Glinda: what a smell of sulphur I'm afraid you've made rather a bad enemy of the Wicked Witch of the West the sooner you get out of Oz altogether the safer you'll sleep my dear

Dorothy: Oh I'd give anything to get out of Oz altogether but which is the way back to Kansas I can't go the way I came

Glinda: No that's true the only person who might know would be the great and wonderful Wizard of Oz himself

Dorothy: The Wizard of Oz is he good or is he wicked?

Glinda: Oh very good but very mysterious He lives in the Emerald City and that's a long journey from here Did you bring your broomstick?

Dorothy: No I'm afraid i didn't

Glinda: Well then you'll have to walk The Munchkins will see you safely to the border of Munchkinland and remember never let those ruby slippers off your feet for a moment or you will be at the mercy of the Wicked Witch of the West

Dorothy: But how do I start for the Emerald City

Glinda: It's always best if you start at the beginning and all you do is follow the Yellow Brick Road

Glinda dissolves into a large bubble and floats away

Dorothy: My people come and go so quickly here follow the Yellow Brick Road

research help: Wizard of Oz trading cards

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hosea and Gomer page 11

 Hosea and Gomer page 11 by ric gustafson

Hosea and Micah stopped at Jonah's gate.

" Micah". They embraced. " Thank you for going with me".

" Your welcome". The young man waved as he walked into Jonah's house.

Hosea quietly walked up to the front door. He walked in.

His son Jezzy was playing with their cat. His daughter was swaddled on a worktable. His wife was working with some barley dough. She heard the door close.

Startled, she looked up. " Hosea". She put down the dough.

They embraced.

" I've missed you Gomer".

He picked up his daughter.

" Someone told me you might not be back".

He smiled at his two children. " You've done a great job with the children while I've been gone".

Just then, she heard Jezzy's stomach growl.

" I better get supper ready".

research help: ' Love In A Broken Vessel' by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: God's gentle whisper

 Prayer: God's gentle whisper by ric gustafson

We hear a lot of unwelcome noise each day. Satan uses this noise to distract us. But God does things different. God uses a whisper to talk to us. A whisper is a different way to communicate. A whisper is for one hearer. You need to be close to the person you are whispering to. Whispering is a peaceful way to communicate with someone.

We need peace and quiet to hear a whisper. We need that quiet for our daily prayer life.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hosea and Gomer page 10

 Hosea and Gomer page 10 by ric gustafson

Seated next to Hosea was Isaiah, Micah and Commander Hananiah.

" Hosea". Gomer frowned at her husband. " Why is the Commander here?".

" Gomer sit down". He pointed to a chair. " This includes you too".

She sat down with Jezreel in her arms.

" Gomer, you will be having a daughter".

She gave Hosea a puzzled stare. " How do you know that?".

" Yahweh told me".

Gomer sneered at her husband. " What else did your God tell you?".

" Her name will be Lo Ruhamah".

Gomer looked at her husband. " Unloved".

" I am leaving for Israel to help Jonah spread the message of God's prophecy".

Gomer began to cry. " You're leaving again".

Hosea grinned at Micah. " You are to go with me again".

The boy smiled.

Hosea looked at the Commander. " Commander, please protect my wife and children while I am gone".

research help: ' Love In A Broken Vessel' by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: pray with honesty

 Prayer: pray with honesty by ric gustafson

Everyone will feel anguish in their lives. When we pray to God, he wants us to pray to him with raw emotion. We live in a fallen world. We will experience grief. God knows our heart. He knows we grieve. God knows our every need. God wants us to be perfectly honest with him. We can come to God just as we are. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Oz dialogue 8

 Oz dialogue 8 by ric gustafson

Many songs sung by the Munchkins.

Then the Wicked Witch appears in a smoke cloud.

Dorothy: I thought you said she was dead

Glinda: That was her sister the Wicked Witch of the East This is the Wicked Witch of the West and she's worse than the other one

Wicked Witch: Who killed my sister? Who killed the Wicked Witch of the East? Was it you?

Dorothy: No It was an accident I didn't mean to kill anybody

Wicked Witch: Well my little pretty I can cause accidents too

Glinda: Are you forgetting the ruby slippers?

Wicked Witch; Yes, the slippers

She walks over to the house. She notices they are gone.

Wicked Witch; The ruby slippers there gone! What have you done with them? Give them back to me or I'll

Glinda points to Dorothy's feet

Glinda: It's too late There they are and there they'll stay

Wicked Witch: Give me back my slippers I'm the only one who knows how to use them They're of no use to you give them back to me give them back

research help: Wizard of Oz Trading Cards

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

biblical questions: do we have a glorious future?

 biblical questions: do we have a glorious future? by ric gustafson

We can only see the present and remember the past. As far as the future, only God can see it. Our time on this earth is short. It is only a tiny speck of time. God knows that we will see successes and failures. We will be ecstatic and discouraged. Life will be wonderful. Sometimes it will not be. Even though our time here is short, we can know that God has good things here planned for us. In the loving arms of God, we can have a glorious future.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' 365 essential questions from the Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Oz dialogue 7

 Oz dialogue 7 by ric gustafson

The twister approaches

Uncle Henry: Hurry up and get them horses loose find Hickory Hickory doggone it Hickory

Zeke: It's a twister it's a twister

Auntie Em: Dorothy Dorothy

Uncle Henry: Come on everybody in the storm cellar

Auntie Em: Henry I can't find Dorothy she's somewhere out in the storm Dorothy!

Dorothy tries to open storm cellar

Dorothy: Auntie Em come and let me in

Dorothy and Toto run into her bedroom. A window blows loose and hits Dorothy on the head. When she comes to, the house is whirling through space. She looks out the window.

Dorothy: We must be up inside the cyclone

Dorothy sees Miss Gulch on her bicycle.

Dorothy: Oh Miss Gulch

Then Miss Gulch becomes the Wicked Witch on her broomstick.

Dorothy screams as the bed whirls around the room the house flies around the cyclone

All of a sudden, everything stops.

research help: Wizard of Oz Trading Cards

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Jesus the Teacher

 Jesus: Jesus the Teacher by ric gustafson

Jesus was a teacher. After the Sermon on the Mount, people were amazed at his teaching. Jesus was a teacher and an educator. Jesus was a Rabbi. Jesus was different from other teachers. Jesus did not cite anybody. Jesus's thinking has been translated into 2,527 languages. God's Word is the best selling book of all time. 

Jesus's teaching was to change lives. Jesus taught to everyone. Regardless of age or gender. One day, a carpenter left his shop. He began to teach. What would our world be like if Jesus had not done that?/

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Who Is This Man?' by John Ortberg

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hosea and Gomer page 9

 Hosea and Gomer page 9

Hosea held up his baby son. " He's beautiful".

Isaiah smiled. " He sure is".

The newborn had a pinched face and black hair.

Hosea cuddled the newborn. " Yahweh told me what to name the boy?".

" What name is that?".

" Jezreel".

" God will sow". Isaiah grinned. " That's a fine name".

Hosea looked at his friend. " Yahweh told me something else".

" What else did he tell you?".

" I am to go tomorrow and warn the house of Jehu about Yahweh's judgment against them".

" Tomorrow".

" Yahweh also told me who is to go with me?".

Isaiah stared at Hosea. " And who is that?".

" You".

research help: ' Love In A Broken Vessel' by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

biblical questions: are we ever too far from God?

 biblical questions: are we ever too far from God? by ric gustafson

Can we speak lies in God's name?. Can we run away and try to do this?. God planned our lives and created us. How can we think that we can get away with things out of God's sight. The truth is we are never out of God's sight. We can drift away from God and think we 've gone too far. The truth is no matter how far away from God we are, God tries to get us back. Psalm 145 says the Lord is near to all who call on him. God loves us more than anything else. He wants us near him all the time.

research help: ' 365 essential questions from the Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hosea and Gomer page 8

 Hosea and Gomer page 8 by ric gustafson

Micah handed Hosea a piece of quail. " Master Hosea". The young man smiled. " Ask me how I caught this quail?".

