From the NIV study Bible..........

How did a Jewish sect become the largest Gentile religion? How did an Asian faith become associated with European civilization? The answers trace back to the remarkable career of Paul, (Saul) apostle to the Gentiles.

Paul made his first appearance in Acts(8:1), assisting at the brutal stoning of Stephen. Later, he led a gang of persecutors on a violent campaign against Christian believers. But then came a miraculous turnabout on the road to Damascus(9:1-19).

Acts is constructed like a drama that delays introducing the hero until the stage is finally set. Beginning in chapter 13, the spotlight in Acts moves from Peter to Paul and follows him throughout the rest of the book. Other Christians, knowing Paul's old reputation, were initially skeptical about his conversion. But he soon proved to be as fiery and intense in preaching Christ as he had been in working against him.

Paul spearheaded the campaign to grant Gentiles full acceptance without subjecting them to Jewish law. He had himself been liberated from bondage to confining laws, and he insisted on a life based on God's free forgiveness not on legalism.

During his journeys, Paul wrote half the New Testament books, and in them he laid the groundwork for much of Christian theology. All the while he carried on a courageous career despite jailing, beatings and riots. He was perhaps the most thoroughly converted man who has ever lived.

This is one of the reason's I have always been so intrigued with Paul his dramatic turn around could ONLY be God's doing. It's amazing to me that God can change our lives so fast, all my changes came slowly maybe I'm more stubborn than Paul was.

Sometimes it's difficult to forgive someone who has hurt you, isn't it? The words may come easily enough, but not the love. Because when we forgive, it means that we open ourselves to the risk of further hurt. We drop our guard. We turn the other cheek, knowing that we may be struck again. Indeed, forgiveness is a risky business. Yet on our behalf God takes the risk over and over again in His perfect love. Granted forever.

I need to be forgiven, Lord,

So many times a day

So often do I slip and fall

Be merciful, I pray!

And help me not be critical

When other's faults I see;

For so many times, my Lord,

The same faults are in me.

Author unknown

YOU, GOD OF MY LOVE, ARE THE LIFE OF SOULS, THE LIFE OF LIVES, LIVINGNESS ITSELF, AND YOU SHALL NOT CHANGE, O LIFE OF MY SOUL

St. Augustine

MAY GOD HOLD EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU CLOSE TO HIS HEART AND SOLID IN HIS HAND'S

Your sister in Christ Sharon Rose