the Holy Spirit: the Spirit as a dove

 the Holy Spirit: the Spirit as a dove by ric gustafson

According to Matthew 3, he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove. When Jesus came out of the water after being baptized, the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. The Holy Spirit ministers to us with affection. The Holy Spirit is the Holy dove of God. 

When we are facing troubles and can't sleep, we should open our bible and pray. According to Psalm 34, he freed me from my anxious fears. With the Holy Spirit, God promises us peace. When we pray in the Spirit, the Spirit prays in you. The Holy Spirit is the mother heart of God.

God the Father, God the Son. God the Holy Spirit loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Help Is Here' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 23

 the miracle on Titanic page 23 by ric gustafson

David and Charlene walked up to the entrance of the first class lounge. As he as about to open the door, four people walked out.

" Good afternoon Mr Sharpston". It was Captain Smith, Mr Boxhall and an older couple.

Charlene smiled. " Afternoon Captain".

" I would like to introduce Lady Lucy Duff and her husband Cosmo".

" Nice to meet you".

Cosmo shook David's hand. " Are you related to the Sharpston Steel Company?".

David grinned. " Yes my father started the company". He pointed to Charlene. " This is Charlene Moton".

" As in Moton Construction".

Charlene grinned. " Yes, it was started by my grandfather".

Captain Smith turned to his fourth officer. " Mr Boxhall, have we received any reports of ice".

" Not yet Sir".

" How many miles did we do yesterday?".

" I believe 519 miles Sir".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

New Testament: Colossians page 2

 New Testament: Colossians page 2 by ric gustafson

The Apostle Paul starts the letter chapter 1 verse 2 by addressing the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae. Paul greets them with grace and peace. Paul calls these believers holy. The status of these believers is a matter of God's grace. Paul thanks God for these believers faith according to chapter 1 verse 3-5. In chapter 1 verse 6-7, Paul is happy that fruit is producing and spreading throughout the world. 

In chapter 1 verse 8, Epaphras tells Paul about their love in the Spirit. In chapter 1 verse 9, Paul prays that the believers will be filled with the knowledge of God's will. In chapter 1:10, Paul hopes that they will be filled with the knowledge of God's will through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

Finally in chapter 1:11, Paul hopes that the believers will grow in the knowledge of God and that it will build endurance and patience.

research help: ' The Resurrected Jesus' by David Limbaugh and Christen Bloom

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the miracle on Titanic page 22

 the miracle on Titanic page 22 by ric gustafson

Twenty four year old Jack Phillips was busy sending a three dollar four hundred mile message. Then, his partner Harold Bride walked in. Phillips was using a new wireless communication called the Marconi. Next to Phillips was a stack of incoming messages. Phillips picked up the message that was on top.

" Bride, what is this message?".

Bride glanced at the message. " Oh, it's from the Caronia".

Phillips looked at it again. " It looks important".

" It says bergs, growlers and field ice has been reported".

" Is the position on there?".

" Yes, 42 degrees North and 49 to 51 degrees West".

Phillips stared at his younger co worker. " Why haven't you taken this message to the bridge?".

" Just like you". He smiled. " Sending personal messages for our paying customers".

" I'll take it to the bridge". He opened the door to leave. " You keep working on those personal messages".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit as a seal

 the Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit as a seal by ric gustafson

According to Ephesians 1, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4 tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit by whom you were sealed. When you accepted Jesus, God sealed you with the Holy Spirit. We are Jesus's own and will be saved on the day of redemption. Satan will try to discourage and influence us. But he cannot have us. Not only are we sealed, we are adopted. We are children of God.

When God sees us, he does not see our sin. 

Romans 8 says we are God's children. We are a child of God. We have been adopted into God's family. 

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit love us more than anything else.

research help: ' Help Is Here' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit as Intercessor

the Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit as Intercessor by ric gustafson

According to Romans 8, the Holy Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God. Even though the Holy Spirit lives in us, we have pain. Pain is a part of everyday life. Pain leads to weakness. The Apostle Paul had his own affliction. Sickness saps our energy. Our prayers become moans.

What does it mean to intercede?. It means to stand in between. Intercession happens when a strong person takes up the cause of a weak one. The Holy Spirit is our advocate. The Holy Spirit pleads to God on our behalf. The Holy Spirit groans for us. The Holy Spirit prays for us.

God, the Son and the Holy Spirit loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Help Is Here' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 21

 the miracle on Titanic page 21 by ric gustafson

David and Charlene were standing at the Aft Well Deck. 

" I'm sorry we could not find your friend".

Charlene smiled. " That's ok".

" I always wondered about the steerage area".

" It's nice with the white tablecloths and white enamel water pitchers".

They stared at the endless ocean.

" David, I'm cold". They embraced. " How is the bible reading coming?".

" There is a question I've been pondering".

" What is that?".

" Jesus ate with sinners even tax collectors".

" That's correct". She smiled. " He loves all people".

" Would he accept me?".

" Of course". They embraced. " David, I'm cold".

They walked back up the stairs.

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

New Testament: Colossians page 1

New Testament: Colossians page 1 by ric gustafson

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to an infant church. At the time he was in prison in Rome. The church was Colossae. The infant church was started by one of Paul's friends. His name was Epaphras. Epaphras became a believer because of Paul. 

Colossae was located one hundred miles east of Ephesus on the southern bank of the Lycus River. Paul wrote a small letter but his concerns were many. He was concerned about the faith of the believers there. He wanted the believers there to be authentic. Paul was also worried about false teachings.

Paul was worried about the purity and impact of the gospel. 

Let us look at the book of Colossians.

research help: ' The Resurrected Jesus' by David Limbaugh and Christen Bloom

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the miracle on Titanic page 20

 the miracle on Titanic page 20 by ric gustafson

At the table that evening, David's mother was sitting next to Colonel Archibald Gracie. Across from David and Charlene were Benjamin Guggenheim and Kitty Webb.

All of a sudden, someone walked up to the last empty chair. " Good evening I'm Colonel JJ Astor". He sat down. " Normally my wife is with me". He frowned. " But she is ill this evening".

" Colonel Astor, I enjoyed our conversation earlier".

" Oh yes, Sharpston". He looked at the young man. " David Sharpston".

After everyone had enjoyed rack of lamb and baron of beef, David noticed the dancefloor was empty. " Would you like to dance Charlene?".

She nodded yes. They excused themselves. They walked onto the dance floor.

After a while, they began to walk back to the table.

" Charlene, I've made a decision".

They reached the table.

" I'm going to start reading the bible that you gave me from the library".

They sat down.

" David, you won't regret it".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Holy Spirit: the Spirit as wind

         the Holy Spirit: the Spirit as wind by ric gustafson

In this world, storms and stiff winds batter us each day. But God tells us to change the world. God promises to give us power to endure trials and problems. No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. When we are born again we become brand new creations. 

According to John 3, the wind blows where it wishes and you hear it's sound so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is an unseen force.

The Holy Spirit is like the wind it is a mystery. Rely on the Holy Spirit to help you with a new spirit and become a new creation. When our strength to get through each day wanes, we need help. The Holy Spirit is there to give us that strength and power. 

Praise God the Father. Praise God the Son. Praise the Holy Spirit.

research help: ' Help Is Here' by Max Lucado

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the miracle on Titanic page 19

the miracle on Titanic page 19 by ric gustafson

David walked into the room. He noticed books on carved and waxed wooden shelves. He smiled as he saw Charlene looking at bibles on a brass minirail. He quietly walked up to her.

" I figured you might be here".

" Hello David". She held up a bible. " This is a different translation than the one I have".

" Do you think there is a bible here I could look at?".

She smiled and handed David a bible. " This is a good translation to start with".

" Ok thanks".

" Is there something else you wanted to ask me?".

" Yes". He grinned. " My mother arranged it so we could sit together for dinner tonight".

" Great". They checked out the bibles and headed for the door. " My brother and I will look forward to that".

" See you then".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit as a Teacher

 the Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit as a Teacher by ric gustafson

According to John 14, he will teach you all things. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Helper. Jesus called him the Paraclete. The Helper is mentioned five times in Scripture. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. Jesus will ask his Father. God will send the Spirit. The Spirit is a person. 

The Holy Spirit has intellect, emotions and will. The Holy Spirit intercedes for the believer. The Holy Spirit gives life to those who believe. The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, Counselor and Advocate. 

According to John 16, the Spirit will glorify me for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

God the Father. God the Son. God the Holy Spirit loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Help Is Here' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 18

 the miracle on Titanic page 18 by ric gustafson

David was pedaling on one of the ship's stationary bicycles. Charlene was studying a map that was on a far wall. 

" This gymnasium is great". He got off and then climbed onto a padded mechanical camel. " Tell me more about John 3:16".

" God so loved the world that he gave his beloved Son".

" To give his only Son". He got off the camel and got on a rowing machine that was in the middle of the room. " He must of loved the world a lot".

" If you simply believe in him". She smiled. " You will not perish but have eternal life".

" Eternal life?".

" David, eternal life means forever with God".

He got off the rowing machine and picked up a dumbbell. " All he asks is that you simply believe".

She smiled again. " That's all he asks".

" I don't know Charlene". He put the dumbbell back. " It sounds too good to be true".

" Food for thought".

David's stomach growled. " Right now I'm hungry".

" Would you and your mother like to join my brother and I for dinner tonight?".

" I'll ask Mother".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Holy Spirit: who is the Holy Spirit?

 the Holy Spirit: who is the Holy Spirit? by ric gustafson

Who is the Holy Spirit?. The Holy Spirit does God's will on this earth. The Holy Spirit is a heaven sent helper. The Holy Spirit is our champion, advocate and guide. He comforts and directs us. He indwells, transforms and sustains us. The Holy Spirit gives us strength. The Holy Spirit comes with power. 

God wants us to be a healthy saint. God wants us to have a childlike heart. God wants us to have a high regard for Holy Scripture. According to Acts 1, you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.

research help: ' Help Is Here' by Max Lucado

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Father: God loves his children

 Our Father: God loves his children by ric gustafson

Biblical love is eternal. Biblical love is unconditional. According to II Corinthians 13, love is patient and kind. Love does not envy or boast. Love is not arrogant or rude. Love bears all things. Love believes all things. Love hopes all things. Love endures all things. According to I John 4, God is love. God is more than love. God is holy, righteous, merciful and true. 

God wants us to love others because he first loved us. The Spirit of Christ lives in us. God's love for us is eternal and forever. God loves us more than anything else.

The End

research help: ' Like Our Father' by Christina Fox

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Father: God is patient with his children

 Our Father: God is patient with his children by ric gustafson

Being patient is a characteristic of God. We start out living for ourselves and not for God. When we give our lives to Jesus, we begin to focus more on God. God is very patient with us. God is patient with us as we grow in faith. Since God is patient with us, he wants us to be patient with others. Patience is a characteristic of God. He is slow to anger. He is merciful. He is patient with us. 

It takes time for spiritual development. We need to wait on God. 

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Like Our Father' by Christina Fox

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Father: God gives us what we need

 Our Father: God gives us what we need by ric gustafson

God is Jehovah Jireh which means ' the Lord will provide'. The name comes from Genesis 22. This is the story of Abraham and Issac. God is our provider. In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us not to worry or be anxious about our life. God is our Father. He provides for all of our needs. He does not always give us what we want. God cares for his children. God is the perfect provider. He meets our daily needs. 

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Like Our Father' by Christina Fox' 

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 17

 the miracle on Titanic page 17 by ric gustafson

They walked onto the deck. 

