Do you believe in God? page 1

 Do you believe in God? page 1 by ric gustafson

My name is Misty Bernall. Tuesday April 20 1999 started like any other school day. My husband Brad Bernall left for work at 5:45 am. A little later, I woke up our kids. They were teenagers. It wasn't easy. My 15 year old son Chris gave me a peck on the cheek. He quickly left. My 17 year old daughter Cassie quickly put on her backpack. She said I love you and then left.

Our home was only 100 yards away from Columbine High School. I dressed, locked up the house and then drove to work.

Around lunchtime, I got a call from a friend asking if I had heard about a shooting at the high school. I said no. I called my husband Brad. Yes, he had heard the same thing.

When I arrived at the high school, it was complete chaos. There were hundreds of parents, relatives, police officers, reporters and onlookers. I ended up at the public library. It was like a battle zone. I ran around the library yelling for my children.

research help: ' she said Yes' by Misty Bernall

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Cain Abel sacrifice page 3

 Cain Abel sacrifice page 3 by ric gustafson 

Why was Cain's offering not accepted by God?. First, it appears Cain is keeping something in reserve. He is holding something back. What Cain offers God is not the highest quality. In Genesis 4, God says that Cain did not do what was right.

When God rejects Cain's offering, Cain begins to fester rebellion and resentment. God warns Cain that sin is crouching at the door. God wants Cain to remain acceptable and productive.

Cain does not listen to God. He begins a perverse relationship with Satan. With free will, Cain lets Satan have free will with his life. The Cain Abel narrative is work as sacrifice.

Some sacrifices are acceptable. Some are not. Cain's greatest sin to God is holding back. He failed to offer God his best. We need to always offer God our best.

research help: ' We Who Wrestle With God' by Jordan B Peterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God: God is good

 God: God is good by ric gustafson

It's easy to say God is good when things are going great. It's another story when things are not going well in our life. When bad things happen in our life, it is easy to doubt God's goodness. Is God angry with us?. Is he punishing us?. Is God angry waiting to punish us?. 

Jesus in Matthew 19 tells us that his heavenly Father is good. Jesus tells us his Father is always good and is always out for our good.

God is not in the business of you get what you deserve. God treats all people the same. God is just.

The simple truth is Jesus lives in me. I live by faith. I am a human being with limited understanding. But I know that God loves me and takes care of me every day. 

research help: ' the good and beautiful God' by James Bryan Smith

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Cain Abel and sacrifice page 2

 Cain Abel and sacrifice page 2 by ric gustafson

So why did God accept Abel's sacrifice?. According to Genesis 4, Abel was a keeper of sheep. Abel was a shepherd. A shepherd was a metaphor for spiritual leadership. A shepherd has a close relationship to the character of God.

Shepherds had a harsh life. They worked in a difficult environment. They protected their flocks from predators. Working outside, they had to endure extremes of heat and cold.

Jesus in John 10 calls himself the Good Shepherd. Because of covenant, Abel's sacrifice was accepted. In Genesis 4, God tells Cain his sacrifice would been accepted if he only did what was right.

So what was Abel's sacrifice that was pleasing to God?.  Simply Abel worked honestly and hard. He sacrificed to God his flocks firstborn. This firstborn was of the highest quality. The firstborn of his flock was without blemish. It was the perfect offering to God. Abel offered God the fat of his flock.

The aroma pleased God.

research help: ' We Who Wrestle With God' by Jordan B Peterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 18

 the end of days page 18 by ric gustafson

Carlo and Rory quietly walked up to ten feet of the fence.

The crowd chanted. " Hail Carlo".

Then a loud voice rang out. " Woe to the enemy of the most High God".

Carlo grinned. " I am not the enemy of God". He pointed toward the crowd. " I am God".

Carlo recognized the other voice.

" A sword will pierce your head and you shall die".

Carlo frowned. " I have heard enough of your lies".

" Until the due time" exclaimed the loud voice. " You have no authority over God".

Carlo grinned again. " I shall win over you two".

" Who wins was determined before the beginning of time".

Carlo smiled at the two. " We shall see".

research help: ' Apollyon' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Cain Abel and sacrifice page 1

 Cain Abel and sacrifice page 1 by ric gustafson

Cain and Abel were the first true human beings. Both of these men worked, Both have occupations. Cain was a tiller of the ground. Abel was a shepherd. Abel was a keeper of flocks. 

Cain and Abel were born in conflict with each other. This conflict is a dramatization of human destiny. Good and evil ran through their hearts. It was sibling rivalry at it's worst.

With sibling rivalry comes a negative outcome. Cain being a farmer and Abel a rancher is sibling rivalry at a distant social level. Cain and Abel are a distal social struggle.

The story of Cain and Abel is conflict. This conflict is constant. This conflict has a pattern. This conflict is common in families with siblings.

The story of Cain and Abel is a story of good and bad.

research help: ' We Who Wrestle With God' by Jordan B Peterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: John 15:5

 Trusting God: John 15:5 by ric gustafson

God wants to help us with everything. Things that seem too big for us. Things that seem less significant. God wants to help us when we feel desperate. We want to figure things out ourselves. But God says let me handle it for you. 

The truth is we are always desperate for God. John 15 says apart from me you can do nothing. In faith with God, we can do anything. All God asks is that we invite him into every area of our life.

God promises to do the rest. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 17

 the end of days page 17 by ric gustafson

Carlo and Rory were discussing One World financial projects. Rory was now an advisor for the One World financial network.

Carlo's phone rang. " Yes".

" Sir, I think you should see this".

Carlo and Rory walked into a cramped weather room. 

An assistant pointed at a global weather screen. " Sir, giant hailstones have been coming down from the sky".

Carlo sneered. " We've seen hailstones before".

" Sir, these hailstones have fire shooting out of them".

" What!". Carlo gave Rory a shocked stare. " Rory, what do you make of this?".

Rory had a worried look. " My mom told me about trumpet judgments".

The assistant looked up from his headphones. " Sir, I'm now getting reports of blood pouring from the sky".

Carlo frowned. " Blood?".

" Yes Sir, my report is of a third of all the trees and grass in the world being burnt up".

" Rory". Carlo gave Rory a defiant look. " We will not be beaten".

research help: ' Soul Harvest' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: Romans 1:17

 Trusting God: Romans 1:17 by ric gustafson

This verse from Romans 1 teaches us that we need to live from faith to faith. Every challenge, every decision everything we must do with faith. 

Thinking faith to faith is hard because we are doubtful and fearful. Living by faith must be a conscious decision we must make. Faith is a choice to put our faith in God. The more we practice that, the more natural it will become. We can start trusting God for little things. Then we can trust God for big things. 

God loves you more than anything else.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my Father: the identity building Father

 my Father: the identity building Father by ric gustafson

Sons become confident because fathers build confidence in them. Fathers see the potential. They develop that potential in their sons. 

First, we need to find our identity as a son of the living God. We need to become like God's son. Then we need the power of the Holy Spirit. Our core identity must be who we are in Jesus. 

Because of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross, we were purchased by God and forgiven of our sins. And now because of our faith in Jesus, we inherit life. We must study God's Word. As one of God's sons, we are called to be workers and providers. As God's sons, we are called to be warriors. 

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Like Father Like Son' by Pete Alwinson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my Father: the approval giving Father

 my Father: the approval giving Father by ric gustafson

Do you work hard to get other people's approval?. It can become an addiction. To be addicted to your ambitions and to strive for people's approval. Worth from approval could become an addiction. It could affect your decision making and affect your relationships. 

In the beginning, Adam had that drive for approval. But sin came and disconnected, broke and twisted that identity as sons. When we don't think we have God's approval, we turn to work instead. Without that identity as a son of God, we strive for success and achievement ourselves. 

How do we break this cycle?. It's simple. We need to turn back to God. We need God's approval instead of our own. To get God's approval, we need to believe in his Son Jesus. 

We need grace not guilt. God loves us more than anything else.

research: ' Like Father Like Son' by Pete Alwinson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my Father: the welcoming Father

 my Father: the welcoming Father by ric gustafson

Children want their earthly fathers to hold them, give them smiles and hug them. Children just want to know that they are wanted and welcomed into their families.

God as our Heavenly Father shows his love for his children more than anybody else. We want God's love. We want God's embrace. In Luke 15, we have the story of the prodigal son. He took his inheritance money from his father and spent it all. Hungry, he decides to go back home. 

Did the young man's father reject him when he went home?. No, instead the father had compassion in his heart. He welcomed the return of his son. When you come home, confess your sins and then trust in Jesus's death for righteousness. 

Then God the Father will embrace and kiss you. You were lost and now found. We have access to the Father through Jesus the Son. To God the Father who welcomes us, we are everything to him.

research help: ' Like Father Like Son' by Pete Alwinson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 16

 the end of days page 16 by ric gustafson

Rory walked into the One World auditorium. He sat down in an open seat in the third row. His mother had tried to convince him not to come. He came anyway. He wanted to listen to his master.

After a while, Mr Simpato's assistant walked up to the podium. " Please rise for your Excellency".

Carlo Simpato, wearing a dark blue suit, slowly walked up to the podium. He took a sip of water. " Brothers and sisters of the One World community". He frowned. " I come before you after this horrible act of nature".

Rory and the crowd chanted. " Please save us".

" We are already rebuilding". He smiled. " Our Global Community will be stronger than before".

Rory and the crowd clapped.

" I have been hearing that this global earthquake is part of the Wrath of the Lamb".

Rory and the crowd chanted. " Save us Carlo".

" I cannot believe a loving God would send this disaster".

" We love you Carlo".

Carlo raised a hand to quiet the crowd. " Let us unite and come together to unify the Global Community".

Rory and the crowd stood up, raised their arms and praised Carlo.

research help: ' Soul Harvest' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McCartney page13

 McCartney page 13 by ric gustafson

After the band's horrible Scottish tour, new drummer Tommy Moore quit. The group again was drummer less. Allan Williams kept the band employed playing in the basement club of his coffee bar. Then the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself to the band.

In Hamburg Germany, a club owner named Bruno Koschmider asked Williams if a Liverpool band wanted to play at his establishment. It was called the ' Kaiserkeller'. It was to be a 6 week engagement. Williams asked the ' Silver Beatles' about the engagement. The band said yes. The band still needed a drummer.

One night, the band visited a coffee bar. It was called the ' Casbah'. It was run by a female named Mona Best. There they watched a band called the ' Blackjacks'. They intently watched the drummer. His name was Pete Best. He was the son of Mona Best.

When the band arrived in Hamburg Germany, the band's name had changed to just the ' Beatles'. There was already a band playing at the Kaiserkeller. It was a band from Liverpool. The band was called ' Derry and the Seniors'. It was determined that the ' Beatles' would play at a venue called the ' Indra'.

research help: ' Paul McCartney the Life' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric 

my Father: the Father who knows you

 my Father: the Father who knows you by ric gustafson

Some earthly father and son relationships are not good. Some sons are never called sons by their earthly fathers. It doesn't have to be that way.

The truth is we have a heavenly Father who treats us like a son. He knows us inside and outside. He treats us like a well loved son. God is our dearly loved Father.

God wants us to call him Daddy or Abba. We have a total love of a perfect Father. 

Human dads are limited and finite. They can give love but not infinite love. They can give wisdom but not infinite wisdom. Dads can give temporal help but not eternal salvation. 

God wants to be a Father who wants to be known. 

Sons want to love and know their fathers. God is known through his Son Jesus.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Like Father Like Son' by Pete Alwinson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Aimee Semple McPherson page 2

 Aimee Semple McPherson page 2 by ric gustafson

One night in December 1907, 17 year old Aimee asked her father to stop at a small white church. He had taken her to a theater rehearsal. On the way home, Aimee asked her father to stop in front of a small church. Aimee had read in the newspaper that a ' Holy Ghost' revival would be at that church that following evening. Aimee's father reluctantly agreed.

The next night, Aimee and her father sat down in the small church's last pew. Aimee, wearing a hat bedecked with flowers, watched with joy farmers and dairy workers praising God from the pews. Aimee smiled as she observed the people shouting, testifying and praying.

Then Aimee watched as the preacher stepped up to the front of the church. He was a 6 foot 2 Irishman with bright blue eyes. As he preached about saints and sinners, Aimee was spellbound. Aimee was riveted to the young male preacher. She felt that he was talking only to her. That God was speaking only to her. For Aimee, it felt like a revelation.

research help: ' Sister Sinner' by Claire Hoffman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Love Lucy page 1

 Love Lucy page 1 by ric gustafson

My name is Lucie Arnaz

I lost my father on Dec 2 1986. I lost my mother on April 26 1989. For me and my brother Desi, the mourning has been difficult. My parents divorced in the late fifties. Both remarried. Both second marriages lasted over 20 years. 

My father's second wife Edie died in 1985. When my father died in 1986, my brother and I were his only heirs. When my mother died in 1989, Desi and I became heirs of her estate. Desi and I had to deal with both estates in three years. Life goes on.

With the help of a Mrs Hoffman, my mother transcribed her life for two years. These were interview sessions. What came of it was an autobiography. Childhood friends and people from my mother's hometown of Jamestown New York.

This is my mother's story. Told by Lucille Ball in her own words.

research help: ' Love Lucy' by Lucille Ball

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Kingdom of Cain page 4

 Kingdom of Cain page 4 by ric gustafson

Both Abel and Cain brought an offering to God. Cain worked the soil. His offering was some of the fruits of the soil. Abel was a shepherd. His offering was fat portions of his flock. So why did God reject Cain's offering?.

From few words written, there have been some theories. One is that Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. To God, this was a more valuable offering. Cain on the other hand offered to God some fruits of the soil. To God, this offering was casual and thoughtless. This is just a theory. 

Some people say that faith determined Abel's offering over Cain's. Just a theory.

God's Word says without faith it is impossible to please God. 

Cain's murder of his brother was a rejection of God.

Next, we are going to look in depth at the sacrifice made by Cain and Abel.

The End

research help: ' The Kingdom of Cain' by Andrew Klavan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Kingdom of Cain page 3

 Kingdom of Cain page 3 by ric gustafson

In the 17th Century, there was a story called ' Paradise Lost'. It was written by a poet named John Milton. In the story, Satan was a rebel angel. Satan was seeking freedom from God's dominion. In vengeance for his misery, Satan tried to destroy Adam and Eve.

George Gordon Lord Byron wrote a closet drama called ' Cain a mystery'. Byron's Cain is angry at God. To Cain, God was unfair to him. In the story, Satan takes Cain on a tour of the vast abyss of space. Satan shows Cain that God has dealt injustice. Satan shows Cain that God has unleashed a violent natural process that destroys as much as it makes.

From this vision, Cain is embittered and enraged. When God rejects Cain's sacrifice, Cain kills his brother. 

Without God, there is no objective good and evil. That's life. 

The knowledge of good and evil is a curse.

research help: ' The Kingdom of Cain' by Andrew Klavan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my Father: the Irreplaceable Father

 my Father: the Irreplaceable Father by ric gustafson

Fathers are important. Some men had a good relationship with their earthly father. Some men did not. The good news is that we have a perfect Father in heaven. God is our Father. He is the most important Father we have. God is our Father he is irreplaceable. 

All men want a good relationship with their earthly father. Some have some have not. Without that love from an earthly father, some men become lost and wounded. Then God the Father became my Father. With God as my Father, I was loved and valued. That relationship with God my Father will never end. I don't want it to end either. 

A Father son relationship started with Adam and God. We were born in God's image with his intellect, emotions and will. Then Adam had a ruined relationship with God. Because of God's Son Jesus, that relationship was restored. 

Yes our earthly father was important to us, but in Jesus we have all we need. Our Heavenly Father loves us, he accepts us and we are his beloved son. 

research help: ' Like Father like Son' by Pete Alwinson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Aimee Semple McPherson page 1

 Aimee Semple McPherson page 1 by ric gustafson

19 year old Mildred Kennedy was walking through the wilderness of southwestern Ontario. She was holding her baby. She named her daughter ' Aimee'. Her destination was the Salvation Army Barracks. On October 9 1890, Mildred Kennedy dedicated her daughter Aimee as salvation of the world.

Mildred Kennedy joined the Salvation Army at the age of 12. She dropped out of school. Even though her mother passed away, Mildred spent all of her time with Salvationists in London Ontario.

At the age of 15, Mildred married 50 year old James Kennedy. The Salvation Army became the Kennedy's life. 5 miles from Salvation Army Headquarters was the James Kennedy farm. James was a Methodist. Mildred was a Salvationist. On the farm, there was no drinking, smoking or dancing. 

Young Aimee loved the farm. As a teenager, Aimee was pretty and popular. On the outside, Aimee was perfect. On the inside, Aimee was miserable. She felt that she had lost her connection to God.

research help: ' Sister Sinner' by Claire Hoffman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 15

the end of days page 15 by ric gustafson

Rory ran into the collapsed hallway. He slowly made his way toward his mother's apartment. He noticed a huge crater in the middle of the street. He stopped at apartment 15. The door was ajar.

" Mother" Rory yelled loudly. He entered the apartment. The small apartment was a shambles. The roof had collapsed. Concrete littered the floor. " Mother, where are you?".

" Rory, I'm in here".

Rory walked over and opened a closet door. Inside was his terrified mother.

" Oh Rory". She crawled out and hugged her son. " I warned you the wrath of the Lamb was coming".

Rory shook his head. " Mother, this is not the wrath of Jesus".

" Rory, this is the wrath of the Lamb based on Revelation".

Rory again shook his head. " Mother, this was just a natural occurance".

" Rory, I believe this was predicted in Revelation".

" Mother, this was not caused by the God you believe in".

She began to cry. " Rory, I worry about your eternal destination".

" Mother, don't worry about me". Rory smiled. " Carlo will take care of me".

research help: ' Soul Harvest' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Kingdom of Cain page 2

Kingdom of Cain page 2 by ric gustafson

There is a natural pattern to every person's life. There is birth, a rise, a fall. And then there is an aftermath. We are born, reach our prime, fade and then die. 

The story of Cain and Abel in the Old Testament sets the pattern. It was the first story of man born after the fall.

Adam and Eve's first son was Cain. Cain offered the fruit of the ground to God. Cain's brother Abel offered fat portions of the firstborn of his flock. God favored Abel's offering. Not Cain's. This made Cain angry.

One day out in the field, Cain killed his brother Abel. 

God asked Cain. " Where is your brother?".

Cain replied. " I don't know Am I my brother's keeper?".

God knew what had happened. God put a curse on Cain. God put a mark on Cain. That way no one would kill him. 

Cain left God's presence. Cain began living in the land of Nod. He built a city. 

Cain's descendants created new ways of life.

research help: ' Kingdom of Cain' by Andrew Klavan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 14

the end of days page 14 by ric gustafson

It was late afternoon. Rory yawned as he stopped at a red light. He was heading back to the office after an afternoon meeting. He was tired.

His mother had been telling him about his new boss Carlo Simpato. She was worried that he was the AntiChrist. He shrugged off this notion. Carlo was just trying to help the One World not hurt it.

As he drove, Rory stared through the windshield. He could already see the moon. It looked red. At one point as he drove, a small piece of concrete hit the hood. 

" What in the world?".

Then a larger chunk hit the roof. Then Rory noticed office buildings beginning to sway and shake. Pieces from the buildings shattered to the ground.

As Rory kept driving, the earth began to shake. A long fissure began to form in front of Rory's car. Rory stomped on the brakes. The car went head first into the fissure. Rory got out and crawled to the top of the fissure. Rory ran toward a nearby office building. Rory was scared. It was night time dark out even though it was only late afternoon.

Upon reaching the safety of the office building wall, Rory stared at the blood red moon. Then Rory screamed and ducked. A huge flaming rock just missed hitting Rory.

Rory looked upward toward heaven. " God, I curse you". Rory began to pray. " Carlo, please save me".

Eventually, the destruction stopped. The late afternoon sun came back out.

research help: ' Nicolae' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: Galatians 3:28

 Trusting God: Galatians 3:28 by ric gustafson

Who are you?. Would you list the things you do?. Would you describe the roles you play in life?. Most people would describe what they did?. But would you tell who you are?.

As a believer, it is important to understand who you are in Jesus. Our identity in Jesus. When we become a believer in Jesus, God sees us as made right with Jesus. We are in Jesus. Being in Jesus also means that we are also now a child of God. Being a child of God, we are valuable. 

We are more than our job and accomplishments. Our identity comes from Jesus. We are nothing. In Jesus, we are everything.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Madeleine Talmage Force page 3

 Madeleine Talmage Force page 3 by ric gustafson

Well Jakey, in July 1910 our family was enjoying our summer. Everything was exactly where it should be. Even though it is our summer residence, your father was still sending me flowers every day. One night at the Beau Desert was a huge party. At one point, I walked outside into a splendid garden. A string trio was playing. Then, I noticed someone quietly walking toward me. I smiled. It was your father.

The Colonel and I studied each other. His hair looked the same as the previous evening. He was wearing the same ebony tailcoat. 

Jakey, I think of flowers. I think about all the flowers your father always sent me. I also think about all the lilies that was around your father's casket.

The next time I saw your father, it was at the Robin Hood Park Raceway. Father and I were watching the horse races. Colonel Astor walked up and introduced his son Vincent. I introduced my father William Force. 

A photographer nearby noticed us and took a picture. Your father invited my family to stay with them at their cottage over the weekend. My father accepted the offer.

research help: ' The Second Mrs Astor' by Shana Abe

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 13

 the end of days page 13 by ric gustafson

Carlo watched as some of his followers slowly approached the fence.

" And it shall come to pass in the last days says God that I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh".

" We all know that you are quoting from Acts". Carlo began walking toward the fence. " What you are saying is nothing new".

" Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy".

Carlo looked at his followers. " Are you believing these two?".

" Your young men shall see visions".

" Stop scaring my followers".

" Your old men shall dream dreams".

" Are you going to listen to me?". Carlo stared at his followers. " Or these two?".

His followers yelled. " You Carlo".

" I will show signs in the earth beneath blood, fire and vapor of smoke".

Carlo shook his head and began walking away. " I have had enough of the two of you".

One of the two shook a bony finger at Carlo. " The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon into blood".

research help: ' Nicolae' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McCartney page 12

 McCartney page 12 by ric gustafson

John, Paul and George liked to hang out at a small coffee bar in Slater Street. It was called the ' Jacaranda'. There they could get toast and jam for 5 old pennies. The business belonged to a 30 year old named Allan Williams. Williams was a chunky Welsh with candy hair and a black beard.

Williams encouraged the band to decide on a name. Because of Buddy Holly's Crickets a name was picked. They named the group the ' Silver Beatles'. But the group still did not have a drummer. 

Stu Sutcliffe was not as good on Hofner bass as they had hoped. But Stu was John's friend. Paul was not happy with his playing.

One group John and Paul enjoyed watching was Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. Also a former skiffle group now called Gerry and the Pacemakers.

One day, the Silver Beatles acquired a new drummer. His name was Tommy Moore. The band, now with new confidence decided to try a tour of Scotland. It did not go well.

research help: ' Paul McCartney the Life' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Kingdom of Cain page 1

 Kingdom of Cain page 1 by ric gustafson

It is hard to rejoice in a world of darkness. There is present wickedness in this world. But there is comfort that God is in control. God will make things right in the end.

It is hard to let go pain, physical and emotional trauma. In our mourning, Jesus wept. As believers in God, we must follow moral order. Morality is a spiritual truth. There is good and evil. 

Evil is everywhere. It is part of our atmosphere. It is the air we breathe. Jesus called this the ' World'. Murder is evil. So the question is what is evil?.

The good news is that there is a moral order in Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke of love. Not desire and death. To do evil is opposition to Jesus's moral order. 

To God, every person is dear to him. To murder someone is evil. It is an offence to God. The opposite of murder is creation. The evil in this dark and scary world is the Kingdom of Cain.

Abel's blood cried out. God heard it.

research help: ' The Kingdom of Cain' by Andrew Klavan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Madeleine Talmage Force page 2

 Madeleine Talmage Force page 2 by ric gustafson

Well Jakey your father had been noticing me for weeks. Even though he is likely the richest man in America, I felt his gaze. I knew your father was divorced and almost 30 years older than I. 

One weekend, Colonel Astor invited my parents and I to his home in Bar Harbor Maine. We enjoyed a dance, seven course meals and a steam yacht ride. At one point Jakey, the Colonel caught me reading a book of Grecian poetry in his library.

Jakey, In June 1907, I saw your father on Bailey Beach in Newport Rhode Island. Because he was with his mother, I only got a glance at him. 

Well Jakey when I was 17, our Junior League was doing a play. I was in the cast. Two of our performing dates was in Bar Harbor Maine. I was hoping to see your father. At one point, I looked out into the audience. I smiled. Your father was sitting front and center. Later, he came back and introduced himself. It was a brief hello. 

After that night, I began receiving daily flowers from your father.

research help: ' The Second Mrs Astor' by Shana Abe

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Madeleine Talmage Force page 1

 Madeleine Talmage Force page 1 by ric gustafson

August 23 1912

I love you Jakey. You have his eyes and fair hair. Your father was tall over everyone. He stole my heart. I see you in your bassinet. You are so tiny and tranquil. I am sad that you will never know your father. Even after four months, I am sad. Jack will never see you smile or take your first steps. You will never have a single memory of your father.

So Jakey, I am going to tell you how I met your father. I want you to hear my memories of him. I loved your father John Jacob Astor.

I will start at the beginning.

research help: ' The Second Mrs Astor' by Shana Abe

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 12

 the end of days page 12 by ric gustafson

Rory walked into the apartment. His mother was putting a plate of roast on the table. " Hello Mother".

He gave her a peck on the cheek.

" Hi Rory" She sat down and turned on the tv. " Dinner is ready".

He sat down. He dished out two plates of roast, vegetables and potatoes. " How was bible study today?".

" Fine, we are studying the wrath of the lamb Revelation 6".

" Please Mother". Rory shook his head. " Wrath of the lamb?".

On the tv, Rory's mother watched the chaos happening around the world. " Rory, why do you follow that madman?".

He took a bite of his roast. " Mother, he's trying to save the world from destruction".

" Rory, we have been studying the book of Revelation and the AntiChrist".

Rory took a bite of potatoes. " AntiChrist?".

" Rory, I worry that this Simpato you follow is the AntiChrist".

" Mother". Rory again shook his head. " How can someone trying to save the world be an AntiChrist?".

" Rory, when do you need to get back to work?".

Rory looked at his watch. " Actually, right now". He got up from the table. " Thank you for dinner".

" Rory, promise me you will think about what I said".

He gave her a peck on the cheek. " I promise".

research help: ' Nicolae' by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

U-505 page 8

U-505 page 8 by ric gustafson

On April 4 1942, U-505 sinks a Dutch merchant ship. It was the ' Alphacca'. It was kill number 4 for the U-505. Loewe decides to head for home. On the way back to the port of Lorient, the boat is constantly fighting, dealing with scurvy, British bombers and warships. 

On May 7 1942, the U-505 reaches the Bay of Biscay. After 84 days at sea, the crew needed to shave and shower. On shore, the boat's crew were eager for a mail call. The boat went into dry dock for routine repairs. The equipment was tested. Engine oil was changed. The boat was safe. The U-boat bunkers were protected by reinforced concrete.

By June 7 1942, U-505's rest and relaxation month was over. The crew had to report back to duty. It was time to start their second wartime patrol. 

Under cover of darkness, the U-505 quietly left the Bay of Biscay. After 6 days, the boat approached the Azores. All was well. Then Loewe told the crew where their next assignment was. With a smile, Loewe tells the crew that the U-505 was heading for the Caribbean.

research help: ' Codename Nemo' by Charles Lachman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Creations: Jewelry

 God's Creations: Jewelry by ric gustafson

The earliest we know about jewelry is the Paleolithic Middle East. As early as 135,000 years ago, people made beads out of sea snail shells. Spain created jewelry as early as 50,000 years ago. They made jewelry as protection from evil or as a mark of status or rank.

Over the years, people have fashioned jewelry from bone, stone, wood, shell, feathers and teeth. By 3,000 BC, ancient Egyptians began crafting gold and silver jewelry. The Egyptians believed that gemstones carried certain mystical powers. 

God created jewelry. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' 1001 ideas that changed the way we think' by Robert Arp

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 11

 the end of days page 11 by ric gustafson

Rory was sitting in a new auditorium built by One World. He was watching his new leader.

" I want to thank everyone who is helping One World become a one currency society".

Rory's cell phone rang. " Hello".

" I will be initiating a tax on all electronic money transfers".

" Hi Mom".

" I have many ambitious plans for the One World global community".

" Yes, i will come visit after the conference is over".

" One plan is to have all commerce, industry and all media be under One World control".

" We love you" chanted the crowd.

" Bye mother".

" I will take care of you forever". Carlo stretched out his arms. " You believe that don't you".

Rory stretched out his arms. " We love you Carlo".

The crowd began chanting and dancing in the aisles.

research help: ' Nicolae' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: Galatians 3:28

 Trusting God: Galatians 3:28 by ric gustafson

Who are you?. You could say the roles you have in life. I am a student I am a banker I am a minister. But that doesn't say who you are. Galatians 3 says for you all are all one in Christ Jesus. 

As a believer, we must understand who we are in Jesus. We must understand our identity in Jesus. As believers, we are in Jesus. In Christ, we have rights and privileges. We are the children of God.

As a child of God, we are valuable. Our identity comes from Jesus.

Jesus loves us more than anything else. 

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 10

 the end of days page 10 by ric gustafson

Rory was sitting in the audience watching as his leader walked up to the podium.

Carlo took a sip from a bottled water. " Citizens of the One World community".

Rory and the others listened with great intent.

" I just heard the news of a plot to overthrow me".

" No" yelled the crowd.

" I am a man of peace". Carlo slammed a fist on the podium. " But as your leader I cannot let this rebellion continue".

Rory smiled in agreement.

" Exactly four hours ago, major cities all over the world were decimated by nuclear bombs".

Rory knew his bank supplied the funding for those bombs.

" I plan no more attacks unless I need to". Carlo's voice got louder. " But if I am provoked". Carlo frowned at the crowd. " I will not hesitate to use force".

Carlo and the crowd stood clapping their support.

" Thank you for your support and approval". Carlo stepped down and began shaking hands.

Rory's admiration for his new leader just grew.

research help: ' Nicolae' by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 9

 the end of days page 9 by ric gustafson

Carlo walked outside. He immediately noticed what the trouble was.

Standing next to the Wailing Wall were the two witnesses.

Carlo yelled to two nearby soldiers. " Kill them".

As the two soldiers advanced toward the witnesses, one of the witnesses pointed a bony finger. The two soldiers were burned into ash.

Thousands of Carlo's followers stepped back.

One of the witnesses pointed at Carlo. " Someday you will desecrate and defile this Temple".

" That is not true". Carlo grinned. " Is there anyone brave enough to shoot down these two?".

The other witness pointed at Carlo. " Dwell in the Temple of the Holy Spirit not in man made temples".

Carlo stared at his followers. " Do you want to listen to them or me?".

" You Carlo you".

One of the two witnesses pointed at Carlo's followers. " There are no Gods other than the True God".

research help: ' Tribulation Force' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 8

 the end of days page 8 by ric gustafson

Rory was installing some software into a computer. He heard the steel door close.

" How is it going Rory?".

" Fine Mr Simpato". He gave his new boss a tired smile. " With offerings from your faithful followers, your financial network will be just fine".

" Good". He patted Rory's shoulder. " You are doing a great job".

" Thank you". Rory yawned. " Your new headquarters in Babylon City will work out ok".

" Thank you Rory".

A loud voice cried from outside. " Carlo, you defiler of this Temple".

Rory gave Carlo a startled look. " Who's that?".

" I don't know". Carlo walked toward the door. " But whoever it is they will wish they never tangled with me".

research help: ' Tribulation Force' by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: Ephesians 6:18

 Trusting God: Ephesians 6:18 by ric gustafson

God wants us to talk with him all the time. It makes us feel good knowing someone cares for us. Ephesians 6 says pray at all times. The good thing about praying to God is that you can pray to him anytime anywhere. God wants us to be unceasing in prayer. To do that, we can pray all day every day. 

We can pray silently or loudly. We can pray prayers of praise and thanksgiving. 

God wants us to pray constantly to him. He loves us more than anything else. 

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 7

 the end of days page 7 by ric gustafson

Rory sat in his office chair. He was staring through a dark office window. The office was dark. He closed his eyes to take a quick nap. He heard his office door open. He opened his eyes. He smiled. He recognized the tall lanky man with piercing blue eyes.

" Hello Rory". Carlo Simpato smiled. " I'm sorry to bother you this late at night".

Rory yawned. " I was just taking a little nap Mr Simpato".

" I know your tired". He grinned. " And how is your mother?".

Rory looked surprised. " How do you know about my mother?".

" Rory, I know a lot about you". A shy grin came to Carlo's face. " In fact, I have a proposition for you".

Rory yawned again. " Any deal I would have to talk it over with Mr Harris".

" I don't think you have to worry about that Rory".

" And why not?".

" I bought your bank this morning". Carlo smiled. " As of right now, you work for me".

" Ok, what do you want me to do for you?".

" Rory, I have a plan".

research help: ' Tribulation Force' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: Psalm 30:5

 Trusting God: Psalm 30:5 by ric gustafson

God wants us to celebrate life not mourn it. There is a time to mourn. God does not want it to become a way of life. Psalm 30 says that weeping endures for a night. Then joy comes in the morning. Things happen in life where we need to mourn. Then joy needs to return. We must let joy come back after mourning. 

Life is dealing with sadness and disappointment. We cannot avoid them. But we can recover from that with joy. Mourning is proper and part of our healing. It cannot last forever. God wants us to have joy in the morning. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 6

 the end of days page 6 by ric gustafson

Rory nervously drank from his water glass. He wasn't sure what he was doing there. Just then, he noticed a dark haired man enter the restaurant. The man walked up to Rory. " Good evening Rory".

" Hello Mr Gambino".

A waiter walked over to the table. " Anything to drink".

Mr Gambino looked at Rory. " I'll just have water also".

" Very good".

" Did Mr Harris explain why I wanted to see you in private?".

" No not really".

" Rory, my boss is very interested in you".

" Me?". 

Mr Gambino turned to the bartender. " Roger, can you turn the TV on to the global news?".

" Sure".

" Rory, please watch".

The two men ordered dinner and then watched the global news.

Later

" Well Rory, what did you think?".

" I noticed two strange looking men standing by the Wailing Wall".

" Actually Rory". Mr Gambino frowned. " It is because of them that we need your help".

" Ok".

" And your bank's financial resources".

research help: ' Tribulation Force' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: Colossians 1:17-18

 Trusting God: Colossians 1: 17-18 by ric gustafson

We need to give God our all. We need to in order to get our souls at rest. The Apostle Paul taught that everyone needs to dedicate 100 percent of themselves to God for his will and use. If we refuse to do that, God will find someone else to work through. 

God is not looking for people with amazing abilities. God is looking for someone to simply do his will gladly and with joy. Is that person you?.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 5

 the end of days page 5 by ric gustafson

Rory and his co worker Alan Saxton entered the conference room. They sat down. 

" Morning". Jim Harris sipped coffee from a large blue mug. " Thank you for coming to this meeting on short notice".

Alan spoke up. " Why are we here Mr Harris?".

A minute later, a dark haired gentleman entered the room. He put a briefcase on the conference table. " My name is Larry Gambino".

Mr Harris smiled. " Thank you for coming Mr Gambino".

" I represent the One World Financial Network".

Rory looked surprised. " One World?".

" My boss started this financial network". His voice hesitated. " So that a system of banks around the world could promote peace and good will".

Rory raised his hand. " Who is your boss?".

" I'm sure you seen him a lot on television lately". Mr Gambino smiled at Rory. " My boss is Carlo Simpato".

research help: ' Tribulation Force' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: I Peter 5:7

 Trusting God: I Peter 5:7 by ric gustafson

God does not want us to worry. It can become a stronghold in our life. We need God to break out of that habit. God says to us I will solve your problems. Nothing is outside of God's control. Worrying is useless. God says we can ponder things. But God does not want us to worry. We can spend much time on worrying and fearing. I Peter 5:7 says give me all your worries. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Creations: Trade

 God's Creations: Trade by ric gustafson

The first exchange of goods or services started long before written history. Trade started as far back as 150,000 years back. When cities started, trade started. Food and an agricultural society started. Because of food, toolmaking and weaving started. Eventually, trade routes started linking urban centers. 

Trade drives economies, social interactions, political change and the spread of ideas, languages, goods and wealth. 

God created trade. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' 1001 ideas that changed the way we think' by Robert Arp

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 4

 the end of days page 4 by ric gustafson

Rory walked into his mother's hospital room. She was sitting up in the bed. " Good morning mother". He gave her a peck on the cheek. " How are you feeling?".

" Better". She bit into a bagel. " My headache and the throbbing are gone".

" Guess who's room is just two doors down?".

" Who?".

He turned on the TV. The national news was on. " My new boss Jim Harris and his wife".

" Why are they here?".

" Their son vanished yesterday". Rory's voice hushed. " Just like my father did".

As Emily kept eating, the two watched chaos happening all over the world.

Emily looked at her son. " I don't understand what you see in Carlo Simpato".

" After what happened yesterday". Rory frowned. " Mr Simpato is just trying to keep the world together".

" Rory, our bible study group is studying Revelation".

He frowned at his mother. " So?".

" I believe what happened yesterday was called the Rapture".

" I don't want to hear about it" he retorted. " How could a loving God take my father away like that".

research help: ' Left Behind' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric