{Day 1} Saved and Called: an Intro to the November 2013 Blog Series

It is November first!  Today, the 2013 November Blog Series begins.  Yay!  And, welcome!!

If you read my post at the beginning of October, you know where we're headed.  If not, here's the deal.  I have been trying to work my way through the letters Paul wrote to Timothy, (1 & 2 Timothy), using a Kay Arthur Bible study.  When I got to 2 Timothy 1:9, though, I got stuck.  Every once in a while a phrase or verse in Scripture will catch my attention.  When that happens, I don't like to move on too quickly, figuring there's a reason I need to meditate on the concept, command, or truth.  This month, I'm going to use these verses as a springboard for us to explore what the Bible says about the holy life.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.  So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner.  But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.  This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  2 Timothy 1:7-10

The month will be structured something like this.  I'll spend a few days talking about God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Then it will probably be helpful to talk about Scripture and try to define holiness.  I'll follow that up with a series of posts focused on verses or passages that I think relate to living the holy life (e.g. the ten commandments, Micah 6:8, Ephesians 2, the vine and the branches, the fruit of the Spirit, etc.).  After that, we can wrap up the month with posts directed at practical application: Where are we going?  Why pursue God and the life He called us to?  How can we make it more a part of our life or, better, ALL of our life?

This will be flexible!  Also, I am not a Bible scholar.  If you have insight to share, please chime in as needed to correct me and/or add to what I write throughout the month.  Honestly, I'm diving into this with trepidation, because I don't have the expertise I think I "should" have and because time for preparation is limited by the every-day nature of a month of blogging.  But I WANT to do this thing, so I will.  Thanks for joining me!

If you have any questions you'd like to make sure I address this month, please leave them in the comments.  In fact, even if you don't, leave a comment!  It's a treat for a blogger to know someone's reading.

With affection till tomorrow,

Heather