Confession and Self Examination

Getting to know ourselves is difficult for sure, but the pay off is being in line with the desire of Gods heart.

"Search me O God and know my heart,

Test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive ways in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting. " Psalm 139: 23-24

I often fall into the mentality that if I don't murder or steal then I don't really need to confess those sins. Yet sin is anything that breaks our relationships with God and others. We need to be continually reminded of the power of the cross and what Jesus has done for us.

The powerful tools of self examination are useful. Ask yourself, which of your sins hurt those closest to you?

Giving it all up...

Giving it all up, means bringing our burdens, blessings and entire self to Gods feet and asking him to change our hearts. When we accept that our lives are not our own and depend entirely upon the death of Jesus on the cross it breaks the bonds of guilt in our lives; a process that is both empowering and humiliating. Yet at the same time we are called to make a daring effort to continually be putting to death sin in our lives and "perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." (2 Corinthians 7:1)

How we begin this transformation is spelled out directly in the bible. It is through reading this guidebook for our lives that we can gain insight into how our lives are a reflection of God's love. These principles will be stepping stones of forgiveness, service, and loving others that will lead to outreach in our communities. Let us make it our business, then, to never grow lazy or apathetic in our battle for holiness and desire for communion with God.

All to the Glory of God... Jordan

INCLUSION

Loving your neighbor: it means including others who don't deserve to be.

"My roommate always eats more then his share of the food!"

"I wish my little brother would grow up and stop being so annoying!"

"My lab partner is so lazy, why doesn't he ever do his share of work?!"

The world is full of hypocrites who claim they love people and God yet live such self-serving lives they miss out on the opportunity to serve others.

We don't want to hear, "I love you but only on the condition..." We want to know you love us even with our mistakes... Thats what it means to love everyone, even those who aren't our friends.

Story of Self

Today we are studying the ways in which God uses us to bring the lost sheep back to the Lord. (Luke 15:1-7) One of the most powerful tools in evangelizing is the story of self; it is a brief (two minute max) story of your life: before you knew God, how you came to accept Jesus as your Lord, and how your life is transformed and renewed by his spirit. This is my story of self, how about yours?

Growing up in a christian home (with the best parents in the world), I knew from a young age about who God was and how Jesus died on the cross for me. I was a good child and did what my parents told me to. However, my hearts desire for happiness was self serving; only searching for the next satisfying thing in my own life. I didn't ever stop to check my perspective or ask why I could go to church on Sunday and go through the week with only prayer at bible study and meal time. I was lost in the world and I didn't know it.

In 2009, when I first came to cal poly, I joined a lot of clubs; InterVarsity, Wheelmen, Robotics, etc. My freshman year was a time full of trying new things and being spontaneous, irresponsible, and fun. Little did I know God was planning on using my crazy schedule to bring me back to him. In the busy spring quarter of that year I gave up most of the clubs but stuck with InterVarsity because of the friends and community I had made there. I never expected that to be such a pivotal moment in my life.

Today, I am leading a bible study; a position, I realize, I don't deserve and am unqualified to hold in my strength alone. Yet it is with Jesus Christ that we find our righteousnesses and courage. Everyday I get to see things that God is doing in my life and others, while transforming my heart and mind to become more like Jesus. I can say in full conviction that the Joy of seeing other peoples lives transformed for Jesus is more rewarding then any club, party, or adrenaline rush I will ever find in the college life.

My Perogitive

It's been a solid seven months since I blogged last and I have missed writing out my experiences and hearing your questions, comments and thoughts. This lack of communication with family and friends has drawn me back to the blog as I begin the processes again, hoping to share some of the thoughts I have on my life and the community around me. My hope is to share with you in honesty and venerability what I am experiencing.

The second reason I am returning is due to a feeling a gratitude to those around me who have included me and made my experience at college a family focused lifestyle. I hope to use these posts to express how valuable my friends are in school and society.

Finally, although I may be self-righteous in claiming this, I hope that by sharing what I am learning, this knowledge and understanding will somehow translate into your lives or someone you know.

Whether you are a follower via email or just a visitor, you will see a life and purpose in my writings that reflect the glory and love of Jesus. To that end is my goal but through the process I expect to see transformations in my heart and wisdom in what it means to find my right to life in Jesus Christ.

Sincerely,

Jordan G

What is my Prerogative?

SLO Symphony: check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrjoU0RveRQ

Last weekend I went to a concert at the Preforming Arts center where we watched the talented musicians play the most beautiful music I have ever heard live! It made me realize how passionate these people where and how much they must practice in order to get so good; much like musicians, I must also practice discipline in order to become a master at what I want to preform.

What are some important things in your life that you haven't been putting enough of your life into?