A Texas Sky (Yellow Rose Trilogy) Read Online Free PDF Page A

the
    kitchen to finish cutting pieces of cake. "Is there anything I
    can help you with?"
    Dakota frowned down at his plate for a moment before
    admitting, "Were those verses this morning saying that the
    church was having problems?"
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    The doctor nodded. "Earlier in the chapter, Paul warns
    the people about the seriousness of adding anything to the
    gospel. Do you know what I mean by 'gospel'?"
    "Salvation?"
    "Yes. Their big issue was circumcision."
    Dakota's brows rose on this, but he stayed quiet.
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    "Some people were still insisting that the men be circumcised,
    though Paul made it very clear that salvation
    comes by faith alone through Christ alone. Pastor mentioned
    the freedom this gave them, but they started to treat
    that freedom carelessly and were falling into sin toward
    each other."
    "But the church was new! How could there be that
    many problems so quickly?"
    Marcus smiled. "I don't know too many people who
    don't have problems or past experiences that affect the way
    they think and act. These people were no different. They
    had been used to blood sacrifices and circumcision. Now
    Christ had come along and taken all that away. And that
    was wonderful for these folks, but old habits--especially
    ones that make us feel comfortable--can die hard."
    "So what type of sins are we talking about? I mean, how
    were they treating each other?"
    "The verses that are coming up have a pretty serious
    list. Paul calls them the works of the flesh, and they include
    adultery, fornication, hatred, and much more. Maybe mis
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    was what they were saved out of, and with the way they
    were acting, he feared they would go back to this life. At
    the end of that chapter, he goes on to tell them how important
    it is to walk in the Spirit and gives another list, this one
    full of righteous acts for them to practice."
    "But these people had heard the gospel and been
    saved?"
    "I believe so, yes, and I don't wish to make excuses for
    them, but keep in mind that salvation does not take all
    those old temptations and actions away. We still tend to
    think of ourselves first and want our way much too often."
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    Dakota couldn't argue with that Until recently, his own
    life and wants were his main concern. He cared about his
    family and his job, but he could now see how self-centered
    he'd been. At the same time, he had to admit that he was
    changing. The doctor was willing to talk for hours, and
    Dakota's questions were not about his own life, but that of
    53
    Jesus Christ
    S"3^^r
    Thinking about how good it had been to talk to Dr.
    Scott, Dakota left their home and headed straight to Brace's
    small abode. Not until Mrs. Scott had asked if they would
    see him next week did Dakota realize he had no idea what
    his plans were. It was time to see Darvi. Because he wasn't
    staying at the boardinghouse, he realized Darvi had no way to tell him when she wanted to leave for Stillwater. For all he knew, they'd be pulling out of town first thing in the
    morning.
    Dakota arrived at the house about three o'clock,
    knocked softly on the door, and waited. Dressed in an elegant
    day dress the color of dark plums, made more elegant
    by its unadorned lines, Darvi answered.
    "Oh, Dakota!" she said in soft surprise. "I wondered
    when I would see you again."
    Dakota stepped inside as she held the door and then
    understood why she whispered: Brace was sound asleep in
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    the rocking chair.
    Hat in hand, Dakota smiled a little before turning back
    to Darvi.
    "What day did you want to leave?"
    "Will Tuesday work for you?"
    "Thaf s fine. I'll check the stage schedule and get back--"
    "I don't want to go by stage," Darvi cut in.
    Dakota blinked.
    "I thought we'd be going on horseback. I want to go on
    horseback/' she clarified.
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    Dakota couldn't help the way his eyes moved over her
    elegant dress. "The stage will be much more comfortable."
    "And also more unreliable."
    Dakota nodded slowly, thinking that it was her choice
    but also