seven deadly sins page 4

 seven deadly sins page 4 by ric gustafson

Noreen Halsteen put the plate of pot roast on the dining room table. She also put on it some cooked potatoes and some cooked carrots. She looked at the clock on the wall. She knew Ben would be home any minute.

Ben walked through the door from the garage. He put his briefcase on the kitchen hutch. He sat down at the kitchen table. He frowned as he saw what was on the table.

" Pot roast again". He sneered at his wife. " With all those cookbooks". He frowned as he put some on his plate. " Can't you make anything else?".

" Sorry" was her reply as she put roast, carrots and potatoes on her plate. " I'll try something different next time".

Ben poured himself a goblet of water.

" How did the department meeting go?".

" Terrible".

" What happened?".

" Elaine who is one of my best employees". He kept eating the pot roast. " Even with plenty of time came up with one of the worst slogans I have ever heard".

" It'll get better".

" It better". Ben pushed his chair back and stood up. " I'm thinking about taking her off the slogan project".

She watched Ben sit down in his favorite easy chair.

Noreen sighed. She was getting tired of her husband's angry outbursts.

research help: ' The Journey' by Billy Graham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

will you live forever? page 1

 will you live forever? page 1 by ric gustafson

Bobby Jenkins quietly stood at the edge of the ledge. He peered over the edge. It was a long ways down.

" Well Bobby" exclaimed a man who was also standing on the ledge. He wore all red. " Are you ready?".

" I don't know". Bobby peered over the edge again. " It's a long ways down".

" Bobby, we've talked about this a million times".

Bobby sighed. " I know".

Satan frowned. " You do want to live forever don't you?".

" Yes".

" Then jump". Satan smiled. " My associates will catch you before anything happens to you".

Bobby looked at Satan. " I have your promise on that".

Satan gave him a strange look. " Of course".

Just then, there was a knock on the hotel room door.

Bobby turned. " What was that?".

" Don't bother with that". Satan frowned. " Time to jump".

Two men entered the room. " Bobby, don't jump".

" Bobby, I'll be back". Satan vanished.

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

seven deadly sins page 3

 seven deadly sins page 3 by ric gustafson

Elaine Schram put her presentation on the easel. She sat down at the conference table. She was nervous. This was her first major presentation to the department and to Mr Halsteen.

Ben walked in. He had a sour look on his face. The other people from the department came in and sat down. Mr Halsteen sat down next to Elaine.

She whispered to her boss. " What did Mr Firestone have to say?".

Ben sneered. " Nothing important". He stared at the others. " Let's begin the meeting". He looked at his watch. " We'll start with Elaine's presentation". He pointed a finger at her. " Ready Elaine".

" Yes, I am". She flipped the front page of her presentation. " Mr Halsteen". She noticed he had no expression on his face. " After hours of suggestions and my own ideas". She smiled and flipped a page. " I have come up with a simple slogan for the Macanac T bone steak". Smiling, she explained the success of the Macanac T bone and the rising sales of the product for the company. 

At the end of her presentation, she flipped to the last page. " Mr Halsteen". She looked at her boss. There was no expression on his face. " My simple slogan for the Macanac T bone steak is " A Macanac T bone, why not try an original".

An angry look came over Ben's face. " That is the slogan you and this department have been spending all your time on".

research help: ' The Journey' by Billy Graham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a hopeful heart: I Samuel 16:7

 a hopeful heart: I Samuel 16:7 by ric gustafson

We put a lot into our outward appearance. We worry about our clothes, shoes, makeup and hairstyle. God wants us to have those things. But when it becomes our life focus, God does not want that. According to I Samuel 16, people look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. 

God does not look at our outward appearance. God looks at our heart. Our heart is not perfect. Thank you God for looking at my heart and not my outward appearance.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' 180 prayers for a hopeful heart' by Barbour Books

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Margaret Tobin Brown page 11

 Margaret Tobin Brown page 11 by ric gustafson 

To the survivors on Lifeboat 6, there was no hope of a destination. All of a sudden, the gray horizon became a pale dawn. Just then, Margaret heard a noise. Another lifeboat pulled up next to them. Margaret could see the number of the lifeboat. It said ' 16'.

Mr Hichens tied up the two boats with a rope. He told the women to stop rowing. Everyone was exhausted. The lifeboats sat in a field of ice. Icebergs appeared in every direction. When they started rowing again, they rowed for an hour and a half.

All of a sudden, Miss Martin saw something on the horizon. It turned out to be a ship. It was the Carpathia. It took four times for the lifeboats to swing close enough to the ship. A wooden seat was used to hoist the survivors onboard.

When Margaret was hoisted onboard, She was greeted with a blanket and donuts. She was exhausted. Her arms, fingers, shoulders, legs and feet were wet and numb. She felt a guilty relief. 

At first, she felt disbelief. Then her emotions turned to anger and action. Everyone on board the Carpathia went out of their way for the survivors comfort. Passengers on the ship gave up their staterooms, clothes and toilet articles. The lounge was given to the passengers to use. 

The survivors were examined by a doctor. Sleeping quarters was based on gender, class and physical condition. All the space on the Carpathia was taken. The ship returned to the ice field to look for survivors. There were none. Then the Carpathia began it's journey back to New York.

research help: ' Molly Brown unraveling the myth' by Kristen Iversen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Matthew 23:16

 Jesus: Matthew 23: 16 by ric gustafson

Jesus was tender, patient and humble. Jesus also insulted respectable clergymen. He called them hypocrites. He called king Herod a fox. When he went to parties with sinners, he was called a friend of publicans and sinners. He disrupted and threw moneylenders out of the Temple. Jesus cured diseases. Jesus showed no deference for wealth or social position. 

When people tried to trap him, Jesus asked them a question. What Jesus asked them could not be answered by rule of thumb. Jesus had a full human life.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Matthew 23: 11-12

 Jesus: Matthew 23: 11-12 by ric gustafson

Jesus wants us to have perfect liberty. Jesus wants us to enjoy fellowship with him. How do we do that?. Matthew 23 says the greatest among you will be your servant all who exalts themselves will be humbled and all who humble themselves will be exalted. Jesus wants from us absolute discipleship. When we follow Jesus, his yoke rests upon us. Our burden is light. Jesus does not want us to resist his commands. When we submit to Jesus, the yoke is easy the burden is light. 

Jesus loves us more than anything. 

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: John 12: 27-28

 Jesus: John 12: 27-28 by ric gustafson

How do we glorify God?. Beautify means to improve it's beauty. God does not need to be more beautiful or glorious. According to Acts 17, nor is he served by human hands as thou he needed anything. God cannot be improved. When we magnify God, it needs to be genuine not pretend. Pretending to magnify God is wickedness. When we truely magnify God from the heart, it is worship.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Diana's boys page 6

 Diana's boys page 6 by ric gustafson

At 9:00 am, William and Harry stood outside St James Palace waiting for their mother's coffin to arrive. They were flanked by their father, their grandfather Prince Philip and their uncle Earl Spencer. More than 2 billion people were tuning in as the coffin made it's way toward Westminster Abbey. Over a million had lined the streets as the procession went by.

The procession went down the mall past St James Park toward the government offices at Whitehall. Then the procession went past Downing Street and the House of Parliament. As the procession reached Westminster Abbey, Prince Harry felt a strange calm. The boys noticed 36 white lillies on the coffin.

Inside the Abbey were more than 2000 mourners. The Reverend Wesley Car began the service with one of Diana's favorite hymns. Then Earl Spencer delivered a stirring eulogy. After he gave a prayer for his sister and a prayer for the boys, applause was felt from inside and outside the Abbey.

research help: ' Diana's Boys' by Christopher Andersen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Matthew 22:36

 Jesus: Matthew 22:36 by ric gustafson

An interpreter of the law asked Jesus a question. Jesus said that the love of God is the first and greatest commandment. Our love of God must be sincere not in word and tongue only. All of our soul must be engaged to Jesus. 

The second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor. The sin of self love must be eliminated. We must have a concern for the welfare of our souls and bodies. We must love our neighbors as ourselves. We must deny ourselves for the good of others.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Mark 12:23

 Jesus: Mark 12:23 by ric gustafson

The Sadducees came to Jesus with a question. According to Mark 12, whose wife will she be for all seven had her as wife?. Jesus argued with them. Jesus used the power of God. Jesus talked about transformation, regeneration and renovation. 

Jesus did more than reply. He gave the Sadducees evidence of the resurrection. He appealed to the Pentateuch and the Law. Jesus talked about God and man. Because of what Jesus told them, the Sadducees were silenced. The multitude was astonished. Even the scribes were amazed.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Margaret Tobin Brown page 10

 Margaret Tobin Brown page 10 by ric gustafson

From Lifeboat 6, everyone watched in horror as half of the huge liner slid into the other half. Twenty nine boilers, dining tables, wicker chairs, grand pianos, china cabinets and steamer trunks filled with personal belongings. Then the liner rose out of the water at the stern. The lights on the liner flickered and then went dark. 

Margaret could hear shouts and cries from the now fast sinking ship. Then the liner seemed to break into two. Margaret and the others watched in horror as the huge liner quietly went under the water. Then everyone witnessed a horrible sound. It was the sound of hundreds of people crying in terror. Everyone including Margaret wanted to go back and try to rescue someone. Hichens said no.

For two hours, Margaret and the other women rowed in the dark. There was not light just stars. They rowed among ice and icebergs. After another hour and a half passed, Margaret encouraged everyone to row. Margaret's eyes began to deceive her. She couldn't judge time or space. Some people were already giving up. Sometimes Margaret wondered if she was going to join them.

research help: ' Molly Brown unraveling the myth' by Kristen Iversen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a hopeful heart: Jeremiah 33:3

 a hopeful heart: Jeremiah 33:3 by ric gustafson

We do not know God's plan for our life. God has a curtain drawn. We do not know what is going to happen in our future. According to Jeremiah 33, the Lord says call to me and I will answer and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. When we pray to the Lord, he will pull back the curtain and give us a glimpse into the plan he has for our life. 

We need the Lord to hold our hand as we walk through this life. We can trust the Lord. We know the Lord is generous and kind. The Lord simply asks call on me. Will we?.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' 180 prayers for a hopeful heart' by Barbour Books

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Matthew 22:17

Jesus: Matthew 22:17 by ric gustafson

They tried to trap him with a question. Jesus knew what they were doing. Each nation uses it's own coin. They used a Roman coin. They knew it was justly due. If they used Caesar's coins, they must pay the Roman tribute. They knew they had him this time. He must pay Caesar's tribute. And if he doesn't, it goes against Christian duty. They knew they had him either way he answered the question. They were confident that they finally had him trapped. The teachers were very confidant that they had him this time. 

But Jesus knew what they were doing. He knew their hearts. Jesus asked them a question. Their plot backfired. The truth is Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Margaret Tobin Brown page 9

 Margaret Tobin Brown page 9 by ric gustafson

Lifeboat 6 was the first to pull away from the port side. The lifeboat was capable of carrying 65 passengers. It was only carrying 24. Robert Hichens, the Quartermaster, had been at the wheel of the liner when the call came from the Crow's Nest. Fred Fleet, who was also in the lifeboat, was the one who made the call to the bridge.

After plugging the hole in the lifeboat and undoing the shackles, the lifeboat reached the water. Right away, Hichens began barking for the women to start rowing. With all the women rowing, the lifeboat slowly started distancing itself from the huge liner.

Just then, Hichens heard a sharp blast from a whistle. He shouted at the women to stop rowing. He peered into the darkness. He told them they must go back. Helen Candee said no. The Captain had told them they had to row away from the liner. 

Margaret watched as a final rocket was fired from the starboard deck. She also noticed that E and C deck were completely submerged. The nose of the Titanic was now tipped into the water. The deck lights were still burning. Margaret could still see a lot of people on the boat deck. She could not see any more lifeboats. 

Lifeboat 6 maneuvered around floating chunks of ice in the dark of the Atlantic. Margaret looked around. She could not see any other lifeboats.

research help: ' Molly Brown unraveling the myth' by Kristen Iversen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

seven deadly sins page 2

 seven deadly sins page 2 by ric gustafson

" Ben, I started Macanac Steaks International from nothing".

" I know Mr Firestone".

" I built this company on integrity, honesty and hard work".

Ben began to worry. " Mr Firestone, what does this conversation have to do with me?".

Howard sat down at his desk. He picked up a stack of papers. " Ben, I have been receiving disturbing reports about you".

Ben showed no reaction. " Reports from whom Sir?".

" Reports from the supervisor below you and employees from your department".

" What reports exactly Sir?".

Howard glanced at the reports. " Racism in regards to promotion".

" Not true".

" Work assignments based on sex not skill".

" False".

" Ben, I'm going to investigate these allegations against you".

" Mr Firestone, because of my ideas your advertising revenue has skyrocketed and your overall sales have tripled in the last year".

" I'm a Christian Ben and I started this company with Christian values".

" I know Mr Firestone".

" Ben, don't get a prideful heart".

" Ok Mr Firestone". Ben got up from his chair to leave. He opened the door.

" Ben, I will investigate these allegations".

Ben closed the door with no expression on his face.

research help: ' the Journey' by Billy Graham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

seven deadly sins page 1

 seven deadly sins page 1 by ric gustafson

Ben Halsteen walked into his spacious new office. He sat down in a black swivel chair. He glanced around the room. He grinned and sighed. He took out some pictures from a box and began to put them up on a wall. As he looked around the room, pride began to enter his heart. There was a knock on his office door. His new secretary, Marlene, poked her head inside.

" Mr Firestone would like to see you in his office".

He walked down a plaque filled hallway. He knocked on Mr Firestone's door.

Rose, Mr Firestone's secretary, was working at her desk. " He's waiting for you Ben".

He knocked again .

" Come in".

He walked into a very spacious office. It was filled with pictures and stuffed animal heads.

Howard Firestone got up from his office chair. " Thanks for coming on short notice". He pointed to a chair next to his desk. " Please have a seat".

Ben glanced at the animal heads. " I take it you like to hunt".

" It's a great way for me to relieve stress and anger". He smiled. " You should try it sometime".

" No thanks, I'd rather work out". He started to get nervous. " I'm curious as to why you wanted to see me Mr Firestone".

Howard gave Ben a serious stare. " I'll get right to the point".

research help: ' the Journey' by Billy Graham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a hopeful heart: Genesis 1:26

 a hopeful heart: Genesis 1:26 by ric gustafson

Genesis 1 says let us make human beings in our image to be like us. Lord, I don't always know or understand your thoughts. I am created in your image. Because of that, I have glimpses of your will for my life. Thank you for giving me the mind of Christ. It is an honor to be like minded with you. May my thought life respond as you guide me on my spiritual journey.

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

research help: ' 180 prayers for a hopeful heart' by Barbour Books

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Matthew 22: 11-12

 Jesus: Matthew 22: 11-12 by ric gustafson

In Matthew 22, it talks about a man who went to a wedding feast. He came in unbecoming clothes. He came to the feast, sat down and ate. Everyone else was wearing white. This gentleman should have come wearing white also. 

The person must have seen what the others were wearing. This gentleman chose not to wear what the others were wearing. The master told the servants to bind his feet. The servants bound his hands also. Then the person was cast into the outer darkness. Because he was unworthy of the wedding celebration.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a hopeful heart: Romans 11: 33-34

 a hopeful heart: Romans 11: 33-34 by ric gustafson

You know me Lord even when I don't. According to Romans 11, how unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out. Lord, you know everything about my spiritual journey before I do. Which road should I take?. Which decisions should I make?.  Which plans should I do?.  You know how to speak to my heart. You offer guidance along my spiritual journey. God, you are my all knowing Father. You have my best interest at heart. And why is that?. Because I know you love me more than anything.

research help: ' 180 prayers for a hopeful heart' by Barbour Books

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

come and worship: worship God the Father

 come and worship: worship God the Father by ric gustafson

True worship is worshiping God the Father only. We must treat God as the Father and as Spirit. God is immortal, invisible and omnipresent. God cannot be seen or touched. He cannot be represented by an idol. Worship of God is spiritual worship. Jesus called his father Father. 

God is our loving Father. We are his children. He is our Father. We love God as our loving personal Father. Jesus is an eternal being. Jesus is God. God is the Father of Jesus. God is the God of Scripture. We can come to God only through his Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

research help: ' Worship the ultimate priority' by John MacArthur

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Hebrews 21:43

 Jesus: Hebrews 21:43 by ric gustafson

According to Hebrews 21, therefore I tell you that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce it's fruit. There are a lot of people who delight in this world. They are enticed by flattering and deceiving earthly pleasures. So you can love a world that hates Christians.

Or you can love Jesus instead. We have a choice. We all have a choice. We can love this world and not Jesus. Or we can do the will of God. Love the Father, Son and Holy Spirit To do the will of God we need a sound mind, a firm faith and a strong virtue. We should not fear death. We need to think about eternity.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Margaret Tobin Brown page 8

 Margaret Tobin Brown page 8 by ric gustafson

Margaret walked up to A Deck. There, passengers were putting on their lifebelts. There, Margaret saw her friend Emma Bucknell. Bucknell exclaimed to Margaret that her prediction had come true. They quietly watched as officers struggled with the lifeboats.

Officer Lightoller was put in charge of the even numbered lifeboats on the port side. Because the air was noisy with steam noise, people were not following his orders. He shouted at the top of his lungs. No one was listening. Women and children were reluctant to ger into the lifeboats. There was also confusion because the windows on A Deck were locked. Passengers had to go down a deck and then walk up the stairs. Lightoller filled up Lifeboat 4. His next goal was to fill up Lifeboat 6. At 12:45 am, eight distress rockets were fired from the bridge on the starboard side of the bridge.

Margaret, Helen Candee, Julia Cavendish and Madame de Villiers were put into Lifeboat 6. Lightoller filled the lifeboat the best he could. Quartermaster Hichens, Seaman Fleet, Major Peuchen and a boy Captain Smith threw in at the last moment were the only men on board. The Lifeboat was cut and was lowered. By a series of jerks and pulls, the Lifeboat was lowered into the frigid cold water.

research help: ' Molly Brown unraveling the myth' by Kristen Iversen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Matthew 21:17

 Jesus: Matthew 21:17 by ric gustafson

According to Matthew 21:17, then he returned to Bethany where he stayed overnight. Jesus knew how to rest. He stayed overnight with his friends in Bethany. There were days of intense public pressure in Jerusalem. Jesus found fellowship in Bethany. Jesus had to balance stress with quietness and friendship. 

Jesus wants us to take time to rest. Doing God's work will make us tired. According to Mark 2, God has ordered us to rest. It is for our benefit. Discipleship can be tiring. Jesus wants us to rest so we can serve him. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Margaret Tobin Brown page 7

 Margaret Tobin Brown page 7 by ric gustafson

To Margaret, it was more than a bump or a faint grinding noise. She felt a crash and was knocked to the ground. It startled her. She got up and put on her dressing gown. She walked out into the corridor. She noticed that the engines had stopped. The liner was silent. Margaret walked back into her stateroom. She began to read. She heard noises and walked out into the corridor again. This time, an officer and some stewards were conversing. She returned to her bed again. Again, she was startled by a pounding noise. It was Mr McGough. He was a Gimbels buyer Margaret had met earlier on the deck; 

The grinding vibration woke up Second Officer Lightoller. He put on a sweater. He pur trousers over his pajama's. He walked up to the bridge. Captain Smith was already giving orders to his officers. He told them to uncover the lifeboats. Lightoller glanced at his watch. It was 12 midnight.

Margaret took off her dressing gown. She put on a black velvet two piece suit. She put on 7 pairs of stockings for warmth. She put on a sable stole. She put a silk capote around her head. She strapped on her lifebelt. She also took a blanket from the bed. When she walked out of her stateroom, she was ordered to go to the Boat Deck.

research help: ' Molly Brown unraveling the myth' by Kristen Iversen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

come and worship: Holy Holy Holy

 come and worship: Holy Holy Holy by ric gustafson

Why do we worship?. Because God is holy. Holiness uniquely describes God. God is holy because he is unlike anyone else. Revelation 4:8 says holy holy holy is the Lord God the Almighty. Nothing is equal to God as far as holy. Psalm 111:9 says holy and awesome is his name. God is the holy standard. God never does anything wrong. God is holy flawless without error without sin. To be in God's presence, one must be holy. God's standard of holiness is absolute perfection. We cannot be perfect. Sin corrupts our whole life. 

God hates sin. One proof of God's holiness is the creation of man. God's holiness is in the moral law. God's holiness is seen in the cross. 

research help: ' Worship the ultimate priority' by John Macarthur

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Matthew 21:15

 Jesus: Matthew 21:15 by ric gustafson

This bible verse says that the chief priests and the teachers of the law were indignant. People could not ignore Jesus or be indifferent to him. They had to take sides. To them, Jesus might be a subversive radical who must be restrained. Or Jesus was someone to be listened to, to believe and follow. 

Today, a lot of people do not listen to Jesus's words. Jesus is God's Son. Jesus is the world's Savior. We must listen, believe and follow Jesus.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Matthew 21: 12-13

 Jesus: Matthew 21: 12-13 by ric gustafson

What do you think God saw when he looked down at the temple?. It was not a temple of the living God. Instead God saw a den of thieves. What did Jesus see when he came to the temple?. He saw cages of unclean birds. He saw buyers, sellers and moneychangers at tables doing business. Jesus saw that his Father's house had become a house of merchandise. God's house of prayer had turned into a den of thieves. 

Are we a den of thieves in God's eyes?. We have the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and the pride of life. Is our house now thieves and robbers?. Pray that Jesus will cleanse our temples and make us a holy temple for God. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Margaret Tobin Brown page 6

 Margaret Tobin Brown page 6 by ric gustafson

At about 10:00 pm, able Seaman Frederick Fleet began to climb the ladder to the Crow's Nest. Close behind was Reginald Lee. Now in his midtwenties, Fleet had worked his way from deck boy to an able Seaman. Both men took their posts. Fleet now stood in front of a long brass bell. This bell, nearly two feet in length, hung just above Fleet's head. The two men knew the liner was moving at 22.5 knots  and that the air temperature was at near freezing. It was rapidly getting colder. The night was clear.

Margaret opened the door to her cabin. She turned on the light. She sat down on the brass bed. She took off the dinner gown she was wearing and put on a fleece gown. She got a book to read in bed. On the wall was a mesh netting. She kept her books, a handkerchief and a small tin of balm. Also in that netting was a roll of crackers in case she got hungry.

In bed, Margaret could hear the vibration of the engines. The sound was keeping Margaret awake.

In the Wireless Room, Operator John Phillips was furious. A ship less than twenty miles away the Californian gave Phillips a message that they had to stop because they were surrounded by ice. Phillips angrily typed back that he was very busy.

research help: ' Molly Brown unraveling the myth' by Kristen Iversen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: John 2: 16-17

 Jesus: John 2: 16-17 by ric gustafson

What is the zeal of thine house?. So what is the zeal of God's house?. Let the zeal of God's house eat thee up. Let the zeal of God's house eat up every Christian. The zeal of that house of God of which he is a member. The most important house is God's house for everlasting rest. Our house is for temporal rest. God's house is for everlasting rest. In God's house, we have salvation. In God's house, we have rest without end.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Margaret Tobin Brown page 5

 Margaret Tobin Brown page 5 by ric gustafson

At 7:30 pm, Captain Smith entered the A La Carte Restaurant. It was popular with First Class passengers. It was popular with American businessmen who wanted private dining room service and odd hours to eat. Captain Smith sat down at a table. Also at the table was the Widener family, Archibald Butt, John and Marion Thayer, William and Lucile Carter and Miss Martin.

At a nearby table was Margaret, Dr Brewe and Emma Bucknell. Emma whispered to Margaret why wasn't the Captain on the bridge with the way the weather was becoming. Margaret knew her friend had hardly slept the entire trip. She reassured her friend that everything would be alright. Dr Brewe noticed that the liner was traveling more southwest than due west.

After a leisurely dinner, the three retired to the Palm Court. This was a long narrow room with upholstered chairs. The three sat at a small table under leafy fronds. They spent the time there drinking coffee and listening to the Titanic band playing ragtime.

At 8:50 pm, Captain Smith joined Officer Lightoller on the bridge. The sea was calm and flat. The Second Officer had little reason to worry. There had only been one posted ice warning. What Lightoller did not know was that numerous ice warnings had been received from passing ships.

research help: ' Molly Brown unraveling the myth' by Kristen Iversen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

come and worship: a God who is everywhere and knows everything

come and worship: a God who is everywhere and knows everything by ric gustafson

God says know me and serve me willingly and eagerly. To know God is to have eternal life. When we know God, we want to have his nature and life. True wisdom is knowing God. God wants us to know him. He wants us to know him well. God does not dwell in temples made with hands. 

Where does God dwell?. The church is not a dwelling. The church is a spiritual body consisting of believers. Believers are temples of the Holy Spirit. 

In God's presence, we have assurance. God is always with us. God's presence is support for the believer. If you are an unbeliever, there is no place to hide. We cannot escape God. God knows everything. Prayer is for our benefit. As a believer, we are in God's book. That is a comfort. 

God loves us more than anything.

research help: ' Worship the ultimate priority' by John MacArthur

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Luke 19:45

 Jesus: Luke 19:45 by ric gustafson

According to Luke 19:45, then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the merchants from their stalls. What Jesus did in the temple shows us what righteous indignation looks like. Jesus was furious. Why?. Because the priests and their associates were keeping people away from God. That always makes God angry. Actually Jesus cleansed the temple twice. Once at the beginning of his ministry the other time toward the end. 

When we first become a believer in Jesus, Jesus cleanses our temple. Jesus takes away our filthy habits and gives us a new purpose. In time, our old habits come back. Our lives are filled again with junk. That's when Jesus needs to return and give us another house cleaning. Why does he do this?. Jesus does this because he loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Diana's boys page 5

 Diana's boys page 5 by ric gustafson

The first hurdle Charles and William faced with funeral plans for Diana was the funeral procession. William insisted that he and Harry would march behind their mother's coffin. The Queen vetoed the idea. William prevailed. Charles wanted his mother to address her people. He also wanted her to have the flag over Buckingham Palace to be flown at half mast. The Queen joined Charles and the boys at the entrance to Balmoral. William and Harry observed the notes and flowers that were being left.

Then William and Harry joined their father at St James Palace. In five days, more than 1 million visited Chapel Royal where Diana's body lay in state. Now on the night of Diana's funeral, William and Harry along with their father stood next to Diana's casket. The casket lid was opened for a few seconds. William looked in. Harry did not. After it was closed, William put white tulips at the head of the casket. Harry put a wreath of white roses at the other end.

To the two boys, the next day was going to be an emotional one.

research help: ' Diana's Boys' by Christopher Andersen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: John 2:15

Jesus: John 2:15 by ric gustafson

What do you think of when you hear someone is meek?. Sometimes we think someone is weak. Jesus in John 2:15 was not weak. Not even close. Jesus had strength under control. Jesus had power under discipline. Jesus called himself meek. But in this bible verse, Jesus was not meek or weak. With a whip made out of cords, Jesus drove everyone out of the temple courtyard. No one struggled with him. No one challenged him. Jesus was strong and had great authority.  But Jesus called himself a meek person. 

On that cross, Jesus held his vast power in check. Why? Out of love for you and I.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Margaret Tobin Brown page 4

 Margaret Tobin Brown page 4 by ric gustafson

At 6:00 pm, Second Officer Charles Herbert Lightoller walked onto the bridge. At 26, he had a long list of sea adventures. He had been through a shipwreck, a cyclone and a cargo fire. He was proud to be an officer on the Titanic.

On his way to the bridge to check in with his Second Officer, Captain Smith noticed White Star Line Managing Director J Bruce Ismay talking to George and Eleanor Widener on the Promenade Deck. Captain Smith walked up and handed Ismay the brief note from Wireless Operator Bride. Ismay glanced at it and put it into a pocket. Later, Captain Smith got the note back. On the way to dinner, Captain Smith entered the bridge and entered the note into the log.

In her stateroom, Margaret studied the gown she was going to wear to dinner. She was looking forward to dinner with her friends, Dr Brewe and Emma Bucknell. She was looking forward to a glass of champagne, filet mignon and a taste of dessert. In Cabin C- 62, John Jacob Astor was also getting ready for dinner. His wife Madeleine wasn't sure if she was going or not. They had a secret they were hiding from the press. Madeleine was expecting.

Up in the Crow's Nest, George Symons and Archie Jewel were happy. Their shift was just about over. It was getting cold and dark. Nobody could find a pair of binoculars for them to use. They would have to do their job with the naked eye.

research help: ' Molly Brown unraveling the myth' by Kristen Iversen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Luke 19:41

Jesus: Luke 19:41 by ric gustafson

At the last hill from Bethany, Jesus stopped. He looked upon a familiar view. He was looking at silent stones. It was early morning. The sun warmed Jesus's shoulders. On the far side of the valley was Jerusalem. Tall and proud, the city hid behind massive stones and strong gates. 

The colt stopped. Those around the colt heard an unexpected sound. Jesus was weeping. He saw what others could not see. He knew the horror of the city's fate. Jesus knew that the city would be leveled. Jesus knew her children would be gone. Jesus felt sorrow with his tears.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

come and worship: an unchanging God

 come and worship: an unchanging God by ric gustafson

Worship is knowing and loving the true God. Instead of an external act, God just desires that we know him. Knowing the true God is acceptable worship. Idolatry is having thoughts about God that are unworthy of him. God does not want us to worship a false God. Worship is understanding God. God's Word says we can understand God. In Jeremiah 29, it says that you will seek me and find me when you search for me with all of your heart. 

No one perfectly understands God. God is incomprehensible. God cannot be confined or limited. God is not a copy. God is unchanging. There are no bounds to God's power. God has the authority to do anything he wants to do. God's will is consistent with his nature. God can create something from nothing. God can sustain his creation. God can redeem the lost. God can raise the dead. 

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Worship the ultimate priority' by John MacArthur

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Luke 19: 39-40

 Jesus: Luke 19: 39-40 by ric gustafson

According to Luke 19, Teacher rebuke your disciples and he answered and said I tell you if these become silent the stones will cry out. Can stones cry out?. Can he open the mouth of the dumb?. Then can they lift up their voice. They would praise God for creating them. 

If stones could speak, what would they say?. God took them from the quarry. He made them fit the temple. God broke our hearts with the hammer of his Word. God built us for his temple. God polished them and fashioned them. 

God is the Architect and Builder of stones. Jesus put us in the temple of the living God.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Margaret Tobin Brown page 3

 Margaret Tobin Brown page 3 by ric gustafson

Margaret was eating lunch at the Veranda Cafe. She was eating alone. She ordered corned beef, vegetables and dumplings. She gazed out some high bronze windows at the ocean. The water was flat and smooth. When the door to the deck was opened, Margaret could tell how cold it actually was outside. Few passengers ventured out.

A steward brought Margaret a small plate of cheese. It was an occasional indulgence. One of Margaret's favorite places on the huge liner was the writing room. She enjoyed sitting and reading in front of a great bow window. For exercise, she enjoyed walking through the huge liner. But even with the help of a guidebook, sometimes she still got lost. 

She wondered what to wear to dinner. While in Paris, she bought several new gowns with matching hats.

Margaret was anxious to get to New York and see her grandson.

research help: ' Molly Brown unraveling the myth' by Kristen Iversen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Margaret Tobin Brown page 2

 Margaret Tobin Brown page 2 by ric gustafson

Margaret decided to go back to her stateroom to change. Her plan was to go to the church service that morning. She was hoping her friend Emma Bucknell was there. She and Emma had boarded the Titanic together at Cherbourg. They both watched as bags of mail was brought unto the huge liner. Emma told Margaret that she had a premonition about the liner. Nonsense Margaret reassured her. Margaret knew that Emma had a large family waiting for her return.

When Margaret stopped at the entrance to the first class dining saloon, Captain Edward Smith greeted her. Margaret knew the Captain from a previous trip on the Olympic. The Olympic was Titanic's sister ship. Margaret walked inside. The tables had been removed. Chairs had been set up in front of a podium. First class passengers sat in the front. Second and Third class passengers sat in the back. 

In the shirt pocket of the Captain was a message from Wireless Operator Bride. It read ' watch for  bergs, growlers and field ice'. 

The service ended with the hymn ' O God Our Help In Ages Past'.

Margaret returned to her stateroom.

research help: ' Molly Brown unraveling the myth' by Kristen Iversen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: John 12:13

 Jesus: John 12:13 by ric gustafson

According to John 12:13, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. The Son of God became the Son of man. This was for our salvation. He was born in the narrow walls of a manger. When he was crucified, he prayed for his crucifiers. We are redeemed by the blood of Jesus. Jesus wants us to lay down our lives for our Redeemer. All holy people have suffered persecution. Jesus wants warriors to join him.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Margaret Tobin Brown page 1

 

Margaret Tobin Brown page 1 by ric gustafson

It was a bright spring morning. It was Sunday April 14 1912. Mrs James Joseph Brown was walking on the deck. The morning was clear with early morning sun. She rose early for her walk. It was part of a daily routine that included a half hour of boxing in the gymnasium. This was just down from her cabin on B deck. Back home in Denver, boxing was the new trend for women.

The gymnastics instructor on board the liner was T W McCawley. He suggested she use the mechanical camel. At the age of 44, Margaret had never felt better. She had given up butter, salt, bread, sugar, cream and coffee. The lack of coffee helped her sleep.

The deck was quiet this morning except for two men polishing the brightwork. It was her third day at sea. Her vacation overseas had to be cut short. Her first grandson was ill. She had to scramble to book a liner quickly. When she found out it was the maiden voyage of the Titanic, she was thrilled. She had been traveling for several weeks with her daughter Helen. She even spent a couple of days in Cairo Egypt with John Jacob Astor and his new bride Madeleine.

Margaret was anxious to get back to Denver. She was bringing back some models of Roman ruins for the Denver Art Museum.

research help: ' Molly Brown unraveling the Myth' by Kristen Iversen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Mark 11:8

 Jesus: Mark 11:8 by ric gustafson

Jesus chose when he would tell everyone he was the long awaited Messiah. Jesus chose the time when a lot of people would be in Jerusalem. Jesus chose the place when there would be huge crowds. Jesus chose the way he would proclaim his mission. The crowd went wild. The people were sure their liberation from Rome was here. The crowd spread cloaks on the road.

The crowd had the wrong idea of Jesus. They wanted him to be a national leader. He was not. That was not Jesus's mission. When people found out the real reason Jesus came, many people turned away from him. Later, many people cried out ' Crucify Him'. 

Jesus wants us to be a true friend and follower. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

come and worship: God who is he?

 come and worship: God who is he? by ric gustafson

Acceptable worships asks who is God?. Who is the true God?. We cannot worship unless we believe, adore and obey God. Faith in God is a requirement for true worship. God is a rewarder of those who seek him. Two facts about God. He exists. It is possible to know God's nature. Psalm 90 tells us that God is the only God. 

God is a person. He is called Father, brother, friend and counselor. God thinks, acts, feels, speaks and communicates. God is a spiritual being. God is a Spirit. He does not exist in a body. God is a personal Spirit. God and Jesus are one. The Father and the Spirit are one. God is a Trinity. God is one yet he is three. For true worship, we need the true God. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Worship the ultimate priority' by John MacArthur

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Matthew 21:5

Jesus: Matthew 21:5 by ric gustafson

Jesus's entry into Jerusalem was different than expected. He came lowly and sitting on a donkey. This was a colt the foal of a donkey. His ministry was quiet until now. Now a public declaration had come. He accepted the homage of the multitude. Jesus wanted his Messiahship to be a public assertion. 

Compared to Israel's conception, this was to be earthly warfare and a kingly triumph. 

But this is another Kingdom. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mary Mother of God page 2

 Mary Mother of God page 2 by ric gustafson

Now we will look at someone who ruled Judea from 37 BC. His name was King Herod the Great. He was not a pure Jew and was not of royal blood. He came from a family of royal advisers. He professed Judaism but was regarded as an alien by most Israelites. He owed his rule to Rome

In 20 BC, Herod decided to enlarge the temple in Jerusalem. The city had from 100,000 to 200,000 inhabitants. But 3 times a year, that number increased to up to a million. The city and the temple were too small to accomodate so many pilgrims. Herod wanted to build the most magnificent building of that time. 

The temple was built on flat ground that covered over thirty acres. 

Saint Joachim was a wealthy man who owned and traded cattle and sheep. He and his wife Anne were childless. Joachim remembered Abraham. He went out into the desert, pitched a tent and fasted for 40 days and nights. He prayed for offspring. At the same time, his wife Anne also prayed for a child. An angel came and told Anne that she would have a child. Anne made a vow to offer her child to serve the Lord. Joachim was also told the same news by an angel in the desert.

Seven months later, a girl was born. She was named Miriam. This name in Hebrew is Mary.

research help: ' Mary Mother of God' by Ignatius Press

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Luke 19:30

 Jesus: Luke 19:30 by ric gustafson

According to Luke 19:30, go ye into the village over against you in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied whereon yet never man sat loose him and bring him hither. It was not to be a grand procession. The procession is in ancient prophecy. Horses are used for war. But the King of Zion would come upon a colt the foal of a donkey. It was to be a colt a man has never sat on. Jesus was the first born of a virgin mother. Eventually, he will be in a tomb that had never soiled.

Jesus will come forth. Gentle of the mighty. No swords to guard him. Jesus wants people to follow him.

Jesus loves you and I more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Diana's boys page 4

 Diana's boys page 4 by ric gustafson

Charles knew he had to fly to Paris and bring Diana home. He told the boys to stay home. Arriving back home that evening, Charles was joined by Diana's sisters Lady Jane and Lady Sarah. Tony Blair was also with them. 

A television audience watched as Diana's casket was carried off the plane by an RAF honor guard. William and Harry did not watch it.

Diana's body was then taken to a private mortuary. After an autopsy, Diana was clothed in a long sleeved black coatdress. Into the casket was a picture of Diana's father, a rosary by Mother Teresa and Diana's favorite picture of her two sons.

Then Diana's casket was taken to the Chapel Royal at St James Palace in London. It had been twelve hours since the boys had been told of their mother's death. The next day, much of London was engulfed by flowers. Already rumors flew that Charles should step aside in favor of William. Diana's oldest son did have a knack for reading the mood of the people. William also could voice his opinion. While Harry was mourning the death of his mother, William was already helping his father with his mother's funeral.

research help: ' Diana's Boys' by Christopher Andersen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mary Mother of God page 1

 Mary Mother of God page 1 by ric gustafson

Mary's conception was unique and miraculous. It was an order of salvation. The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. The Protoevangelium of James is a apocryphal text which contains truth and fiction. It has authority among Eastern Christians. The information was regarded as true or highly probable. This book is associated with Saint James the Just. He is the Lord's brother. 

Saint James the Just was a spiritual authority in the early church. He was head of the first Judeo-Christian community. He was also regarded as the first bishop of Jerusalem. He had as much authority as the apostles in the early church. Along with being a close relative to Jesus, he is credited with being the author of the New Testament letter of James.

James the Just was martyred in AD 62. He was accused of a violation of the law. He was stoned to death. This was instigated by the high priest Ananus ben Ananus. 

research help: ' Mary Mother of God' by Ignatius Press

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

come and worship: saved to worship

 come and worship: saved to worship by ric gustafson

Worship is not optional. God wants all of us to worship him. True worship is based on redemption. God tries to transform sinners into worshipers. The supreme motive for our redemption is that God may receive worship. That our lives may glorify God. Salvation is God's benefit. For the believer, we have many blessings from God. We need to seek to glorify God before we seek anything from him.

God wants true worshipers. Jesus says seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. From the Old to New Testament, we find universal worship of God.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Worship the ultimate priority' by John MacArthur

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Philippians 2: 6-8

 Jesus: Philippians 2: 6-8 by ric gustafson

What does the church think of Jesus?. According to Philippians 2, who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but made himself nothing taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness and being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross. Jesus is by whom all things were made. By his Son, God was limited, suffering and subject to sorrows and death. Jesus went through the whole human experience. From family life, to hard work, lack of money, pain, humilation, despair and death.

Jesus did all that for us. Why?. Because Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

come and worship: worship as a way of life

 come and worship: worship as a way of life by ric gustafson

Worship is an essential element to the Christian life. Real acts of worship must be the overflow of a worshiping life. Worship is a life of praise. Worship is honor and adoration directed to God. Worship is giving something to God. Worship can be reflected in how we behave toward others. Evangelism is a form of acceptable worship. Worship involves our personal behavior. God wants us to walk as children of light. 

Worship is doing good, sharing our blessings and praising God. We are to honor and adore God in everything. Worship should touch each area of our life. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Worship the ultimate priority' by John MacArthur

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Diana's boys page 3

 Diana's boys page 3 by ric gustafson

Prince William heard a knock on his door at 7:00 am. Prince Charles walked in and sat at the edge of William's bed. When he saw his father, William knew something bad had happened to his mother. Charles told him what had happened in Paris. Father and son held each other and cried.

Charles and William entered Harry's bedroom. William woke up his younger brother. Charles and William explained to Harry that their mom had been in a serious car crash. They told Harry that her injuries were severe and that the hospital could not save her. Charles and his two sons embraced each other and cried.

They walked from the bedroom to a sitting room. They were greeted by the Queen and Prince Philip.

The Queen called the British Embassy in Paris and inquired if Diana had royal jewels in her possession when she died. Diana's younger brother Earl Spencer was notified. He had moved to South Africa to avoid the British Press. Spencer knew that the Press would kill his sister in the end.

With their lives in the public eye, William and Harry had become wary of the press.

That morning after telling the boys of their mother's death, they attended church with Charles, the Queen, Prince Andrew and a cousin Peter Phillips.

research help: ' Diana's Boys' by Christopher Andersen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Matthew 1:23

 Jesus: Matthew 1:23 by ric gustafson

So who is this Jesus Immanuel?. Immanuel means God with us. He dies to live to live again. He is buried to rise again. He hangs on a cross to help those in dread. He veils heaven in darkness so that he can give light. He makes the earth shake so he could make it strong. He rouses the sea so that he can calm it. He opens the tombs of the dead so he can show that they are the home of the living. He is born of a virgin so that people can believe he is born of God. 

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Avengers assembled page 1

 Avengers assembled page 1 by ric gustafson

' Why was I exiled here?'. Loki thought to himself. ' I bet Thor was the reason'.

Thor was spending most of his time on Midgard. He was Dr Donald Blake. Loki began to have resentment toward his brother. He decided to get back at him. But how?. Loki needed an ally to trap his brother.

One day, Loki saw a giant figure running across the desert. It was the Incredible Hulk. The giant was on the run trying to avoid the US military. Using the Hulk's rage and immense strength, Loki now had some leverage he could use against his brother.

Rick Jones was saved by Dr Banner from the bomb explosion. Rick was the only person who knew the Hulk's secret. The military wanted to capture the Hulk. Jones knew the truth. Jones knew that the Hulk was Dr Bruce Banner.

While Loki was trying to trap Thor, the Hulk was hiding at a circus. The creature tried to blend in by wearing a clown outfit and makeup. The ringmaster told the audience that the Hulk was a robot. The Hulk enjoyed the attention.

To get to the Hulk, Rick Jones was going to need some help.

research help: ' The Avengers Assembled' by David Betancourt

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: Hebrews 2:17

 Jesus: Hebrews 2:17 by ric gustafson

When God became a man, he became bound. Imprisoned in flesh. Tired and limited. Jesus never gave in to sin. Jesus did not use supernatural powers for personal comfort. According to Hebrews 2:17, therefore it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us his brothers and sisters so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. He then could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

come and worship: how shall we worship?

 come and worship: how shall we worship? by ric gustafson

Every aspect of the order of service is worship rendered to God. This includes music, praying, preaching and even the offering. Worship needs to be a participant's activity not a spectator sport. Worshiping God should be a church's ultimate priority. 

Scripture is sufficient to meet every need of our soul. There are biblical guidelines to worship. The first is preach the word. Preaching the Word should take first place. Another guideline is to edify the flock. Worship should be building up the flock not stirring emotions. True worship merges heart and mind. Another guideline is that we need to honor the Lord. Our worship should honor God. 

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Worship the ultimate priority' by John MacArthur

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: John 1:14

 Jesus: John 1:14 by ric gustafson

The Word was made flesh. This is so the wisdom of God could come within the reach of human beings. His Word is far beyond our comprehension. No creature can fully understand it's creator. But the Word Jesus put on a humble human form. 

Jesus humbled himself coming down to the lowest human level. According to John 1:14, and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Those who deny themselves will be raised up with him to the heights of heaven. It is not easy to abandon our self confidence. When we are weary of trying to prove ourselves, we can turn to Jesus.  Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: John1:1

 Jesus: John 1:1 by ric gustafson

In the beginning, the Word was with God. Man was subject to the pain of death. John 1:1 says In the beginning the Word already existed. Life itself was in him and this life gives light to everyone. Human nature wasn't eternal. The divine nature wasn't mortal. Who made the world exist by his Word?. who was pierced with the nails?. Whose body was beaten during Passion Week?. Whose body was glorified?.  Jesus is a servant. 

The cross is the cross of Jesus. Jesus is Lord. To the glory of God the Father.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Diana's boys page 2

 Diana's boys page 2 by ric gustafson

On the morning of August 31, 1997, 15 year old Prince William woke up. He sat upright in bed. He was tired from fishing with his father and his brother. Deep down inside, he knew something was wrong. He kept waking up the whole night with dread. His brother Harry was sleeping in a room down the hall. The boys had been enjoying their summer holiday at Balmoral with their father Prince Charles. After more than a month, both boys were anxious to be with their mother Diana.

Shortly after 1:00 am, the phone rang in Prince Charles's bedroom. It was the Queen's deputy private secretary. Robin Janvrin told Prince Charles that Diana was in an accident in Paris. Charles called Camilla Parker Bowles. She reassured him Diana always wore a seatbelt and that she would be fine.

When Charles found out that Diana had died on the operating table, he began crying. He was too distraught to speak. Charles told the news to his parents. The Queen and her husband Prince Philip came across as having a lack of emotion.

Charles called Camilla again. She told him to concentrate on the two boys. He was reminded that Diana would of done that with the boys. Prince Charles knew he had to tell them the news. He also knew he had to make plans.

research help: ' Diana's Boys' by Christopher Andersen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jesus: John 3:16

 Jesus: John 3:16 by ric gustafson

So how did God hold the world?. So how did God love the world?. God gave his only Son for everyone in the world forever. How did God give his Son?. God gave him birth as a man in order to be with us. God gave us his Son in death on a cross to take our sins upon himself. God gave us his Son to be on his throne in heaven to be our representative and our intercessor. God gave his Son in the out pouring of the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. 

According to John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

To those who love God, that is his promise to us. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Jesus' by Thomas Nelson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric