Tuesday 21 November 2023
The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. – Isaiah 51:3
 
Jerusalem is left in ruins after suffering the invasion of King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. Times of sickness, suffering, loss, sorrow, uncertainty invade our lives leaving parts of us in ruins. Whenever we arrive at Thanksgiving during trying times, Jesus speaks to us through Isaiah assuring us that God will comfort us with compassion, refresh our dry spirits, bring us new joy, and place a song in our hearts. Until God’s restoration comes it is sufficient to give thanks for the hope of future restoration and brighter days to come.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Thursday 16 November 2023
 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. – Isaiah 9:1
 
Tuesday night while waiting to meet with the District Committee on Church Building and Location to make two presentations, feelings of anxiety welled up in me. The waiting is the worst! By God’s grace, I remembered the joy of the Lord is my confidence, peace, and strength. No matter the results of my presentation, my team and I did our best, so God was glorified. Whenever we are overtaken by gloom, Jesus calls us to offer it to God, who receives our gloom and gives us Christ’s joy which is our peace, confidence, and strength.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Wednesday 15 November 2023
“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” – Isaiah 6:5
 
Through a vision of God’s glory filling the temple, Isaiah is called into ministry. God’s bright splendor shines a light on Isaiah’s shortcomings.  Like Isaiah we are people of unclean lips. In the light of Jesus’ love, we see our shortcomings. But Jesus never allows our wrongs to keep us from experiencing God’s forgiveness, grace, and love. While we live in a world filled with sin, we also live in a world filled with God. When we offer God our wrongs, Jesus receives them, cleanses us, heals us, and blesses us with new beginnings.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Tuesday 14 November 2023

22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

– Acts 11:22-23
 
When the Jerusalem church learns of the great things happening in the Antioch church, they send Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement) to encourage these new Christians and nurture their relationship with Jesus. Barnabas is their cheerleader. God blesses us with cheerleaders who nurture our faith, encourage us to remain true to Jesus, assure us things will be alright, and cheer us on. God also sends us to specific people to be their encouragers. Who is your encourager? Who is encouraging you? Who are your cheerleaders? For whom are you a cheerleader?  
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Saturday 11 November 2023
When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.” And he said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. 13 And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.” And the servant was healed in that hour. – Matthew 8:5-8, 13
 
God has blessed us with amazing people who have served in the armed forces. Many of these committed soldiers are women and men of deep faith. Through their lives of faithful service to God and the United States we receive protection, security, and peace. Praise God for our military veterans who bless our lives and make us better people. Please take some time today to pray for them, give thanks for them, and celebrate their service. The veterans we celebrate today are as extraordinary as the Roman veteran whose faith in Jesus was so deep that he knew Jesus could do anything!
 
Affectionately,

Ric

Friday 14 November 2023
17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. – Isaiah 1:17
 
My Gram’s favorite hymn is “Brighten the Corner Where You Are”. We brighten the places where we live life by doing what is right. Doing what is right means defending everyone who is oppressed. Who are the oppressed of our day? Jesus calls us to be their protectors and encouragers. Doing what is right is offering parental protection and care to those without parents. Doing what is right means making sure that people whose life partners are in God’s kingdom find in us generous friends. The more we enjoy God’s love the more joyously we commit to doing right.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
 
Wednesday 8 November 2023
17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. – Acts 9:17-18a
 
Saul’s heart is not open to a new way of thinking until his eyes are blinded. Our vision may be fine, but sometimes we too cannot see how God is working in our lives, or picture God’s plan for us. Thankfully, God loves us too much to leave us alone. Jesus always sends us an “Ananias” who spends time with us, speaks kindly to us, and reorients our perspective, enabling us to see clearly God’s love for us and God’s plan for us.  
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
 
Wednesday 1 November 2023
As for the saints in the land, they are the noble, in whom is all my delight. – Psalm 16:3
 
Happy All Saints Day! Today we celebrate the people in heaven and on earth who are shining beacons of God’s love. These are the noble people who enjoy Jesus’ love and love Jesus by loving others unconditionally, serving people joyously, and living lives of humble integrity. Whether living in heaven or on earth, the saints are cheer us on and encourage us to be shining beacons of God’s love. Praise God for the saints in our lives!
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Tuesday 31 October 2023
For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. – Romans 3:28
 
On 31 October 1517, a German Catholic monk named Martin Luther nails his “95 Theses” to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The heart of Martin Luther’s discontent was the church ignoring the truth that faith in Jesus brings us into a right relationship with God. We cannot work our way into heaven. We cannot buy our way into heaven. The way to enjoy forgiveness and everlasting life is through faith in Jesus. Reformation Day reminds us that we do not have to earn God’s love. Faith is all about receiving and enjoying Jesus’ gifts of saving love, forgiveness, and everlasting life.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

Monday 30 October 2023
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. – Acts 9:1a
 
Saul is determined to destroy Jesus’ followers and the Christian faith. But God loves Saul too much to leave him lost in hatred. God transforms Saul’s arrogant, hate-filled heart into a heart of grace, humility, and love. God is still transforming hardened hearts with the healing power of Jesus. As bleak as things may appear, please never lose hope. If God can transform Saul into the Jesus loving Apostle Paul, God can transform anyone.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

Tuesday 24 October 2023
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – Colossians 1:13-14
 
Redemption means recovery, renovation, improvement. Jesus recovers us from death, renovates our lives and improves our perspectives. Redemption is the fruit of Jesus’ forgiveness. We receive Jesus’ forgiveness by forgiving others. Who do we need to forgive? When we forgive others, Jesus frees us from bitterness, brokenness, and bondage to the past. When we forgive others, Jesus gives us recovery from death, renovation of life, and improvement of perspective.  
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Saturday 21 October 2023
23 Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. – Joel 2:23
 
Monday’s beautiful autumn weather was the perfect opportunity for a morning run. I could not go to Babylon, Long Island since Gram had COVID. A run on a 48-degree morning is heavenly. Trees filled with leaves of brilliant yellows, warm red and deep purple filled me with appreciation for God’s loving creativity. God who sends rain and color each autumn, fills our lives with beauty that assures us we are God’s beloved children.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Friday 20 October 2022
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” – Acts 8:26
 
Have you ever decided to call someone “out of the blue” only to discover that your call was just what they needed? This is because God is speaking to you by placing these good ideas in your mind. When God speaks to us, audible words are not necessary. The Holy Spirit places thoughts in our minds that connect us with others at just the right time.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Wednesday 18 October 2023
12 I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. – Psalm 56:12
 
As a child, I drew pictures of houses, cars, and the beach. Drawings offered to grownups by children are God’s most beautiful thank offerings. I love it when children draw pictures for me. We are God’s beloved, beautiful, treasured children. Each day Jesus gives us opportunities to draw beautiful pictures of grace, kindness, contentment, and joy. Our life-pictures fill God’s heart with happiness. I wonder if God has a giant refrigerator covered with our thank offerings.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Tuesday 17 October 2023
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. – Acts 5:41
 
Have you ever thanked God for the privilege of suffering for Jesus? Rejoicing over the opportunity to suffer for our faith seems strange. We avoid suffering. Periods of pain make us feel like God has deserted us. But suffering is integral to our faith. Jesus who suffers on the cross, says to us “When you suffer…” Jesus doesn’t say, “If you suffer…” When suffering crashes into our lives Jesus, our suffering Savior calls us to remember that God is with us making us stronger, wiser, more tenacious and more joyful.
 

Affectionately,
Ric

 
Monday 16 October 2023
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. – Acts 4:36-37
 
Who are your encouragers? Encouragers help us live with hope and positivity. Encouragers help us discover our strengths. Encouragers keep us moving forward with joy. These positive people bring out the best in us. Barnabas (which means son of encouragement) takes Saul of Tarsus under his wing and enables Saul to become the Paul who tells the world of God’s saving love in Jesus. Praise God for our encouragers!
 
Affectionately,

Ric

Friday 13 October 2023
17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. – Daniel 1:17
 
King Nebuchadnezzar forces four young Judeans to live in Babylon (which is modern-day Iraq). In their new home, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azaria are forced to adopt new names: Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The four spend three years training to serve as the king’s advisors. There are times in life when it seems everyone and everything has control of our lives but us. No matter how out of control life seems, Jesus is with us, and Jesus caring for us just as He cared for Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Thursday 12 October 2023
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
 
When it comes to tasks at home, in church, and in life, two are always better than one. God blesses us with people who come alongside of us to share our workload. A second set of eyes, ears, and ideas gives us encouragement, perspective, strength, and resourcefulness we cannot have by ourselves. Our “second” can be a pet, or person. Even when we are alone, Jesus is with us to be the one who helps us up and keeps us going.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
 
Thursday 12 October 2023
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
 
When it comes to tasks at home, in church, and in life, two are always better than one. God blesses us with people who come alongside of us to share our workload. A second set of eyes, ears, and ideas gives us encouragement, perspective, strength, and resourcefulness we cannot have by ourselves. Our “second” can be a pet, or person. Even when we are alone, Jesus is with us to be the one who helps us up and keeps us going.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Wednesday 11 October 2023
24 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? – Ecclesiastes 2:24-25
 
We spend much of life eating, drinking, and working. What a blessing that God gives us tasty food, good drinks, and satisfying work (whether paid or volunteer). When we eat, we are tasting God’s goodness. When we drink, we experience Jesus’ refreshment. When we work, we enjoy God’s satisfaction. Please spend today tasting God’s goodness, experiencing Jesus’ refreshment, and enjoying God’s satisfaction.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Tuesday 10 October 2023
This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” – Zechariah 13:9
 
Trials and difficulties in our lives are agonizing but never pointless. God works through our difficulties to purify our thoughts and motives, deepen our dependence on Jesus and strengthen our joy. Jesus who experienced agonizing trials, is with us in our difficulties, bringing us through. Jesus, who redeems the cross, redeems our trials.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Monday 9 October 2023
A woman of strength who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. – Proverbs 31:10
 
Today my Grandmother, Elizabeth Lawton Hanse celebrates her 104th birthday. Throughout my life, Gram has shown me the love, grace, integrity, strength, and beauty of Jesus. She is the one I turn to for wisdom and guidance, and is the source of many of my best memories in life. We are all blessed with women of strength, who call out the best in us, and shape us into the people God wants us to be. Who are the women of strength in your life? Please take time to celebrate them today.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Thursday 5 October 2023
29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. – Acts 2:29
 
Standing before a gathering of over five thousand Israelites, the Apostle Peter says, “I can tell you confidently…” Fifty-three days earlier, Peter denied knowing Jesus. But on Pentecost, Jesus fills Peter with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit fills Peter with confidence, courage, and clarity. What places in our lives need the confidence, courage, and clarity of the Holy Spirit? When we offer these places to Jesus and the Holy Spirit will fall afresh on us.  
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Monday 2 October 2023
But [Thomas] said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” – John 20:25b
 
Thomas is absent when the risen Jesus first appears to the disciples. Though they tell Thomas, he still refuses to believe. The wonderful honesty of the Bible assures us that this book is God-inspired and trustworthy. When we, like Thomas doubt God’s power, Jesus comes to us through songs, good friends, family members, nature, the Bible, and moments of quiet solitude, speaks our name and invites to believe anew in God’s love, presence, peace and power.  
 
Affectionately,

Ric

Saturday 30 September 2023
12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. – Proverbs 23:12
 
The longer I live, the more I realize how much there is to learn. Through creation, daily events, people, events, mistakes, failures, successes, the Bible, books we read, reflections on life, experiences we enjoy, prayer, solitude, and silence, God teaches us new things. I am convinced that we spend every moment of life in this world learning. And once we enter God’s kingdom the learning will continue. We may be out of school, but our learning goes on forever! I wonder what Jesus will teach us today?!  
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Daily Faith Builder
Thursday 28 September 2023
Then the Lord said to Moses: “Set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, on the first day of the first month. – Exodus 40:1-2
 
A tabernacle is a portable sanctuary. Thirteen of the forty chapters of Exodus are dedicated to the creation of the portable sanctuary where God lives with the Israelites. God’s priority is being with the Israelites as they travel through the desert on their forty-year journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. On the first Christmas, God’s portable sanctuary becomes a person named Jesus (which means God with us). Today God’s tabernacle – the place where Jesus lives – is us! Have you placed your faith in Jesus? Then Jesus lives in you!
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Wednesday 27 September 2023
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. – Proverbs 22:1
 
“All you have is your name,” My Grandpa Hanse told me. In other words, all we have is our integrity. The best way to live our Faith in Jesus, is to live lives of integrity. As followers of Jesus this means letting our “Yes” be yes and our “No” be no. I work to keep my name because the Name that guides and shapes my life is Jesus. My dear siblings in Jesus, all we have is our name.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Tuesday 26 September 2023
20 “…I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. – John 17:20b
 
My favorite cars are Buicks and Cadillacs. I love their looks, comfort, and reliability. No matter how different cars look and feel, they all do the same thing: bring us from our starting point to our destination. No matter how different churches look and feel, they do the same thing:  bring us from where we are to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus does not pray for a specific denomination. Jesus prays for all believers. It does not matter what church we like best. What matters is that we are one in Jesus. We are all on the same team. Go Team Jesus!
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Monday 25 September 2023
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33b
When we experience difficult times, it is tempting to think that God has abandoned us, or that Jesus does not love us. But ease of life is never an indicator of God’s love for us. Jesus is close with and loved deeply by his Father. And Jesus experienced terrible difficulties. When we suffer, we can take comfort in knowing that God understands our suffering, because God knows suffering. Jesus our Suffering Savior is always with us in our trying times, assuring us that suffering never has the final say. After the suffering of the cross comes the healing of resurrection.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

Saturday 23 September 2023
22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. – John 16:22
 
As Jesus’ friends agonize over His impending death, Jesus assures them that their sorrow is temporary. Sorrow never has the final say! Our times of sorrow often feel overwhelming and never-ending. No matter how deep and painful our sorrow is, it will never have the final say over us because Jesus is holding us, protecting us, comforting us, and caring for us and assuring us that not even the worst of sorrow will rob us of our joy.
 

Affectionately,

Ric

 
Friday 22 September 2023
They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. – John 16:1
 
Shortly before His arrest, Jesus warns His followers that they will encounter people who believe that harming others offers a service to God. Throughout human history religion has brought harm to people. But from the beginning of human history Faith has been elevating, restoring, rescuing, and embracing all people by offering love that is unconditional and restorative. Anything less than love offered freely by God’s people is never a service to God. We are to imitate God, who in love offers us the ultimate service – the gift of Jesus, whose love saves us so that we may enjoy lives of love that last forever.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Thursday 21 September 2023
22 All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord. – Exodus 35:22
 
To build the Lord’s tabernacle required gold and precious jewels. Neither God nor Moses pressured the Israelites to give to the Tabernacle building project, because neither God nor Moses are religious. Religion guilts people into giving. Faith offers opportunities for giving. Jesus invites us to give our love, trust, and dedication to Him so we can enjoy a life that is satisfying and joyful. Praise God that the Christian Faith is not religious!
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Wednesday 20 September 2023
13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. – John 16:13
 
My Grandparents Hanse always gave me good advice. When I followed their counsel, things went well. When I didn’t, I got in trouble. Because Jesus is with us through the Holy Spirit of truth, we are never left to figure things out on our own. When we don’t know what to do, where to turn or which way to go, the Holy Spirit is guiding us through faithful people whose wise counsel keeps us in the center of Jesus’ plan for our lives. Who are the faithful people in your life to whom you turn for wise counsel? They are blessings from God.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Tuesday 19 September 2023
19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. – Exodus 33:19
 
Moses desperately wants to see God. Before appearing to Moses, God assures Moses that he is merciful and compassionate. Through the mercy and compassion, we receive from others, we experience God’s presence. A few weeks ago, my Gram told me of the time my dad invited a girl everyone shunned to the sixth-grade dance. Through the dance took place in the 1950’s, it touched me with God’s mercy and compassion. Who needs to experience God’s mercy and compassion through us, today?
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Monday 18 September 2023
Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” 11 The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. – Exodus 33:7a, 11a
 
The first building designed for worshiping God is a tent. In the tent of meeting God and Moses develop a close friendship. A “tent of meeting” is any place we set aside for speaking with Jesus. A church sanctuary, den, walking path, gym, park, shower, car, kitchen, and any other space where we go to enjoy being with Jesus is a tent of meeting. Jesus is inviting us to have some tents of meeting where we enjoy time him, with our Friend and Savior.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Saturday 16 September 2023
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. – Psalm 126:1
 
Jesus’ resurrection from death to indestructible, everlasting life assures us that God is all about restoring fortunes. God brings us from sorrow to happiness, from anger to forgiveness, from envy to contentment, from fear to security, from anxiety peace. Jesus is always working to restore our fortunes. When we experience times of trial, Jesus calls us to look to the empty tomb and receive assurance, that he is healing our hearts and restoring our fortunes.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Friday 15 September 2023
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” – Psalm 126:2
 
When my Grampa Hanse gave me a Polaroid SX70 camera I was so delighted that I couldn’t stop grinning and laughing with delight. Have you had the same experience? Jesus gives us some amazing gifts that, when we truly appreciate them lead us to grin and laugh with delight. These gifts include forgiveness and new beginnings, unconditional love, deep happiness that fills our hearts, and a peace that is with us even when life is crazy. May Jesus’ gifts put grins on our faces and laughter in our mouths so that people will see us and say, “The Lord has done great things for them!”
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Thursday 14 September 2023
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know, that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
 
The atmosphere is heavy and tense. Judas Iscariot excused himself from dinner to betray Jesus. Peter was reeling from being told that he would deny knowing Jesus. In this tense and painful hour, Jesus commands His followers to love one another. Loving one another is doing whatever it takes for each other’s wellbeing. Loving each other as Jesus loves us makes selfless, gracious instruments of Jesus’ healing touch.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 
Wednesday 13 September 2023
After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. – John 13:5
 
When Jesus gets on his knees and washes his followers’ feet, we experience a picture of God’s servant love. What jobs do you detest doing? What tasks feel beneath you? The dirtiest, most unpleasant, least dignified jobs are often the ones through which we most profoundly experience Jesus’ presence and love. Through these lowly, thankless tasks we become more like Jesus.
 
Affectionately,

Ric

 

Saturday 9 September 2023

Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything… – Exodus 31:6a
 
When God calls us to a task, God always brings other people to us to ensure our success. Bezalel leads the Tabernacle construction project with a team of talented people who are gifted by God with the needed skills. God never expects us to get the job done by ourselves. David has Jonathan. Deborah has Barak. Jesus has The Twelve. Whenever God calls us to a task, God always supplies the team!
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Friday 8 September 2023
Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. – Exodus 31:1-5
 
In early December 1991 I was told I would be serving as the pastor of Kipling United Methodist Church beginning on 1 January 1992. I would have six months to take it from a halftime to fulltime at church. I was terrified! I couldn’t preach every week, lead a church, and finish my senior year of grad school. Whenever we are not up to the task we have been called to accomplish, remember Jesus is with us, giving us the skills, abilities, and tenacity we need to succeed. As the hymn assures, “Then to thy need, God as a mother doth speed, spreading the wings of grace over thee.”
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Thursday 3 September 2023
11 Then the Lord said to Moses, 12 “When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the Lord a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them. – Exodus 30:11-12
 
No matter how strong or smart we are…No matter how beautiful our home and family are…No matter how good our job is…There is always someone who is stronger and smarter. There is always someone whose home and family are more beautiful. There is always someone with a better job. Comparing ourselves with others leads to arrogance or disappointed envy. Our comparisons are our personal census. God has no use for such censuses. God wants us to find our worth not in how much we have but in who we are. In Jesus Christ, we are God’s beloved children, created to enjoy and share God’s saving love. Enjoying God’s love through faith in Jesus frees us from captivity to comparison living.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Wednesday 6 September 2023
46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. – John 12:46
 
Early June mornings are wonderful. Daylight is peaking over the eastern horizon, painting the sky in deep blues and purples and the birds are singing. Early September mornings are dim, and quiet. During my early Saturday morning run a large, beautiful doe was on a sidewalk that was bordered by a fence and a guardrail. She was silent. I ran quietly. The scene was beautiful. God’s beauty is a light even in the dimness of an early September morning. The light of Jesus’ love makes all dim places in our lives beautiful.   
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Tuesday 5 September 2023
10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. – Psalm 143:10
 
In May 1992 as a new graduate of Duke University Divinity School, I thought I knew most of what I needed to know to be a good pastor. Thirty-one years my attitude is very different. I have so much more to learn! Is the same true for you as you travel through life? We graduate from school, but we are always learning. “Teach me to do your will,” is one of the best prayers I know. Astrophysicist Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson says, as our understanding of the universe grows, the circumference of what we don’t know grows. So true! Praise God that learning and growing goes on forever!
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Labor Day Monday 4 September 2023
37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” – John 4:37-38
 
The first Labor Day celebration happened Tuesday 5 September in New York City thanks to the Central Labor Union. Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day a holiday. On 28 June 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.  (U.S. Department of Labor website.) Labor Day celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers. As we spend time enjoying Labor Day, may we commit to using our skills and abilities to bring God’s blessings to others, and give thanks to God for those whose work makes our lives better.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Saturday 2 September 2023
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. – Psalm 143:8
 
I love mornings. I wake up at around 3:50 a.m. I enjoy an early morning workout. Feeding birds, praying at daybreak, and watching the sunrise in my backyard is how I commune with Jesus. One of my favorite songs is George Shearing’s version of “Very Early”. Mornings offer new opportunities for enjoying God’s love, new chances to make the day count, and new ways to brighten the corner of the world in which we live. Every morning Jesus gives us a new portions of God’s unfailing love.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Friday 1 September 2023
I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. – Psalm 143:5
 
Memories can imprison us in the past, or they can empower us to live into the future. Some memories lead us to sorrowfully long for the way things used to be. Some memories fill us with pain, anger, or despair. Some memories fill us with warmth, and gratitude. Whatever our memories, God calls us to offer them to Jesus who works through our recollections to bring us peace, healing, and deep, joyous strength. In every day of our lives, God calls us to offer all our memories to Jesus, so that the new memories we make, will bless us and others.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Thursday 31 August 2023
The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. – Psalm 143:2
 
National enemies include Kim Jung Un and Vladmir Putin. Personal enemies are those who betray us, lead our children astray, or treat us with contempt. But there are other, more dangerous enemies in our lives: Depression, despair, fear, hopelessness, isolation, addiction, loneliness, perfectionism, insecurity. When these enemies attack, we must call out to Jesus, our protecting shelter, our refuge, our strength, and our light. And we reach out to a friend or family member we trust so they can walk with us. We never battle enemies alone. We always need Jesus and a friend.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Wednesday 30 August 2023
43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. – John 11:43-44
 
I spent time at Fairview cemetery yesterday, with a dear friend who was a second Mom to me. I sure would love to have Ann back in this world! While Jesus is not raising Ann to new life in this world, there are plenty of other things Jesus resurrects in and for us: Dead relationships, deceased hopes, expired confidence, lifeless dreams, defunct faith. What in your life needs new life? Please offer it to Jesus who has the power to defeat death and bring us new life.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Saturday 26 August 2023
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10
 
Fearing God means being filled with awe over God’s greatness and power. The more awestruck we are over God’s powerful greatness, the more open we are to experiencing God’s powerful presence and, great love. God’s greatness has the power to grow our wisdom, and our understanding so that we become more like Jesus. As we live in awe of God, our wisdom, knowledge, and faithfulness grow.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Friday 25 August 2023
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. – Psalm 148:1
 
Methodist Church founder John Wesley’s ministry in America in the 1700s was a failure. Returning to England with a sorrowful spirit, he decides to give up on preaching. But a Moravian Christian named Peter Bohler encourages John saying, “Preach faith until you have it, and then because you have it, you will preach faith.” When life’s troubles make it difficult for us to have faith in Jesus, we can follow Peter Bohler’s advice. We can decide to have faith in Jesus until we have it, and because we have faith in Jesus, it shall be well with our souls.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Thursday 24 August 2023
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above.Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. – Psalm 148
 
Do you remember the eclipse of August 2017? We made cereal box eclipse viewers and took them outside at 2:40 p.m. on Monday the 21st to catch the eclipse. While the skies did not darken completely, it was exciting to see the moon eclipsing the sun for a few minutes, and to celebrate the extraordinary precision of God’s creation. The moon follows a path created by God; the sun is precisely the perfect distance from earth to sustain life. Creation’s extraordinary precision is the result of God’s brilliant love.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Saturday 19 August 2023
17 The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. – Isaiah 32:17
 
Happy Saturday! Have you noticed that even when we try to take some time off our minds still swirl with stresses, concerns, and lists of what we need to get done? These stresses become intense enough to wake us in the middle of the night. Many of us are more comfortable with doing than being. Doing “nothing” can be difficult. On this August Saturday let’s ask God to quiet our minds and calm our spirits. Then let’s sit down and enjoy a cold glass of lemonade, iced tea or seltzer, and feel God’s refreshing love quieting our spirit and restoring our confidence.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Friday 18 August 2023
15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. – Isiah 30:15
 
Happy Friday! How has your week been? Busy? Stressful? Relaxing? All the above? Whatever our week has been like, Jesus calls us to fill each week with moments of quiet reflection, repentance, and rest. Building moments of quiet and stillness into our days, helps us know ourselves better as we offer our shortcomings to Jesus and receive God’s forgiveness, wisdom, strength, and peace. Moments of quiet calm our spirits and open us to more fully enjoying Jesus and his love.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Thursday 17 August 2023
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. – 2 Timothy 2:1-2
 
Praying for our world, national, state and local leaders is central to the Christian faith. We have the privilege and responsibility to offer leaders to God. We pray that people who lead in government will receive God’s peace, and offer God’s peace to their people. People who receive God’s peace in their hearts and minds, are instruments of God’s peace. Peace in the world, our nation, our states, our communities, and our neighborhoods begins with prayer. Leaders who experience God’s peace courageously do the things that make for peace.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Wednesday 16 August 2023
20 Look on Zion, the city of our festivals; your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved;
its stakes will never be pulled up, nor any of its ropes broken. 21 There the Lord will be our Mighty One. – Isaiah 33:20-21a
 
The source of our peace is God’s faithful strength. God is stronger that our worst stressors, biggest problems, and disturbing disasters. God’s unshakeable strength is our peace. Whatever today brings, God’s faithful strength is filling you with courage, tenacity, and peace. As the hymn writer Horatio Spafford said when he  came to the place where the ship carrying his family sunk, “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.”
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Tuesday 15 August 2023
17 The fruit of [the LORD’s] righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. 18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. – Isaiah 32:17-18
 

God’s righteousness is God’s commitment to keeping promises, loving us unconditionally, and doing whatever it takes to bless us with meaningful and satisfying lives. When we trust in Jesus, God’s righteousness guides us through life’s stresses and anxieties. When we trust in Jesus, God’s righteousness gives us peace and enables us to navigate life’s challenges with quiet confidence. Today Jesus is filling us with God’s righteousness so that in every circumstance by the power of the Holy Spirit we will experience God’s peace and quiet confidence.

Affectionately,
Ric
 
Monday 14 August 2023
40 They found rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful and quiet. – 1 Chronicles 4:40a
 
The people of the Tribe of Simeon (one of the twelve tribes of Ancient Israel) lived in the southernmost region of Israel, to the west of the Dead Sea. God blessed them with land that was spacious, peaceful and quiet. In the busyness of our lives God calls us to go to a place that is spacious, peaceful and quiet. What is this place for you? A place does not have to be large to be spacious. A small, cozy space can be a spacious place. When we create a place that is spacious, peaceful and quiet. Jesus makes this place a sacred space that strengthens our faith, restores our strength and renews our joy.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Saturday 12 August 2023
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – John 10:14
 
Jesus knows us intimately because Jesus loves us deeply. Jesus’ interest in every detail of our lives shows us the depth of his unconditional love for us, and commitment to us. Nothing about us, or our lives is too small to escape Jesus’ knowledge and care. Jesus always has time for us. Jesus is always interested in listening to us. Jesus always enjoys spending time with us. Praise God for Jesus, our Good Shepherd!
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Friday 11 August 2022
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I [Jesus] have come that they may have life and have it to the full. – John 10:10
 
Anxiety, fear, disease, scarcity, and hatred are thieves that steal our contentment, peace, health, and happiness. The These thieves also hope to rob us of our relationship with Jesus. Whenever these thieves are lurking in our lives, we need Jesus to stand guard over our minds, bodies, hearts, and lives. When we invite Jesus to protect us, we are safe from thieves, and we enjoy lives filled with God’s contentment, peace, health, and happiness.
 

Affectionately,
Ric

 
Thursday 10 August 2023
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. – John 10:9
 
On a hot and humid summer’s day, or a cold winter’s day it always feels good to come home. Home is a place that protects from weather and is a haven of blessing and peace. Jesus is our front door who brings us into the protection, care, and safety of God. When life’s storms wilt our hearts and exhausts our spirits, we can enter a haven of blessing and peace through Jesus our Front Door who saves us. Each time we walk through our front door, God invites us to receive Jesus’ embrace enjoy Christ’s saving love.  
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Wednesday 9 August 2023
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12
 
Faith in Jesus our light, we clearly see the beauty of life, the small blessings that are hugely wonderful, and the good that saturates even the toughest moments. Through faith in Jesus our light we also see the dangers that lie before us, the obstacles to avoid, and the pitfalls to sidestep. Jesus our Light enables us to make faithful decisions because Christ’s light exposes what’s false and illumines what is right, good, and beautiful. Through life’s uncertainties and difficulties, Jesus is lighting our way, guiding us and keeping us in his care.
 
Affectionately,
Ric

 

Tuesday 8 August 2023

“Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel 10 
 
in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. – Exodus 28:9-10The onyx stones remind the nation Israel of their history and God’s presence in that history. We all have a history. Our lives are filled with people, events and places that make us who we are. The onyx stones remind Israel that God is always with them. The cross is our “onyx stone” reminding us that Jesus is always with us, healing our painful pasts, blessing the bright places in our lives and bringing good out of everything so that in the present we can receive the strength and healing that will make us into people with hope-filled futures. 
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Monday 7 August 2023
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. – Proverbs 4:24
 
The content of our character can be seen in the saltiness of our speech. By salty speech, I don’t mean bad language. In his sermon on the mount Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt is a preservative that keeps food from rotting, and a flavor enhancer that makes things taste better. Salty speech is speech that enhances the beauty of God’s world, and preserves a culture of grace, kindness, forgiveness, and love. As followers of Jesus, lets be sure to share salty speech with the world!
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Saturday 5 August 2023
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” – John 7:37-38
 
What’s your favorite drink on a hot summer day? Mine is a glass of seltzer with lots of ice. Keeping our spirits hydrated is just as important as physical hydration. I quench my thirst for Jesus with prayer, time in God’s creation, Bible reading, and hymn singing. Whether life is going well, or a series of challenges, staying spiritually hydrated is essential to life. Please be sure to pray, spend time in God’s creation, read the Bible and sing songs of faith. These are the ways we quench our thirst for Jesus.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Thursday 3 August 2023
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3
 
Love is doing whatever needs to be done for the wellbeing of the beloved. Faithfulness is honoring our promises. Lovelier than a beautiful necklace and more stunning that a first-class dress or suit are the love and faithfulness that our lives display when we are filled with God’s presence. We practice love and faithfulness when we daily receive full measures of Jesus’ love and faithfulness. The best way I know to receive Jesus’ love and faithfulness is by spending time each day thanking Jesus for loving us, celebrating the ways we experience Jesus’ love, and asking Jesus to give us strength to keep our promises.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Daily Faith Builder
Wednesday 2 August 2023
23 Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? – John 7:23
 
Sabbath is all about healing and restoration. Healing comes when we take time to open our minds, hearts, and bodies to the restoring love of Jesus. While God gives us a Sabbath day, God also invites us to experience Sabbath healing every day. Sabbath moments bring Jesus’ healing love to our bodies, our hearts, our minds, and our spirits. Jesus has some wonderful Sabbath moments in store for us today. Enjoy every one of them!
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Tuesday 1 August 2023
For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. – Psalm 149:4
 
What fills you with delight? For me it’s good coffee, my home, my family, birdsong and a beautiful sunrise on a cool summer morning, worshiping Jesus and enjoying fellowship with my New Room Family. When was the last time you experienced feelings of sheer delight? Wasn’t it wonderful! Did you know that God delights in us? We are God’s three scoop ice cream sundae. We are God’s beautiful sunrise. We are God’s precious, priceless, beautiful children. God delights in us. Knowing that God delights us opens us to delighting in all the blessings Jesus gives us.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Monday 31 July 2023
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. – John 6:35
 
Our bodies tell us when we are hungry and thirsty because we need food and drink to survive. Our hearts hunger and thirst for meaningful relationships with people and pets, and God. There is a hunger in our hearts that only Jesus can satisfy. Jesus is our Bread of Life, satisfying our hunger for a relationship with God who knows us completely and loves us unconditionally. Jesus is our Living Water, satisfying our thirst for meaning, purpose, forgiveness and life that lasts forever.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Saturday 29 July 2017
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. – Ephesians 1:3
 
The spiritual blessings we enjoy are forgiveness of sin, freedom from sin’s power, peace that passes understanding, joy, tenacity, and abundant life that lasts forever. As our understanding of these blessings grows, we more fully enjoy them and more generously offer them to others. Every day God lavishes forgiveness, freedom, peace, joy, tenacity, and life in Jesus upon us. Every day Jesus invites us to forgive, release, share joy, provide strength, and offer life in Jesus.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Friday 28 July 2023
47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” – Luke 7:47
 
Jesus loves us with a love that is powerful enough to forgive our sins. When we confess our wrongdoing to Jesus, He forgives us – giving us a fresh start, a new beginning, a clean heart, and a new commitment to loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Our love for Jesus and our appreciation of his gift of forgiveness is shown through our loving for others, our frequent forgiveness of others, and our commitment to new beginnings for others.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Thursday 27 July 2023
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” – John 6:29
 
“Faith takes work,” the late Physicist Dr. Al Shuskus told me. As a physicist, Al worked hard to discover and understand the mysteries of God’s creation. Al approached his Faith in Jesus with the same thoughtful intensity. Faith does take work. It takes work to understand and appreciate God’s unconditional love. It takes work to receive God’s gifts of forgiveness, new beginnings, and abundant life. It takes work to offer unconditional love and forgiveness to others. It takes work to offer kindness to those who are unkind to us. It takes work to let the peace of God guard our hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. Our relationship with Jesus grows stronger when we do embrace the work required to grow our faith.  
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Wednesday 26 July 2022
20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. – John 6:20-21
 
Fearing for their lives in a deadly Sea of Galilee storm, the disciples’ terror grows when they see someone walking towards them on the water. Before terror consumes them, Jesus cries out, “It is I, don’t be afraid.” Many of life’s storms are treacherous, all-consuming, and terrifying. When waves of dread wash over us, Jesus always comes to us saying, “It is I, don’t be afraid.”
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Tuesday 25 July 2023
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. – Psalm 146:5
 
After two failed attempts to install the transmission cooling lines in my 1972 Cutlass Supreme, I decided I needed Jesse Timm’s help. Without Jesse my Cutlass would still be out of commission! Many things in life can only be done with the help of others: Learning to drive, learning a language, singing in a choir, playing ping pong, receiving forgiveness, and growing a faith in Jesus, fixing a Cutlass. What a blessing that Jesus brings people into our lives who, through their loving help and support, show us that our help and hope is the God of Jacob!
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Monday 24 July 2023
49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. – John 4:49-50
 
The saddest and most terrifying day in my life happened the morning I realized that I was out of ideas, resources, and solutions for guiding my daughter safely through a fatally terrible time in her life. On that awful morning of despair my late Grandfather Mercaldi’s favorite song, “Moon River” played three times within fifteen minutes on three radio stations. The trinity of “Moon Rivers” was Jesus assuring me God was holding my girl. The roads to healing are long and difficult. When healing is needed, Jesus always brings us the people, resources and signs that lead to healing
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Saturday 22 July 2023
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. – Psalm 145:18
 
Whenever God feels far away, I promise this is not our reality. Each time we call on Jesus in truth, He is near to us. We call on Jesus in truth every time we seek his guidance, wisdom, healing, forgiveness, comfort, strength, and will for our lives. As children, we were blessed to have at least one adult who cared for our wellbeing. Each time we called to that grown up they were there for us. That grownup modeled God’s faithful and attentive love. Call on Jesus. Whether we feel his presence or not, Jesus is with us.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Friday 21 July 2023
10 All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. – Psalm 145:10
 
Extoling God is happily celebrating God’s creativity when we look at all the varieties of birds, fish, animals, and people. Extoling God is wholehearted thanksgiving to Jesus for God’s blessings – a home, a family member who cares for us, a good friend, a great Church family. Extoling God is thanking God for being a God of forgiveness, unconditional love, healing, and care. Please take some time today to extol God. I promise you that whatever is happening in life, your spirit will fill with joy.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Thursday 20 July 2023
O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him. – Psalm 34.8

 

At Larsen’s Hardware in West Hartford Center, there is a large gumball machine filled with large, colorfully happy bubblegum balls. Every time I see the gumball machine, I smile and think of God’s large, colorful, happy goodness. Once in a while, I place a quarter in the slot, turn the lever, and taste and see that the Lord is good.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Wednesday 19 July 2023
39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” – John 4:39
 
She was married five times and was now living with a man who wasn’t her husband. The religious people gave up on her. But Jesus is not religious. Jesus talks to her with dignity and respect because while Jesus knows everything she’s ever done, Jesus loves her deeply and knows she is God’s beloved child. We serve a Savior who knows everything we ever did and loves us still. There is nothing we can do that will make Jesus love us less! May this truth heal our spirits, bring us closer to Jesus, lead us to love Jesus with all our hearts, and share the good news of Jesus’ love with everyone we meet.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Tuesday 18 July 2023
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
 
In John 3, under cover of darkness, a Pharisee named Nicodemus comes to Jesus. He discovers that Jesus is God in human form. God loves us so much that God gives us Jesus. All we need do to be saved from loneliness, guilt, wrongdoing, and death is believe in Jesus. Our belief is more than acknowledging Jesus exists. Believing in Jesus is growing in our love for Jesus, our commitment to enjoying Jesus’ love for us, and our dedication to letting Jesus be the Lord of our lives. We can love Jesus wholeheartedly because God, loves us enough to give us Jesus.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Monday 17 July 2023
In him was life, and that life was the light of all humankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:4
 
Jesus is the Light illuminating our lives with the brightness of God’s love, the radiance of God’s forgiveness and the abundance of God’s life. Jesus the Light overcomes the darkness of loneliness, the dimness of depression, the gloom of sin. The light of Jesus illuminates our hearts, minds, and lives, overcoming every darkness. Always.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Saturday 15 July 2023
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. – John 1:3
 
In the beginning, Jesus is creating all that exists. All three persons of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are working in the beginning to create all that exists. Jesus had a hand in creating everything. If you ever wonder what it means to be created in God’s image, think of Jesus. Jesus is perfect love, perfect joy, perfect forgiveness, and perfect peace. When we invite Jesus to live his life through us, we who are created in God’s image become people who more perfectly love, more perfectly possess and share joy, more perfectly forgive and more perfectly practice peace.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Friday 14 July 2023
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1
 
Our God Jesus has a wonderful name – Word. Words are our thoughts made audible. God’s thoughts are made audible to us through Jesus. Jesus, the Word of God is the ultimate form of communication – speaking to us through his words his life, his death, and his resurrection. Jesus speaks to us through the Bible, people, pets, and creation. Jesus speaks to our minds, informing our thoughts. Today please enjoy good conversation with Jesus, the Word of God.
 
Affectionately,
Ric
 
Thursday 13 July 2023
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. – Psalm 139:13
 
I love how the Psalmist writes that God created our “inmost being”. The core of who we are is created by God. We are capable of doing great good because we are created by God who did the greatest good in all creation when Jesus died for us on the cross and rose from the dead. The good that God calls us to do is not measured by the size of our deeds but by the quality of our deeds. Our deeds can be truly great because we are God-made to the core!
 

Affectionately,
Ric

 
 
Wednesday 12 July 2023
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. – Psalm 139:7-8
 
There is nowhere we can go to be outside of the loving presence of Jesus. Everywhere we go, Jesus is there with us. Not one moment of our life is spent in isolation. From the moment of our creation until this very moment, Jesus has been with us. When we feel, lonely may we remember that Jesus is guiding us, holding us, spending time with us and loving us.
 

Affectionately,
Ric

 
 
Tuesday 11 July 2023
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. – Psalm 139:1
 
God knows every thought we think. God knows every desire we possess. God knows every word we’ve ever spoken. God knows everything we’ve ever done. The Lord even knows how many hairs we have on our head. God knows us better than we know ourselves. When it comes to our relationship with God, there is nothing we need hide because God already knows everything about us.  And God loves all of us. When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, we can be real, share everything, and know that we are loved. Please spend this summer day enjoying Jesus’ love for you.
 

Affectionately,
Ric

 
Monday 10 July 2023
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” – Luke 24:36
 
It’s nighttime on the first Easter when the risen Jesus comes to his followers who are still working to make sense of the news that Jesus is risen from the dead. In the midst of their struggle, Jesus appears before them and says, “Peace be with you.” What in life is causing consternation for us? What is stressing our spirits? What is filling us with anxiety? Jesus is with us, offering us God’s peace. The peace of Jesus is the deep assurance that no matter what is happening, God is caring for us and making things well. Throughout the day may we hear Jesus saying, “Peace be with you.”
 
Affectionately,
Ric