Stages of Transition

I finished 2 Corinthians.  In the letter Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, you can feel his frustration, his sadness, his longing.  It's a depressing book, but it's interesting to see that side of Paul rather than his lengthy stints of theology and rhetoric.  I wish the letter was no longer relevant to the church.  I'm afraid if Paul was trying to oversee all of the churches today, he would live in constant turmoil, anger, and confusion.  None of us are without sin, I know that, but I can vouch for the idea that when Christ comes into your heart, you change.  There are some within the church that haven't had that transformation yet.  Hypocrisy, judgment, scandal, bigotry -- those are still serious issues within the church.  Those issues give unbelievers a way out of the church.

Before my conversion, I looked at most ''Christians" and thought, no way do I want any part in that, those people suck to be around.  I knew atheists and agnostics who were doing more with humanitarian efforts and just old fashioned good manners and loving personalities who acted more like Christ than some "Christians" I came into contact with.  Thankfully, my church back home is amazing and you can feel the Spirit moving there.  You can see light in the members of Hollis Memorial church for sure.  I want to always be a light.  When I go to do missions, I want folks to see that light within me.  I want them to know that I can do whatever I do because it is Christ who strengthens me.

I never want to boast; I never want to judge; I never want to be self-righteous.  Trust me, I'm worthless and grubby and weak without Christ.  I acknowledge that willingly and thankfully.  I just pray that God fills the church with his Spirit and that hearts are open to Him.


Anyway...that's not what I had planned to blog about...

I also finished "What is the Gospel?" It was really good to read that as I'm going through the New Testament in my studies because it gives me a better perspective on The Message.  It provides a lens with which to read Paul's letters.

Next, I'm going to read Forgotten God by Francis Chan.  It's about the Holy Spirit.  I'm very excited to see what I can glean from this book since I feel like the Spirit is leading me somewhere, maybe it'll help me discern what I'm being guided towards.

I learned how to play Amazing Grace on guitar!!  The finger movements are becoming a lot more fluid with practice.  I'm delving into chords now that I've learned all the notes on the strings.  I can read music now, at least notes and time.  It feels really encouraging to finally put this knowledge into application.  If all I ever learn how to play on guitar is Amazing Grace, then by golly, I will play Amazing Grace every morning when I wake up to remember what God has done for me.

I went hiking today.  I was reminded of my "kidnapped by Christians" hike, so when I was overlooking all the wonders of creation I thought of that psalm and smiled this time.

Six months ago, I would have scoffed at the kinds of things I'm writing here.  I've always been such a guarded person; I don't like anyone to see me vulnerable.  My, my, how life has changed.  And now, everything is possible because I know God will bring me through the tough times.  I know he will equip me with the skills I need to serve him effectively.

I've just got to keep my head up.