" Tell me more about the Bible".

" The books were written by different authors".

A steward was shining up the lifeboats.

" The books come together for a specific purpose and message".

" How many boats do you have?

" Fourteen regular and four collapsible".

David looked at Charlene. " What do you mean that the Bible has a message?".

Charlene stared at the steward. " So how many people can these boats carry?".

" 1,176 passengers and crew".

Charlene frowned. " Is that enough lifeboats?".

The steward smiled. " We do have 10 percent more lifeboats than is required by the Board of Trade". He walked away.

" David, Jesus has a simple message to share".

" What message is that?".

" All we need to do is accept Jesus into our hearts".

David frowned. " It's not that easy".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Father: God disciplines us

 Our Father: God disciplines us by ric gustafson

In Hebrews 12, the word discipline is used. It refers to teaching and instruction. It is also connected to chastisement and correction. The Apostle Paul uses the word in II Timothy 3. Paul describes the Word of God as an instrument for our discipline. 

God uses discipline to train us in the way of righteousness. To make us holy. Sometimes it is instructional. Sometimes it is correcting. God disciplines us. He does not punish us. God disciplines us because we are his children. God does this out of love. God's discipline has an eternal goal in mind. God's discipline is to make us more like his Son. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Like Our Father' by Christina Fox

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 16

 the miracle on Titanic page 16 by ric gustafson

First Officer Murdoch stared at the Fourth Officer. " Do you have our binoculars?".

" No Sir". Boxhall looked worried. " I gave them to Fleet who is up in the Crow's Nest".

" Do we have another pair?".

" No Sir. I believe that is the only pair".

" When he is done". His voice hesitated. " You make sure that pair comes to the bridge".

" Aye Sir".

Just then, Captain Smith walked onto the bridge. Behind him was Bruce Ismay. He was the Director of the White Star Line.

" Captain, when do we arrive at Queensland?".

Captain Smith stroked his grey beard. " We should arrive there by noon tomorrow".

The Director picked up a chart. " What is this course?".

Captain Smith glanced at the chart. " This is the course Mr Boxhall has laid out for us".

Ismay stared at the Fourth Officer. " Why South?".

" It is a safer route". He smiled. " And we can watch out better for ice".

" Nonsense" he growled at the Fourth Officer. " It will add a day, I will not allow it".

Boxhall looked at the Director. " What about the ice Sir?".

" If you get any reports of ice". He frowned at the Fourth Officer. " You bring them directly to me".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 15

 the miracle on Titanic page 15 by ric gustafson

A steward walked over to the table. He was wearing a dark cutaway jacket. " Good evening, my name is Hughes". He smiled. " I will be your host this evening". He handed out menus. " Tonight, we have oysters on the half shell, salmon mousseline, lamb chops and mint jelly".

David wanted to sit with Charlene. She was sitting on the other side of the table with her brother. Later as people left the table, his opportunity came.

" Mother, I'll be right back". He sat down next to Charlene. " How was your dinner?".

" Fine". She put her bible on the table. " The lamb chops and mint jelly was very good".

" I don't know much about the bible". He frowned. " I would like to learn more".

She looked at her watch. " Why don't we meet on the deck in twenty minutes?".

" Sure". He escorted his mother back to her room. " I'm going to go up to the deck to talk with Charlene".

She smiled. " Ok, I'll see you in the morning".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4/14/1865 8:00 am

 4/14/1865 8:00 am by ric gustafson

President Lincoln was eating his usual breakfast. It was one egg and one cup of coffee. As he ate, he listened to his son Robert. He was telling his father about his tour of duty with General Grant. Mary Lincoln and Tad were listening to him also. Mary wanted to see the play at Ford's Theatre that evening. The President smiled. He would take care of it.

She asked Robert if he wanted to go with them. He was now 21. He had promised to be with his friends that evening. 

Then President Lincoln went to work. His office was in the southeast corner of the White House. In the center of the office was an oak table where Cabinet meetings were held. Over the mantel was a black and white engraving of President Andrew Jackson. After scanning the morning paper, President Lincoln was ready for his first guest.

research help: ' The Day Lincoln was shot' by Jim Bishop

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Father: God trains us

 Our Father: God trains us by ric gustafson

All of us are on a faith journey. The path that we are on leads us to now. Sometimes the path is easy. Sometimes the path is hard. But along the path, God is always faithful. We still have a long journey on this path. Our journey is not over yet. 

From the moment of our salvation to the day we go home, we are on a faith journey. On this path we follow, God is teaching us. God teaches us what is right and good. God warns us about sin. When we do stumble, God forgives and restores us through his Son Jesus. 

God trains us where we are. God trains us over time. God trains us differently. God trains us through life experiences. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Like Our Father' by Christina Fox

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 14

 the miracle on Titanic page 14 by ric gustafson

David and his mother walked down a carpeted hallway.

Something was in David's hand. " Here is our table seating schedule Mother".

She nervously played with a new red hat she was wearing. They stopped at the entrance to the first class dining room.

" Is your new friend and her brother joining us this evening?".

" Yes they are". They walked in and found their table. After sitting, they noticed how beautiful the dining room looked. The huge spacious room contained alcoves and leaded windows. Each table was decorated with a white linen tablecloth. There was a glowing lamp in the middle of the table.

A gentleman and a woman were already seated.

" I am Benjamin Guggenheim".

" I am David Sharpston". He smiled at his mother. " And this is my Mother Camille Sharpston".

The female next to Guggenheim grinned. " I am Kitty Webb".

Then another male sat down. " Good evening, I'm Colonel Archibald Gracie".

Just then, Camille looked up. She smiled. " David, they are here".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 13

 the miracle on Titanic page 13 by ric gustafson

David and his mother listened as the ship's anchors dropped into place.

Camille looked at her son. " Who were you spending time with?".

They were standing by the railing. They saw a gangplank being set up.

" Her name is Charlene Moton". They watched as a ferry approached to dock.

" Is she a nice girl?".

They watched as well dressed passengers walked off the ferry. They entered the ship.

" She seems nice". They heard the ship's horn blast. " I wonder who those passengers are?".

" I heard that it is a ferry from Cherbourg". She smiled. " Are you going to see her again?".

" Actually, she invited you and I to join her and her brother for dinner tonight".

" What did you tell her?".

" I told her I would ask you first".

She smiled and put a hand on her son's shoulder.

" David, tell her that we would love to".

" Ok".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4/14/1865: 7:30 am

 4/14/1865: 7:30 am by ric gustafson

President Lincoln was reading official correspondence at the small table in his office.

Only a few blocks away, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton was eating breakfast. He was a short paunchy person with gold rimmed glasses. His wife was standing next to him.

" Please send Mrs Lincoln our regrets".

He did not want to go to Ford's Theatre tonight with the President and his wife. Stanton was a complex man. He was stubborn, hard working and very loyal.

On the other side of Washington, John Wilkes Booth was also washed and out of bed. He was restless with less than six hours of sleep. He was not tall with black hair. Booth was an actor just like his father and his brother Edwin.

research help: ' the day Lincoln was shot' by Jim Bishop

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4/14/1865: 7:00 am

 4/14/1865: 7:00 am by ric gustafson

The polished rosewood bedroom door opened. President Abraham Lincoln slowly walked out. He walked past the hall nightman.

" Morning Mr President".

Lincoln frowned. He did not feel well. He had circles under his eyes. His legs were perpetually bent at the knees. His feet barely lifted on the rug.  He walked past several men who were there wanting a favor from him. His office was on the same floor as his bedroom.

He stopped at his office door. A soldier came to attention.

" Morning Mr President".

Lincoln walked into the large office. He sat down at a small table near the south window. He looked out. It was a misty morning and chilly. Washington was just starting it's day. Lincoln picked up a newspaper from the table.

Lincoln knew it was Good Friday and the last day of Lent.

research help: ' The day Lincoln was shot' by Jim Bishop

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 12

 the miracle on Titanic page 12 by ric gustafson

David and Charlene had their feet in the warm water. Sunlight was coming in through portholes.

Charlene smiled. " I love this swimming pool".

" How long have you been a Christian?".

" I became a Christian last year". She glanced around the stark white room. There was a sloping set of wooden stairs at the end of the enclosed pool.

" Are you a Christian David?".

They stood up and put their shoes back on.

" No".

They walked back up to the deck.

" David, would you like to dine with my brother and I tonight?".

" Your brother!". He looked at her in shock. " I thought he was a boyfriend or husband".

" No". She giggled. " Can your mother come also?".

" I'll ask her".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

because of the cross: I am complete

 because of the cross: I am complete by ric gustafson

According to Colossians 2, and you are complete in him. Why am I complete?. Because Jesus is alive in my heart. Because Jesus is at work in my life. Because I am becoming what he created me to be. 

Is your life complete?.  Yes it is because I know him.

Jesus loves me more than anything else.

The End

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

because of the cross: I am healed

 because of the cross: I am healed by ric gustafson

According to I Peter 2, by his wounds you have been healed. Are you in pain?. If it is all the time you might be asking why me?. Do you dread tomorrow?. Do you wish to be free from your suffering?.

There is one who can heal you from your pain. Jesus died on a cross for our pain. Our pain from yesterday, today and the future. Jesus died for the bondage of sin. With Jesus, we can have victory with joy. By Jesus's stripes, we are healed. Praise Jesus's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

because of the cross: sin has no power over me

 because of the cross: sin has no power over me by ric gustafson

According to Romans 6, for sin shall not any longer exert dominion over you. Because of the sin of Adam, we are all born with a sinful nature. This sinful nature separates us from God. Satan does whatever he can to deceive God's people. He tries to keep us from God's love and grace.

Jesus died on the cross to free us from our sinful natures. Jesus also died for us so we can have eternal life. Because of the cross, we can receive the victory of the cross. Praise Jesus's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 11

 the miracle on Titanic page 11 by ric gustafson

David and Charlene were walking through the second class section of the huge liner. 

" Are you of the Moton Construction Company?".

" Yes, my father started the company".

They walked to the end of a hallway. They opened two massive doors. They stopped at the Grand Staircase.

David looked up at the glass dome overhead. " This is a work of art".

" It sure is".

" So what are you doing in Southampton England?".

" I'm a second year bible student at a private college here". She smiled. " How about you?".

" I came with my mother to visit my grandparents".

Charlene grinned. " I'm going back to California to see my family".

He noticed the bible in her hand. " Are you a Christian Charlene?".

" Yes David I am".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Father: God provides boundaries

 Our Father: God provides boundaries by ric gustafson

Rules and commands are found throughout God's Word. God teaches us what is good because he is good. He teaches us what is wrong and sinful. God gave us the Law called the Ten Commandments. Obeying God's commands are rooted in Jesus and the gospel. These rules and instructions teach us how to live as God's people. Instead of our sins, God looks at his Son's perfect life. He sees his Son's righteousness not our sin. 

Limits and boundaries are a good thing. We are all sinners. God gives us rules in his Word. These rules are for our good. When we obey them, we glorify God. 

Praise God's name.

research help: ' Like Our Father' by Christina Fox

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

because of the cross: my life is full of purpose

 because of the cross: my life is full of purpose by ric gustafson

According to Ephesians 2, we are God's workmanship. We struggle everyday with frustration, misdirection and emptiness. We search for our true meaning for being here. 

Do we feel lost in life?. God knows where we are in life. God has created us for a specific and unique purpose. Because of the cross, God has a wonderful plan for each of us.

We are no longer lost. God loves us more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric