the First Christmas: the Innkeeper

 the First Christmas: the Innkeeper by ric gustafson

It was snowing when the man and girl arrived. They had been on the road for six days. The man led a donkey. The girl was on the donkey. Her belly was swollen.

They had tried to find lodging at four inns already. Bethlehem was swelling with pilgrims because of a census. All the inns were full. The two were very concerned. Night was falling.

I was in my forties. I had a brown beard and a scar over my left eyebrow. I studied the two before me. The girl was 14 or 15. She was wearing a shawl and a woolen tunic. The man was in his twenties. He had large hands and a full beard. I shook my head. Several people this week had given me the same sad story. 

I was about to tell them to go away. Then I thought about the small stable that was behind my inn. I showed it to them. It smelled like straw and manure. There were four stalls. Plus there was enough straw to make beds for two people.

I put a torch in the holder on the wall. I walked out the door.

research help: ' The First Christmas' by Stephen Mitchell

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3/30/1981 page 15

 3/30/1981 page 15 by ric gustafson

As Agent Parr nudged President Reagan toward the open rear door of the limo, Hinckley Jr knew it was now or never. Nobody was paying attention to him. He pulled the gun from his pocket. He crouched. He gripped the gun's handle with both hands. He aimed. He pulled the trigger.

The first bullet hit Reagan's press secretary Jim Brady. The bullet smashed into his head. He fell close to Hinckley Jr. The second bullet hit Officer Thomas Delahanty. He was hit in the back. The third bullet went over Reagan's head. The fourth bullet hit Agent Tim McCarthy. He was hit in the chest. The fifth bullet hit the door of the limousine. Nobody knew what happened to the sixth bullet?.

Agent Parr threw President Reagan into the back of the limousine. It sped off toward the George Washington University Hospital. When it arrived, Reagan hobbled into the hospital. He complained of not being able to breathe. He was led to the trauma bay. They noticed blood on the President's left hand.

A surgical resident named G Wesley Price noticed the small slit in the President's skin. It was half an inch long. It was five inches below Reagan's left armpit.

It was bullet number six.

The President had been shot.

The End.

research help: ' Rawhide Down' by Del Quentin Wilber

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Preadvent: Psalm 147:3

Preadvent: Psalm 147:3 by ric gustafson

One of the gifts of Jesus is the gift of healing. It is physical healing. It is also the healing of the heart. Jesus wants us to be happy. He does not want us to hurt. Psalm 147:3 says he heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. When our heart hurts, we hurt. Jesus wants to heal us. Jesus will heal our broken heart. When we suffer, Jesus suffers. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' On the way to Bethlehem' by Emily Jaminet

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3/30/1981 page 14

 3/30/1981 page 14 by ric gustafson

Agent Jerry Parr checked his watch. It was 2:27 pm. He watched as President Reagan finished his speech. Parr walked to the edge of the stage. Reagan shook a few hands. He walked off the stage. Parr fell into step behind the President. Reagan walked into the hotel's holding room. There the White House aides were waiting for him. 

Several Secret Service agents rushed outside. One agent now stood between the rope line and the VIP entrance. One agent stood at the curb near the limousine. Five agents were now surrounding the limousine. 

President Reagan was now walking toward the VIP entrance. Walking ahead of the President was Jim Brady and Mike Deaver.

When Reagan walked out the VIP entrance, Agent Parr was right behind him. Even though the President was briefly out in the open, Agent Parr was trying to prod him toward the limousine. As they neared the now open rear door of the limo, Agent Parr heard gunfire.

Pop Pop Pop. Parr knew somebody was trying to kill the President.

research help: ' Rawhide Down' by Del Quentin Wilber

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3/30/1981 page 13

 3/30/1981 page 13 by ric gustafson

Outside the Hilton, Agent Drew Unrue repositioned the Presidential Limousine. The President would now have to walk from the VIP entrance to the limousine. Reagan would have to walk parallel to the rope line. The danger of this would be the brief time that the President  would be very close to the spectators. The limousine was moved for security reasons. If the nose of the limousine was pointed toward T Street, the limousine could make a quick get away.

Agent Granger did notice that the rope line was very close to where the President would come out of the VIP entrance. The rope line was slightly moved. It was still close to the growing crowd of spectators already waiting for the President. Hinckley Jr was watching everything that was going on.

