Stumbling In The Dark to Find Truth

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." - Romans 1:25

Where am I? What is this? Who are you? Who am I? Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? Is there someone else out there? Are we being watched? Why do things happen? What is reality? Did Al Gore really invent the internet?

This past week was a big learning and growing experience for me. Through stuff that happened, I really got to know people better on my campus, especially in my judo class and journalism classes. It's great to get to know the people in your area because you really know what the culture is like. I have noticed so many broken and desperate people on campus and the people don't even realize they're brokenness and desperate need. Sad story! I really need the courage and the boldness to witness Christ to them and allow the light he has to destroy the darkness I see them in.

My step-father battles bodily pain and experiences a life not yielded to Christ. My mother knows Christ but experiences bodily and mental hurt. My mother's pain is so great that I had to call the squad for her Friday afternoon after experiencing extreme pain in her body above her stomach. When she got to the hospital, it turned out to be just back and rib pain. A day before, she experienced some high blood pressure. On top of that, she has stresses in her life to deal with. I know God doesn't give us more than what we can bear, but where is God in the face of adversity? It's hard. My step-father is getting shoulder surgery next Friday, I think. It gives him much pain plus he still doesn't know Christ. Once again, I am learning the principle of sacrifice to serve others. It is not easy by any means, but what did Christ do for us on the cross again?

I checked out a new church below Parkersburg called First Assembly of God. It is a Pentecostal Church. The guy that runs Chi Alpha at WVUP invited me there. It was weird at first. I'm used to churches where worship and praise are there but nowhere near explicit as it is in the Pentecostal denomination. They emphasize the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is so important to a believer. It is ultimately what assures believers of their salvation. It also is God's provision to those He has chosen to serve Him and do His will to be a light to those who don't walk in the light of Christ. I liked it! The people were welcoming and loving to me. In fact, the guy that invited me there offered me his house to have lunch. I enjoyed it and got to experience fellowship I only experienced with Chi Alpha. Fellowship with others who are children of God is so important. We were not created to be alone. Even those who aren't saved even experience some kind of fellowship. This is something I haven't had much of since being at WVU but I am working on being intentional with believers and making friends with those who aren't believers.

Greg, the man that runs Chi Alpha at WVUP, asked me if I would be interested in being president of Chi Alpha on campus. Huge decision to make!! If I were to be a leader, I want pride to be kicked out of me! I refuse to be a leader with pride issues because it is ultimately God who leads us. Please pray for me!

Overall, people in this area need Jesus so bad! I notice so much worldliness around me. This has got to stop! People are out there dying and will end up in a place of eternal damnation if those who are believers do nothing. I need prayer to get motivated and shed some light to those stumbling in darkness. If you are in darkness, you won't be able to see a thing. I know personally one won't find truth in darkness because one can't see! Please pray for this! Something has got to be done about the spiritual state of people all around me!

"The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday." - Proverbs 4:18

I'm glad God is a better guide in our lives than a stupid GPS suggesting that Chipotle is the best restaurant in the area if you are looking for good cuisine.

In Christ,
Dutton