Transformation, my word of the year

This year I've been doing a lot of reading about and practicing different spiritual disciplines trying to practice being in the presence of God in new (for me) and ancient ways. It has been an extremely transformative year. I have found that when you put yourself in the presence of God he transforms you. For this blog I will define transformation in this way... Transformation is God continually converting the parts of your heart, body, and mind that have yet to be converted.

In my "Teaching the Good News" class with Dr. Chris Flanders we've talked about different theories of atonement. My experience in God's transforming presence has made me really start to side with the "Theosis Theory." This theory of the atonement in a nutshell says that we were formed or created by God perfectly and that over time sin has corrupted us. But because of Jesus we are able to become uncorrupted from sin and take on the Imago Dei (Image of God). In this theory it is a constant cycle of sin corrupting us and Christ molding us back into the Imago Dei. Athanasius said, "He (Jesus) became what we are, so that we might become what He is." I have this kind of idea that our final destination or goal is to be in "Complete Communion with the Divine." I am not sure if that can be accomplished on earth or not, but I'm open to it being possible (Not to say I stand a chance of getting there, but I'll try). But I believe that is what will make Heaven so awesome, "Complete Communion with the Divine."

This has radically changed my life. I am a very different person than I was a year ago. Not to toot my own horn because trust me I am light-years away from total Divine Communion! and the change has been the work of God, not me! But God has done some serious work on converting some hard areas of my heart, mind and body. I am fully convinced that this can only happen through putting yourself in space where He is present. Cane told the LORD his punishment was more than he could bear because, "I (Cane) will be hidden from your presence." It was way too much to handle being out of God's presence for Cane and I believe the same is true for us. We try to fill this void with so many other things but as Augustine wrote so beautifully in his, "Confessions," the void can only be filled with the Presence of God.

So make space for Him, and He will transform you.

Jesus Party!

In case you don't know, I love my Church! We do some of the most amazing things for people. About 4 or 5 times a year we have a Jesus Party, which is basically a big dance party for the people we thing Jesus would throw a party for, the mentally handicap adults of Abilene. Those people are so much fun! And absolutely hilarious! We had a blast dancing with them. Most of the people from Southern Hills that come are college students so that makes for an extra exciting atmosphere because we all just get jiggy wit it! It's so much fun because you can just dance crazy however you feel like it and nobody cares. It is one of the most freeing experiences ever! This is how I know God loves dancing! What better way to worship our God than to dance with his people who badly need love shown to them.




Talk about a fun night!

1 year minus 4 days...

Okay, so check it out, I barely made it! I almost went a whole year without blogging! Well no more of that! haha. I was looking at my friend Margot's facebook page and saw that she put my blog on her profile, so I figured I need to do some updating! I have done some personally, but no public blogs.

Today was the final day of my "Christian Worship" class. I must say, that it was probably the best class I have ever had at ACU. And I have had some amazing ones! I didn't expect a class on worship to be so spiritually formative, but man was it! To put the class into one sentence, (which is impossible) "Worship is primarily God's work of transformation." My passion for leading worship was really revived through taking this class. Not only that but my skills in planning worship and writing meaningful liturgy were dramatically enhanced. If you are at ACU, PLEASE do yourself and your future church a HUGE favor and take Dr. Stephen Johnson for Christian Worship.

Tomorrow is the Jesus Party, maybe if I am really good I'll tell you about how that goes tomorrow. Until then, may the Peace of God transform you.

Renown

Sure there is something to be said about being humble. But maybe we should ask the question, "am I being a little too humble?"

No... You can't be serious can you? How could you be too humble?

My answer is simply this. You are the light of the world! Light can't be timid! It has to stand out, it can't help but shine for everyone to see. We are children of God! We are heirs to His Throne! Not only that, but unlike our biological parents, God choose us. 1 Peter 2:9 says,

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

We have been chosen for a reason, to make His name renown. We can't be shy about this. Our Fathers name is on the line. We have to do everything we can to get the word out! Use everyone of your gifts. You can't be humble! Let everyone know who you are. Be proud of your family name, Christ. Lets make His name renown!

A Bold Call

Today while I was finishing up the book, "On Being a Missionary," God has convicted me. In fact, I had to leave my computer and go for a walk before coming back to write this. Hale (the author) mentions several things that are bonuses for missionaries, such as: multicultural richness, army life, abundant riches (you'll have to read the book to get that one), and adventure. As great as all of that sounds, none of that really does it for me. If that were all the good things about being a missionary, then I could do without it. What calls me to missions is the chance to leave a legacy.

I am a very competitive person. I hate being second! Believe it or not I’ve actually cried over being second, twice! (Texas Football State Championship) That’s what makes me love Christianity. It calls me to a radical life. A life that is far from mediocrity! I can’t stand the fact of having a lukewarm faith! I want to be 100% completely sold out for Christ. I don’t want anything to do with “The American Dream.” In fact, it almost makes me sick to even think about it. All I want is to leave a legacy that when people remember me, they think of Christ. May I glory in Christ alone! I want people to say, Jordan was a puppet. He did exactly what God asked him to do, without even thinking about it. When Jesus called the twelve he didn’t give them a chance to wait and weigh the costs. He bid them come, and die. They followed. I yearn for a faith that follows without a single thought. Some people call that reckless. I call it Faith!