In conclusion

I hate how when I post two in one day, my second post is below my first post. Perhaps I should consider a blog entry much like I tell my students to write cutlines. Assume the reader will not read the story. Try to get them there, but give enough info.

I finished my Beth Moore study. We went to dinner last night to discuss what we learned, but we really just visited. (nothing wrong with that). We did the To Live as Christ, which is a study of the life of Paul. Amazing.

Here are some of the things I took away from this study.

1) Paul, who started as Saul, let a very disciplined life, which I believe was a key to his amazing faithfulness.

2) Saul got to meet up with Christ in a very dramatic way. And, when Christ meets you in this fashion, there is really no turning back.

3) God rules were created to protect us and help us, but he loves us the same no matter how well we follow these rules.

4) The power of the Holy Spirit does not come automatically. When we accept Christ, we are joined by the Spirit, but it's only through the disciplines of prayer, reading God's Word and choosing to obey that we are able to harness the spirit's power to be patient, kind, faithful, loving, gentle, joyful, peaceful, good, and self-controlled.

5) Following our convictions can be tough. God did not promise a life of pampering. Hardships are actually necessary to build genuine faith.

6) Paul moved out from under to law to fall under grace. It's a choice we all have. The law condemns us all. You can accept grace or live life as Christ did -- without sin. Hmm, think I'll take GRACE.

7) The key to freedom is our obedience "DO the right thing, until we FEEL the right thing."

8) We need to fear the sin that comes disguised as a friend.

9) Salvation is a gift. We must PURSUE godliness and holiness.

10) We can learn to be content with what we have. It's not an automatic thing.

11) Beth says "our testimony is today!" We need to start living an obedient life, so our light can shine forth into the darkness. AMEN.