At one point, Agent Mary Ann Gordon, who was the motorcade's advance agent, checked the line of vehicle's of the motorcade. When it was all in order, she got into the lead vehicle. Agent Unrue started the engine of the limousine. The other agents and police officers returned to their posts. Then Agent Gordon checked her watch. The time was 2:20 p.m.

research help: ' Rawhide Down' by Del Quentin Wilber

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Preadvent: John 1:1-5

 Preadvent: John 1:1-5 by ric gustafson

Jesus is one with God. God is the source of all creation and master over all things. John 1 says in the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God. The Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him. Jesus is the bright light over all darkness. No matter how we struggle in this life, God gives us his Son. Jesus created us to be loved. All things come from a loving God and his Son Jesus. Thank you Jesus for creation. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

'research help: ' On the way to Bethlehem' by Emily Jaminet

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Preadvent: Hebrews 6:19-20

 Preadvent: Hebrews 6:19-20 by ric gustafson

We need an anchor in our life. We need this anchor for our soul. And what is this anchor?. The bible verse for today says we have this hope a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain where Jesus a forerunner on our behalf has entered. 

Jesus is our anchor. He keeps us where we need to be. He prevents us from drifting away from him. Jesus is our lighthouse. A light when storms arrive. Jesus gives us hope.

research help: ' On the way to Bethlehem' by Emily Jaminet

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3/30/1981 page 12

 3/30/1981 page 12 by ric gustafson

Hinckley Jr quietly walked up to the small crowd that had already gathered. The group was standing behind a black rope across the street from the hotel's VIP entrance. Five minutes after Hinckley Jr joined the crowd, the President's motorcade arrived.

The President's limousine drove up the Hilton's driveway. It stopped at the VIP entrance. A Secret Service agent got out of the front passenger seat. He opened the right rear door. President Reagan stepped out. Reagan turned toward the crowd where Hinckley Jr was now standing. He waved. Hinckley Jr raised his arm to wave back. He stopped. The President had already entered the hotel.

President Reagan walked into a hotel elevator. Agent Jerry Parr, Ray Donovan and the Chief of Hotel Security were with him. The President walked off the elevator and into the hotel holding room. 

At exactly 2:00 pm, The President entered the backstage of the hotel's International Ballroom. When he had heard ' Hail to the Chief' President Reagan walked onstage. At the podium, Reagan shook hands with Robert Georgine. He was head of the Trades Department of the AFL-CIO. 

Then Reagan began to speak.

Outside, John Hinckley Jr waited.

research help: ' Rawhide Down' by Del Quentin Wilber

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Preadvent: I Corinthians 2:9

 Preadvent: I Corinthians 2:9 by ric gustafson

What is Heaven going to be like?. It is hard for us to imagine. The bible verse for today says what no eye has seen nor ear heard nor the human heart conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. We do not know what God has prepared for us in Heaven. Heaven will not be boring. Since our eye has not seen, we must trust that Jesus has a wonderful place waiting for us.

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

research help: ' On the way to Bethlehem' by Emily Jaminet

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3/30/1981 page 11

 3/30/1981 page 11 by ric gustafson

Just before the arrival of the Presidential limousine, DC police officers Sergeant Herbert Granger and Officer Thomas Delahanty were at the rope line. Already at the hotel's VIP entrance were seven reporters and a small group of spectators.

Staring at Granger and Delahanty from the shadows of the VIP entrance was a man named John Hinckley Jr. Hidden in Hinckley's beige jacket was an RG 14 revolver. The weapon was nicknamed a Saturday Night Special. This was because it was cheap and easy to obtain. In the revolver were six Devastator bullets. These bullets were deadly and detonated on impact.

On October 2 1980, Hinckley Jr flew to Dayton Ohio. He was curious how close he could get to a President. He slipped into a President Carter campaign rally. Quietly, he ended up standing just an arms length from President Carter. He was one person in a sea of 1,400 supporters. Then Hinckley Jr flew to Nashville to attend another Carter rally. When he arrived in Nashville, he changed his mind. He flew back home. 

In December 1980, he found out that John Lennon was murdered. He was devastated.

He flew home and then back to Washington. He knew what he had to do.

research help: ' Rawhide Down' by Del Quentin Wilber

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Malloy pizza Christmas page 3

 a Malloy pizza Christmas page 3 by ric gustafson

The kitchen door opened. Red was adding olive oil into a bowl of wet ingredients. Then he added flour and fine salt.

Rita tiredly walked in. She put her bible and notebook on a hutch by the garage door. She hugged her husband. " What's for dinner Red?".

He was a making a shaggy dough out of the dry and wet ingredients. " Tonight is a pizza named after an Italian queen".

" What is that pizza called?".

He began to make the dough smooth. " Margherita".

" Nice". She smiled. " Were you able to put the wreath on the front door?".

" I did". He brushed more olive oil on the dough. " How was bible study?".

" It was ok". She yawned. " Today we studied John 1:14".

Red divided the dough into two pieces. " What does that bible verse talk about?".

" The Word became flesh and took up residence among us".

" Oh!".

She watched her husband stretch the pizza dough. " Red, do you want to come to bible study with me?".

Red began to put crushed tomatoes on the dough. " Not right now".

research help: ' The Big Book of Pizza' by Food Network Magazine

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: emotional ups and downs

 God's Word: emotional ups and downs by ric gustafson

All of us experience emotional swings. We cannot eliminate them. We need to seek to understand them. We need to control our negative feelings and emotions. To do that, we need to accept those unpleasant circumstances and trust God. The problem is we want things to go our way. We want our own wishes and timetables. 

But God has other plans. When we trust God completely, our emotional swings will be less dramatic. Then we can be comforted that God is wise and totally in control. His ways are better than our ways.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' What the Bible says about dealing with your emotions' by Smith Freeman Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

3/30/1981 page 10

 3/30/1981 page 10 by ric gustafson

At 1:10 pm, a Presidential Limousine pulled up to the diplomatic entrance of the White House. Stagecoach was the nickname of the 21 and a half ton car. The black 1972 Lincoln Continental was covered in heavy armor plating and had windows of thick bullet proof glass. It had a powerful V-8 engine, a rear bumper that could fold into a platform to carry Secret Service agents. It had an extra large sunroof so President Reagan could stand and wave to the crowd.

The armored car was a necessary protection for the President. Four Presidents had been slain in office. These Presidents were Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKinley and John Kennedy. Reagan knew the risk but did not dwell on the danger.

The limousine left the White House at 1:45 pm. Sitting next to Reagan was Labor Secretary Ray Donovan. In the front seat was Agent Jerry Parr. Driving the limousine was Agent Drew Unrue. Trailing the limo was another car with a driver and six additional armed agents. This car was nicknamed Halfback. Trailing behind that car was another car carrying the President's Press Secretary. His name was Jim Brady.

The ride to the hotel took four minutes. The time was 1:50 pm.

research help: ' Rawhide Down' by Del Quentin Wilber

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: Bible Study methods

 God's Word: Bible Study methods by ric gustafson

We need to get into the habit of studying God's word every day. One method is to study both the Old and New Testament. One method is to study Christian living and doctrinal truth to everyday life. The Expositional method is to study the book verse by verse and how the verses relate to each other. The Survey Method is to study the book as a whole. The Topical Method is used when we want to study a specific topic. The Biographical method is used when we want to study a specific person. The Devotional Method is used when we use devotionals in our bible study including Our Daily Bread and Days of Praise.

One last method is to read God's Word in a year.

research help: ' How to study the Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: how to interpret the bible

 God's Word: how to interpret the bible by ric gustafson

We all interpret God's Word. We try to understand it's meaning and apply it to our lives. God wants us to interpret his Word correctly. Otherwise poor interpretation will happen. 

We need basic guidelines to interpret God's Word. When we study God's Word, it is worth the investment of our time we put in. God 's Word is for sinners. It's a book for all of us. We need to watch for false teachers. Inductive bible study has three parts to it. The first is observation. What does it say?. Second is interpretation. What does it mean?. Third is application. How does it apply to my life?. 

research help: ' How to study the Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: preparing our hearts

 God's Word: preparing our hearts by ric gustafson

So how do I begin to study God's Word?. It begins with ourselves. We must prepare our heart to study God's Word. Many things in life require preparation. Exercise, a trip and working around the house. Some people try to study God's Word without preparation. Our heart involves our thoughts, emotions and will. Jesus is interested in our heart. Using bible study, God wants to increase our knowledge of him. When our mind and heart is ready for bible study, our time in God's Word will be enjoyable. 

The Holy Spirit will help us get ready to study God's Word. Mature believers can help us get ready to study God's Word. We must study God's Word purposefully. Bible Study will help us grow spiritually. Bible Study will help us receive personal guidance. Above all, Bible Study will present ourselves approved to God. Praise God, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

research help: ' How To Study the Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: Revelation

 God's Word: Revelation by ric gustafson

The book was written by John. It was possibly the Apostle John. The book was written in AD 95. The book talks about how God will judge evil and reward his saints. Jesus gave John a revelation of things that will come to pass. First, Jesus gives John words of challenge for seven churches. Then John gets a vision of the actual throne room of God. Then there is a vision of seven seals being broken from a scroll. Then a dragon and two beasts are allied against God. Then there is the seven vials of the wrath of God. Then Satan is imprisoned for 1000 years. Toward the end of the book, Satan is thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone. Lastly, God unveils a new heaven and a new earth. This book is an example of apocalyptic literature. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. Praise God, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Malloy pizza Christmas page 2

 a Malloy pizza Christmas page 2 by ric gustafson

Red looked at the prepared pizza dough. About an hour ago, he had preheated the oven. Then he smiled. He heard his wife's car pull into the garage. He began to combine tomatoes and salt into a blender.

Rita walked in. She put her bible and notebook on the kitchen table. She yawned. " What's for dinner tonight Red?".

He smiled as he put a ball of prepared dough on some cornmeal. " Neapolitan pizza".

She yawned again. " Where you able to start on the Christmas tree?".

" I did". He began to spread tomato sauce on the dough. " How was bible study?".

" Fine". She smiled. " We studied John 1:1 today?".

Red put mozzarella cheese on the dough. " What does that bible verse say?".

" In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God".

" Oh!".

Later, Rita helped Red clean up.

" Red, that Neapolitan pizza was fantastic".

He hugged her. " Thank you".

" Red, would you like to come with me to my next bible study class?".

He shook his head. " Not right now".

research help: ' The big book of Pizza' by Food Network Magazine

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: Jude

 God's Word: Jude by ric gustafson

The author of the book is Jude. Jude was possibly Jesus's half brother. The book was written in AD 82. The book talks about being aware of heretical teachers and their dangerous doctrines. Jude was tackling the same problems Peter was with the early church. This subject was false teachers. The problem was murmurers and complainers were walking after their own lusts. These people were using the grace of God to cover their sinful lifestyle. They were trying to encourage Christian believers to do the same. But true believers do not do that. They reflect God's love and show compassion. Two Old Testament events are recounted in this book. One is Michael's fight with Satan over the body of Moses. The other is Enoch's prophecy of God's judgment.

Satan tries to sneak people into God's church to crush true believers. Every true believer needs to contend for the faith.

research help: ' Know your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: III John

 God's Word: III John by ric gustafson

The book was written by the Apostle John. The book was written in AD 92. The book talks about church leaders who must be humble not proud. This letter was written to a believer named Gaius. Another believer is named. His name is Demetrius. This letter praises those who lead in charity before the church. The letter talks about another believer named Diotrophes. The letter states that he refuses to show kindness and hospitality to traveling evangelists. This letter is short. It is only a single chapter. Christians are to show hospitality. We are to feed, house and encourage others. We are to follow Jesus's example.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Promises and Prayers: avoid burnout

 Promises and Prayers: avoid burnout by ric gustafson

Has life robbed you of peace?. If we are not careful, we may have burnout. Jesus offers us peace from burnout. The peace of Jesus passes human understanding. He will not force his peace to us. It is ok to slow down and just focus on what we need to focus on. It is easy to be weighed down by life's problems. Jesus promises to take care of us and take the burden of our everyday problems on his own shoulders.

Praise God, praise Jesus and praise the Holy Spirit.

research help: ' 365 promises and prayers for dealing with anxiety and fear' by Smith Freeman Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: II John

 God's Word: II John by ric gustafson

The author of the book is the Apostle John. The book was written in AD 92. The book warns about false teachers who deny about Jesus's physical life on earth. The book is addressed to a family or a church. Some people said that Jesus was not physically present on earth. The Gnostics taught that Jesus was a spirit only and just appeared to suffer and die on the cross. John taught that this thinking should be avoided at all cost. This letter was a single chapter book. There were many false teachers in John's time. Every teaching should be weighed against scripture.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: I John

 God's Word: I John by ric gustafson

The author is not stated. According to church tradition it was the Apostle John. The book was written in AD 92. The book talks about that Jesus was a real man. That Jesus was a real God. There was a heresy that Jesus was on earth in spirit not in body. The apostle John knew Jesus personally. John talks about a saving belief in Jesus. Saving belief leads to obedience. When we do sin, God forgives our sin when we confess. This letter from John is warm and compassionate.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: II Peter

 God's Word: II Peter by ric gustafson

The author of the book is the Apostle Peter. The book was written in the late 60's AD. This was shortly before Peter's execution. Peter wanted to talk about false teachers in the church. Peter talks about Christian qualities. This includes faith, self control and patience. And also a reliance on scripture. According to Peter, these qualities will help people avoid false teachings. Peter wrote this letter knowing his end was near. 

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: I Peter

 God's Word: I Peter by ric gustafson

The author of the book is the Apostle Peter. He was helped by Silas. The date of the book is AD 65. The book talks about that suffering for the sake of Jesus is noble and good. Even though the Roman Empire is persecuting Christians, Peter reassures everyone that God is still in control. Peter tells the people the proper response to suffering. It is to rejoice and be glad. Life is hard but God is always good.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: James

God's Word: James by ric gustafson

The author of the book is James. The author was probably a brother of Jesus. The book is dated AD 60. The book talks about real Christian faith by one's good works. Paul teaches that salvation is by faith alone and not by good works. James teaches that good works will follow true faith. James encourages people to view trials as opportunities for spiritual growth. James teaches that people need to control their tongues. People need to make peace. James says to help the needy. To James, life changing faith is the key. James through out the letter talks about practical wisdom for living the Christian life.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: Hebrews

 God's Word: Hebrews by ric gustafson

The author of this book is not stated. Suggested authors include Paul, Luke, Barnabas and Apollos. The date of this book is before AD 70. The book talks about that Jesus is better than any Old Testament person or sacrifice. This long letter was written to Jewish Christians. This letter says that Christianity is superior to Old Testament Judaism. Jesus is much better than angels, Moses and animal sacrifices. The letter states that Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant. Jesus is a once for all sacrifice on the cross that provides eternal redemption for all.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Shoeless Joe Jackson page 4

 Shoeless Joe Jackson page 4 by ric gustafson

One night, Annie heard something outside. She walked over and looked out a window. She smiled. She turned to me. " There's a man out there".

I stared at my wife. " Is it Shoeless Joe Jackson?".

" I don't know". She kept staring out the window. " He's wearing an old fashioned uniform".

I walk outside onto the verandah. On the porch wall, I find the switch. The floodlights behind the left field fence came on. 

There standing in left field was Shoeless Joe Jackson. His feet were spread wide. His body was bent forward from the waist. His hands were on his hips. He is waiting.

I walk over and sit in the bleacher behind the third base fence. I yell to him. " How does it play?".

He smiles back at me. " The ball bounces true".

" My father loved baseball". Memories of my father began to invade my mind. " The smell of the ballpark and the grass".

Shoeless Joe smiled. " For me it was the smells, the sounds and the crowds".

I wanted to ask him about the scandal. I decided against it.

" Ray, if you could finish the infield". He grinned. " I know of others who would love to come and play".

Ray smiled. " I also know a catcher who would love to come and play".

" We'll try him out". Shoeless Joe looked around. " Is this heaven?".

" No, it's Iowa".

research help: ' Shoeless Joe' by W.P. Kinsella

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Malloy pizza Christmas page 1

 a Malloy pizza Christmas page 1 by ric gustafson

Red Malloy was making pizza dough when he heard the kitchen door open.

Rita Malloy walked in. She put a small black bible and a blue notebook on the small kitchen table.

They hugged.

She sat down. " What are you making for dinner tonight Red?".

He was whisking bread flour, all purpose flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. " Basic thin crust pizza".

" Were you able to put up the Christmas lights?".

He began stirring up the yeast mixture. " Yes, how was bible study?".

" It was fine". She smiled. " We were studying Genesis 1:1".

Red thought for a moment. " What does that bible verse talk about?".

" In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth".

" Oh!".

Later, Red was cleaning up the kitchen table.

Rita stood up wiping her mouth with a napkin. " Red, that was great thin crust pizza".

They hugged.

" Red, do you want to come to bible study with me?".

" Not right now".

research help: ' The Big Book of Pizza' by Food Network Magazine

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: Philemon

 God's Word: Philemon by ric gustafson

The book was written by the Apostle Paul. The book was written around AD 63. The book talks about Paul begging mercy for a runaway slave. The slave had converted to Christianity. Philemon was a fellow labourer of Paul's. Philemon helped fellow believers with love and generosity. Paul asked Philemon to take back and forgive a runaway slave. His name was Onesimus. Paul wrote to Philemon to receive this runaway slave as himself. This letter is the shortest of Paul's. We are called to forgive.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Promises and Prayers: take your worries to Jesus

 Promises and Prayers: take your worries to Jesus by ric gustafson

We worry about our future, relationships and finances. Some people are worriers by nature. Matthew 6:34 says do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about it's own things. 

God will protect us. We need to ask for his protection. When we pray, he will answer. He will heal us. He will restore us. God promises to protect and keep us safe. We need to pray to God daily.

research help: ' 365 promises and prayers for dealing with anxiety and fear' by Smith Freeman Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: Titus

God's Word: Titus by ric gustafson

The author of the book is the Apostle Paul. The book was written in AD 63. Paul talks about that church leaders need to be instructed on their lives and teaching. After visiting the church on the island of Crete, Paul asked Titus to stay. Paul needed someone to help the fledgling church. The church was plagued with poor behavior. They needed a church leader who was faithful and uses sound doctrine. Church leaders are held to a certain standard, Parishoners are also held to a certain standard.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: II Timothy

 God's Word: II Timothy by ric gustafson

The author of the book is the Apostle Paul. The book was written in the mid 60's AD. The book is Paul's final words to a coworker. II Timothy may have been the last letter Paul wrote. Paul wanted to warn Timothy about false teaching. Paul wanted Timothy to live a life of purity before his congregation. Paul tells Timothy to expect persecution. Paul tells Timothy that God will be faithful. Paul says that all scripture is given by inspiration of God. Hopefully when our spiritual journey ends here we can say like Paul I have fought a good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: I Timothy

 God's Word: I Timothy by ric gustafson

The author of the book is the Apostle Paul. The book was written in AD 63. The book talks about pastors. The book talks about how they are to conduct their lives and churches. The book is called a pastoral epistle. Paul is giving insights for a new generation of church leaders. Timothy was now a pastor in Ephesus. Paul warned Timothy about legalism and false teaching. Paul talked about being a good minister of Jesus Christ. I Timothy is a letter to a pastor. Paul talks about how to behave in the house of God.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: II Thessalonians

 God's Word: II Thessalonians by ric gustafson

The book was written by Paul. He was helped by Silas and Timothy. The book was written in the early 50's AD. The book talks about that Christians should work until Jesus returns. This letter was written shortly after the first letter was written. Paul tells this church that Jesus is returning again. Paul urges them to live positive and productive lives. The key is a balanced Christian life.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Promises and Prayers: a right kind of attitude

 Promises and Prayers: a right kind of attitude by ric gustafson

Attitudes are filters where we view and interpret the world. Positive attitudes produce positive emotions. Negative attitudes do not. Our attitudes determine the quality of our life. We must guard our thoughts. If we approach life in a positive way, we will be rewarded. Negative thoughts will doom us. We need to focus on the positive not the negative

We need to count our blessings not our hardships. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' 365 Promises and Prayers for dealing with anxiety and fear' by Smith Freeman Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: I Thessalonians

 God's Word: I Thessalonians by ric gustafson 

The book was written by Paul. Silas and Timothy helped him. The date of the book is the early 50's AD. The book talks about Jesus who will return to gather his followers to him. Paul talks about the second coming of Jesus. This was an issue with the Thessalonians. Paul says that Jesus will return but not when. Paul says to walk worthy of God. Paul says rejoice evermore and pray without ceasing. Paul told the church to live right because Jesus is coming back.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: Colossians

 God's Word: Colossians by ric gustafson

The book was written by Paul. Timothy also helped him. The book was written in the early 60's AD. The book talks about Jesus being supreme over everyone and everything. The church at Colosse was dealing with false teaching. This was causing people to add unnecessary and unhelpful elements to their Christian faith. Paul sent the letter to remind the people of the superiority of Jesus over Jewish rules and regulations. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts to the which also ye are called in one body and be ye thankful.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Promises and Prayers: God protects us

 Promises and Prayers: God protects us by ric gustafson

There are demands on us every day. With the frustrations of every day life, it is easy to get distracted. Talking with God can even be put on a back burner. We rely upon ourselves and not God. Instead of asking God for help, we try to resolve it on our own. 

We need to pray often to God. He promises to protect us if we trust and obey. God keeps all of his promises. God is always near and will always protect us. When we are afraid, we need to call out to God. God can resolve our problems better than we can. God's love is now and forever.

research help: ' 365 Promises and Prayers for dealing with anxiety and fear' by Smith Freeman Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Wonderful Wizard of Oz page 8

 the Wonderful Wizard of Oz page 8 by ric gustafson

" I don't like this forest". The group stopped. " It's dark and creepy".

They started walking quickly. At one point, they heard a powerful roar. Just then, a Lion bounded into the road. The Lion smacked Scarecrow with his paw. He struck the Tin Man with his claws. Toto began to bark at him. The Lion began to chase Toto. It's intention was to bite him. 

Just then, Dorothy walked up and slapped the Lion on the nose.

" Don't you dare bite my Toto". She began to yell. " You ought to be ashamed of yourself".

The Lion rubbed his nose with a paw. " I didn't bite him".

" But you tried to".

The Lion began to cry. " Is my nose bleeding?".

Dorothy began to scold him. " You're nothing but a big coward".

" I know, I am a coward".

Scarecrow scratched his chin. " Have you always known that?".

" Yes". The Lion sighed. " My life has simply been unbearable".

research help: ' The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' by L. Frank Baum

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Promises and Prayers: spend time with God

 Promises and Prayers: spend time with God by ric gustafson

God asks that we spend time with him every day. Some people squeeze in time with God. We could do a prayer before meals. We may even go to church on Sunday. God wants to be with us more than that. God wants to spend time with us every day. When we talk to God each day, he just wants to spend time with us. God wants to give us his love and protection each day. God wants us to obey his commandments. 

Dear God, let your priorities be my priorities. Let your will be my will. Let your Word be my guide. Let me grow in faith and in wisdom. In your name Amen.

research help: ' 365 Promises and Prayers for dealing with anxiety and fear' by Smith Freeman Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: Philippians

 God's Word: Philippians by ric gustafson

The author of this book is the Apostle Paul. He was helped by Timothy. The book was written around the early 60's AD. The book is a friendship letter between Paul and a beloved church. Paul in this book talks about joy and rejoicing. This letter from Paul is upbeat. He thanks the church at Philippi for it's support. Paul encourages the people to rejoice in the Lord always and again. Unity is a common theme in Paul's letters. The peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

research help: ' Know Your Bible' by Barbour Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Wireless Survivor page 2

 the Wireless Survivor page 2 by ric gustafson

My job that fateful night was to relieve the other wireless operator from midnight until some time in the morning. Before that shift, I was asleep. I was actually up earlier to relieve Phillips. The wireless broke down earlier in the day. Since it broke down early, we were able to fix it in time. Phillips and I worked for seven hours to fix it. We found the problem and fixed it before the iceberg struck.

In the wireless cabin were three rooms. One was a sleeping room. Another was a dynamo room. The third was an operating room. 

When I woke up from sleep, I noticed how tired Phillips looked. When I told Phillips that I would relieve him, the Captain peeked into the cabin. " We've struck an iceberg".

We stared at each other in shock.

" I'm having an inspection done for damage". He frowned. " You better get ready to send out a call for assistance".

He left. He came back in ten minutes.

" Send the call for assistance". He left.

Phillips began to send a message C.Q.D.

Five minutes later, the Captain came back. " What are you sending?".

" A message C.Q.D.".

" You better send a message S.O.S".

research help: ' The Story of the Titanic' by Jack Winocour

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric