We had a great study today. :) I can't seem to say enough how thankful I am for the members of this little Bible study.  I am thankful we can share our joys, our sorrows, our fears, our true hearts.

Today we covered Chapter 11...we are getting really close to the end of the book! It's time to start thinking about what we will start studying after Christmas. :) Bring any ideas you have next time.  We will be meeting at Ellen's.

Today we talked about Paul.

"Perhaps through this study you have been able to be more open with yourself and God about your wounds, whether brought about through your own mistakes or through living in a fallen world.  Our wounds can truly be a blessing in disguise."

Read Acts 9:1-19

1. How does the story open up in verses 1-2?  What was Saul (later called Paul) doing?
2. Clearly, we see that Saul felt confident with his ancestral faith.  He didn't realize his own need for a Savior and was spiritually blind to the condidtion of his soul.  Think back to a time when you were not aware of your spiritual depravity.  How did God expose it to you?
3. Review verses 4-7  After the light from heaven fell on Saul, what did Jesus say to him?  How did Saul respond?
4. Review verses 10-19.  God had supplied the right Christians to be around Paul in his time of need.  what was Ananias's first reaction in reaching out to Paul?
5. God uses other believers to help us see our brokenness.  We all need a safe place to heal and be vulnerable.  When has God provided you the right friend at the right time to help you "see" better?
6. Paul's conversion story illustrates our complete dependence on God.  Even though Paul was deceived, God showed mercy and met him on the Damascus Road, shattering his spiritual blindness.  Paul didn't deserve the miracle -- Jesus came to him anyway.  Think about someone in your life who you know doesn't even realize she is broken, in need of Jesus.  How can you be Ananias to her?
   
   (God loves Broken People, pp204, 205)
   
   
   Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  Galations 6:2  ESV
   
   
    “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
   Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

It is important to share with others your struggles.  Its important to know we are not alone.  You never know who you might encourage simply by being willing to share your story.