" How did you catch him?".

" Yahweh directed me to a certain tree". He smiled. " Yahweh told me to kill and eat".

Hosea took another bite of the quail. " Yahweh is always watching out for us".

" Master Hosea". Micah grinned. " When can I begin to prophesy?".

" Micah, when it breaks your heart".

" What do you mean?".

" You will be speaking pain to real people".

" Which three cities are we going to today?".

" Beth Aven, Ramah and Gibeah".

" And then I can prophesy?".

" When your heart cannot take it any longer".

" Yes".

Hosea smiled. " Then you will be ready to speak for Yahweh".

research help: ' Love In A Broken Vessel' by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: God meets us where we are

 Prayer: God meets us where we are by ric gustafson

The truth is God is always with us. Even though God showers us with blessings, we still hesitate. Are you sure God?. Is that really what you want me to do?. 

We have to get by our fear. Our eyes need to be open to our spiritual journey here. God showers us with blessings every day. We need to trust God always to receive it. God is patient and meets us where we are. Even in our doubt, God is patient and willing to meet our needs where we are. He takes our faith to accomplish his purpose for our life.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hosea and Gomer page 7

 Hosea and Gomer page 7 by ric gustafson

Yuval held Gomer tightly as she cried.

" Why are you crying child?".

" I refuse to cook for Hosea".

" What did he do child?".

" He told everyone I was a harlot".

" Yahweh loves you". She kept rocking a tearful Gomer. " Hosea loves you".

" So why would he make a mockery of me?".

" Hosea loves you". She pointed around the house. " He was preparing this house for his wife".

" He was preparing for a harlot".

" My child, I observed the day he brought you here".

" Yuval, what did you see?".

" Someone who loves you very much".

research help: ' Love In A Broken Vessel' by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

biblical questions: whom do we serve?

 biblical questions:  whom do we serve? by ric gustafson

The prophet Jeremiah never had a wife or family. But he served God and preached his Word. He warned and pleaded with Judah to set their hearts right. He warned them to please the Lord before it was too late. He warned Judah it was heading for destruction. The people refused to listen to wisdom.

God gives us a choice. Do we love and serve God?. Or do we not?. The choice is ours alone.

I pray we make the right choice. 

research help: ' 365 essential questions from the Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

World Nations: Algeria

 World Nations: Algeria by ric gustafson

The people of Algeria were Berbers followed by Romans, Phoenicians, Vandals and then Arabs. Turkey ruled from 1518 to 1830. In 1830, France took over. Algeria declared independence in July 1962. In 1965, an army coup led by Houari Boumedienne held power until 1978.

In 1995, Liamine Zeroual won the presidential election. Starting in 1999, Abdelaziz Bouteflika became president. He was reelected in 2004. In 2014, Bouteflika was reelected. Instead of a fifth term in 2019, Bouteflika resigned. In Dec 2019, Abdelmadjid Tebboune became president.

Algeria's 2023 population 44,178, 884 [34]

research help: World Almanac 2023

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: breaking down walls

 Prayer: breaking down walls by ric gustafson

In our life journey here, there will be at times insurmountable walls. The truth is that God can overcome those walls. Our battles belong to God. In adversity, it is easy to have doubt. Is God on my side?. How will God conquer this wall?. God says believe in me with confidence. God says I will win the victory. You are standing on holy ground. Sometimes our walls seem overwhelming. 

All we need to do is know that we are standing in God's presence. He will tear down our walls. He promises that. He will do that. Praise God's holy name.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: to see God's glory

Prayer: to see God's glory by ric gustafson

Moses asks if he can see God. Moses wanted to experience God's glory. At one point, Moses pleads to God in prayer show me your glory. Moses wanted to experience God's character and presence. God wants us to have revelation prayers. These prayers are prayers showing that we want to know God. These are more relational prayers. 

These prayers can be bold. We can experience God's glory. Glory is manifested in Jesus according to Colossians 2. God comes to us right where we are.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hosea and Gomer page 6

 Hosea and Gomer page 6 by ric gustafson

Gomer quickly walked through the streets of Jerusalem's market. She reached into her pocket. She felt Hosea's dagger. She smiled. It will keep her from harm. As she walked through the east side of the Upper City, she noticed the canopied booths. 

As she walked, Gomer could hear a clear woman's voice.

" Our Lady Asherah offers life".

Gomer walked toward a booth. As she turned a corner, she noticed a woman who was surrounded by people. She held up a replica of an Asherah carved pole.

" Yahweh only gives sickness and death".

Gomer walked up to the crowd at her feet.

" Lady Asherah will bless your home with life and health".

Gomer stepped forward.

She smiled. " I have plenty of gods for everyone".

Gomer stared at what she offered.

" I'll help you decide which god will meet your needs".

Gomer pointed to a small alabaster Asherah. " I'll take this one".

" Good choice".

research help: ' Love In A Broken Vessel' by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: Praise and Thanksgiving

 Prayer: Praise and Thanksgiving by ric gustafson

In Exodus 15, there is praise and thanksgiving for all that God has accomplished. God delivered his people from Egypt. To express gratitude, Miriam led the people with singing and dancing. We can give God praise and thanksgiving through prayer. When we pray gratitude to God, we feel better. 

When we are tired, frustrated or depressed, we can do a gratitude prayer. When we are persecuted, joy will happen. James 1 says consider it pure joy when we face trials. Joy is eternal. In Jesus, there is life, resurrection and healing. God loves us more than anything else.

research help; ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickman and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: God's power has no limits

 Prayer: God's power has no limits by ric gustafson

God delivered his people from slavery and oppression. The people prayed. God heard their prayers. That is the character of our God. He's consistent. God's plans for their rescue was years in advance. God is always planning deliverance for his people. God is working for our redemption. God does not forget his people. He will not abandon them. 

God says to us step back and focus your heart on me. God always hears our prayers and is working in the background for us. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hosea and Gomer page 5

 Hosea and Gomer page 5 by ric gustafson

The high priestess bowed to the King." I saw this woman enter Asherah's grove".

King Jeroboam stared at Gomer with disgust. " This harlot Gomer was found veiling herself in public".

The high priestess looked at Gomer with disgust. " She should reap the full penalty of her crime".

Hosea stepped forward quietly from the gallery. " This woman is no longer a harlot". He smiled. " She is my wife".

King Jeroboam held up a hand. " Go on".

" These charges against her are unfounded". His voice hesitated. " She is a married woman".

" Why are you here Prophet?".

" I have come to reclaim my rebellious wife King Jeroboam".

" Is that the only reason?".

Hosea frowned. " I have also come to give you a warning".

King Jeroboam hit a chair with a closed fist. " I will give you an answer to your warning".

Hosea smiled. " Thank you my King".

" Take your rebellious wife". He sneered at Hosea. " And get out of Israel".

research help: ' Love In A Broken Vessel' by Mesu Andrews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: God always hears us

 Prayer: God always hears us by ric gustafson

When we groan to God, he hears us. At times, it is not easy to come up with the words how we feel. So when the words do not come out, God still hears. When all that comes out is cries and groans, God still hears us. When our hearts are turned to God, he hears us. When tragedy enters our lives sometimes it is hard to express our feelings. God says pray to me even if words cannot come out. God knows our heart. God knows what we want to say. Pray anyway. God will always hear our prayers.

research help: ' On Our Knees' by Phil Wickham and Matt Litton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric