James: James 1:1

 James: James 1:1 by ric gustafson

James the brother of Jesus was writing to believers. Early believers had to leave Jerusalem because of increased persecution. These believers had to leave behind everything. Because they had to leave, the gospel was spread through the known world. James was writing to those facing various trials. James was helping those with stress and other pressures. These people were uprooted and had to leave. They were facing stress and added pressure. James helped them with their struggles.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' The James Code' by O.S. Hawkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Abide in Jesus: Jesus the Life

 Abide in Jesus: Jesus the Life by ric gustafson

We all have needs in order to thrive in each stage of life. We have physical needs including food, shelter and water. We need attachment. We need parents or a primary caregiver. If we have needs that need to be met, God promises to help us. He might send someone into our life to help us. Maturity is based on secured love. We want to know that we are ok and that everything will be ok. 

God wants us to truly know him. Then spiritual maturity can happen. Then we can be transformed into the image of God. Joy and stability comes with maturity. When Jesus is the source of our life, joy will be complete. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Abide' by Heather Khym

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

David 2022 page 6

 David 2022 page 6 by ric gustafson

David looked toward a forest called Horesh. He and his men were hiding from King Saul in a stronghold called Hakilah. Just then, Hurai walked up with three men. David recognized the two scouts. The third man was hidden behind the other two. He stepped forward.

" Hello David".

" Jonathan". David embraced his friend. " How I have missed you".

" You look thin my friend". He smiled. " All this running has made you tougher".

David frowned. " How is your father?".

" Same as usual". He glanced around. " How do you like being in this flowerless desert?".

" Lonely". He frowned. " I wish my wife was here with me".

" That's what I came to tell you".

" What is that my friend?".

" My father gave her to another man".

research help: ' The Stones' by Eleanor Gustafson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Abide in Jesus: Jesus the Truth

 Abide in Jesus: Jesus the Truth by ric gustafson

As human beings, we want to express things that are in our heart. We are made of body and soul. Our bodies and soul are one. When they seperate, this is called death. The truth can come out through our voice, facial expressions and our body language. 

When lies are said of us, that hurts. Words have power. When we use God's truth, we can change those lies. With God deep in our hearts, there can be healing. We can pray in the name of Jesus. We can intercede for others. We need the truth of God to break the power of lies. 

Jesus is the truth. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Abide' by Heather Khym

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

David 2022 page 5

 David 2022 page 5 by ric gustafson

King Saul could not believe what he was hearing.

" David and his men got out of Keilah before we could attack".

Saul's face got red. " How did he know we were coming?".

The aide frowned. " Abiathar's ephod had something to do with it".

Saul began to scream. " I thought Abiathar was killed along with the other priests".

The aide shook his head. " He was the only survivor".

Saul continued screaming. " Check every cave, every hill".

" Yes Sire".

" Check every desert area, every wilderness stronghold".

" Yes Sire".

" I want you to check every place he could be".

" Yes Sire".

" I want that shepherd boy dead".

research help: ' The Stones' by Eleanor Gustafson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Abide in Jesus: Jesus the Way

 Abide in Jesus: Jesus the Way by ric gustafson

According to John 14:6, Jesus says I am the way. In John 16:33 Jesus says in this world you will have trouble. But then Jesus proclaims I have overcome the world. Jesus is our hope. The call of every Christian is to follow Jesus. We must deny ourselves and take up our cross. In Jesus we have the promise of resurrection. 

Satan will try to steal our hope. Satan wants us to continue in our suffering. He wants us to doubt the heart of God. As followers of Jesus, we have the gift of hope. Jesus can turn our pain into hope. We must go through the cross to a new life. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Abide' by Heather Khym

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

David 2022 page 4

 David 2022 page 4 by ric gustafson

David's eyes opened. He noticed that he was in a dark cave. All of a sudden, a torch was in his face.

" Uncle, you are awake". Abishai smiled. " How do you feel?".

David's mouth squeaked. He could not get any words out.

" What is your name?".

David closed his eyes. " David ben Jesse".

Joab helped him stand up. " Let's see if your legs still work".

David slowly walked to the entrance of the cave.

Joab smiled. " Asahel is bringing at least a hundred men including four of your brothers".

David recovered as he sat at the entrance to the cave.

research help: ' The Stones' by Eleanor Gustafson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric