The Paradox of Good Friday

PAR-A-DOX: –noun 1.a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

I'm sure those who followed Jesus to His cruxification stood perplexed and confused at His "unjust" fate. "If He is the Son of God, let Him come down from the Cross," others mocked in contempt. It just didn't make sense. So many miracles, the authority and wisdom in His teaching....and now, He was hardly recognizable. "This can't be the hand of God," was the prevailing human logic.

Yet over 700 years before this, Isaiah the prophet speaking through the Spirit of God foretold,

"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering…he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:3-5)"

I think the paradox of Good Friday teaches us not to rely on our human wisdom and logic. God is not like us. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He sees far beyond what we can comprehend and imagine. But just as what happened on "Good" Friday shows us in retrospect, God can be trusted.

"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth..Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering...After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. ,(Isaiah 53:6-7)"

So our response? Trust an Gratitude. God does not owe us anything, yet He gives and gives and gives and loves and loves and loves. He gives us breath and life and offers us eternal life when we trust that Jesus is our sin bearer and we surrender our lives His rule.

He loved me when I was ignorant and rebellious to His ways. He not only forgave my sins and opened my eyes to see the error of my ways, but also showed me a better way to live. The fruit of this new way of life is a million times better than all the rotten fruit I was producing when I was rebellious to His ways. His ways are truly better.

God really does love us.

"Be strong in the truth that you are loved...you will trust Him to the degree that you know you are love by him. Contemplate the incomparable love of Jesus as he suffocates to death" (Ruthless Trust by Brenan Manning).

"There is no great love than this(John 15:3)"

Happy Good Friday.

Better Love

Valentine's Day is coming soon. All eyes are on "love." And not doubt, love is an amazing thing. I'm 3 months away from marrying the love of my life, and hands down, his love is one of the hugest blessings I've known in my life. However, as incredible as that is, I can conclude with all honesty, that it can't compare with the joy and peace that comes from knowing the love of all All Mighty God. It will fall short all the time. God's love really is the better love, every time....are hearts just won't be content without it. We need stop looking. Love has come!!

"How great the love the Father has lavished on us..." Happy Valentine's Day!

God became Man

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel." , "which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matthew 1:23, prophesy from Isaiah 7:14)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth" (John 1:1, 14).

Merry Christmas!

Defend the Orphan (Isaiah 1:17)

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27.

I've read that so many times, and although its clear as day, I don't think my "religion" consists enough of looking after the "orphan and widow." Maybe not out of desire, but just ignorance of the practicality of it. If your're feeling like me, I have some advice: Family Life (familylife.com) had a series of great messages during their "The Cry of the Orphan" Campaign. Two in particular, given my Rick Warren, were very enlightening, and I recommend every Christian check them out. Apparently, God is VERY concerned for the orphan and oppressed. And therefore, so should we. Immediately, I want to run out an adopt a dozen kids, but that's obviously not something I can do yet (Shawn, don't get scared). However, there is much singles can do to defend the orphan, and it doesn't involve adoption. Family Life has a brochure called "Ten Ways Every Christian Can Care for the Orphan and Waiting Child." It's Free to order, and has some really practical and unique ideas. I'll share one that I had no idea exsisted and think is very cool:

Speak up for them: Ever wonder how to put all those fun years of college to even greater use? Start to thank God for those speech classes! It turn out there are organizations that train regular people to be Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care. These volunteers get to know a child, his/her case, etc and speak to the court on their behalf. Visit www.natinalcasa.org for more details and to find an office near you.

Don't forget to get the Family Life brochure. It has more great great ideas!

He shall be called...

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, written over 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ).

Pursue!!

Ladies love to be pursued. We long to be chased after, desired, and fought for. I think of the way Shawn pursues me, and can't help but smile real BIG...the effort, the sacrifice, the commitment...It's beautiful. To pursue someone or something takes action, persistence, commitment, passion, etc, and this is exactly what God calls us to do in regard to a godly lifestyle.

1 Timothy 6:11 says, "But you (Paul writing to Timothy), man of God, flee from all this (evil, greed), and PURSUE righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. FIGHT the the good fight of the faith. TAKE HOLD of the the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession...(1 Timothy 6:11-12a"

So although it is God who works in us to do the things that please him (Phil 2:13), we obviously have a choice to make and a role to play. This role is not passive (i.e. waiting for God to develop all these things in us without any effort on our part) Rather, we must "PURSUE, FIGHT, TAKE HOLD " And just as a man pursuing and fighting for his lady is not a drag or burdensome task, but rather a joy and a delight, so should it be our joy and delight to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness."

Wedding Planning has began

It's been a month since we've been engaged, and although some days I feel like I haven't gotten much done in regards to wedding planning, I'm starting to see that I'm not doing so bad. I purchased my wedding dress this past weekend! It's beautiful...and so fits my personality. The girls and I have chosen bridesmaids dresses...They are so cute!! They will be so beautiful. Location is still being decided, and the research for photographers, flowers, caterers, etc, etc continues.

Wedding planning can be very consuming. I have to remember to keep it in check. I used to wonder why people hired wedding planners; not anymore. Nevertheless, it's been fun and I look forward to all this day will mean for Shawn and I.