Happy Happy Easter!! (Great News Inside) :)

Hi Friend!

I hope this finds you well on this beautiful Easter.

Friday evening my pastor asked a few people to share what the cross meant to them at our Good Friday church service. Some said it meant God loved them. One said it meant Jesus was the only way to eternal life. And the last shared a few personal things before encouraging us to go home and think about what it means for us.

I've taken some time to think about it and I'd like to share some of the ways Jesus' death, burial and resurrection are meaningful to me, in the hope that it will encourage you.

Because Jesus died for our sins, I believe my faith in Him has gotten me a place in heaven, an incredibly joyous place beyond comprehension (Revelation 21)! The Bible says "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and "The wages (payment) for sin is death" (Romans 6:23). "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)... "That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).

That's a great big thing! :) But there's more...

Because Jesus was raised from death to life, He is at the right hand of God, hearing the prayers of His children and interceding on their behalf (Romans 8:34). I started to take a look through my notebooks from the last year and I saw prayers answered - friends getting jobs, people's health restored, relationships restored because God helped others forgive me and me forgive others, opportunities for work, financial provision, and more. "Until now you have asked for nothing in My name, ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full." (John 16:24)

And...

Because He is alive, He lives in me! I feel His Spirit tug on my heart and guide me on a path of peace, to know my purpose and live it out. He warns me to avoid things that will hurt me and others (though that doesn't mean I always listen). Through His leading and speaking to me through the Bible He helps me understand how to be a better coach, daughter, teacher, aunt, lover of people. When I mess up He lifts me up with His love and forgiveness. He gives me hope for another chance and the power to do what is right, and reminds me that even my worst mistakes will be used for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

And lastly (at least for today)...

Because of Jesus' grace and control over my life (He is "Mighty God" Isaiah 9:6) I am still alive! In January of 2011 I was headed to death from cancer, but my health was restored. On top of celebrating Easter, this weekend I am celebrating 7 years in remission and my 28th birthday.

If all of these things are possible for me, they are possible for you and all the people you love! This gives me great hope. "Looking at them Jesus said, 'With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.'" Mark 10:27

With love and prayers,

Bailey

P.S. The contest for my remission anniversary is now over! Please let me know if you've made any Believe Mugs or made any donations to cancer charities (or done anything else) for this occasion. I will announce the winner of the coaching consultation

and Believe Mug shortly! :)