He is risen. He is risen indeed.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. It is the very reason believers have hope and an assurance of eternal life. However, the benefits of Christ’s death and resurrection extend here on earth.

In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

This fullness of life is experienced here on earth, and it is one of the true blessings that come from the death and resurrection of Christ.

However, you also know that life isn’t fair; the roller coaster of life. But even amongst the pain, there is pleasure and a deep passion toward you from God.

As you know, pain is a reality of life, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Christ understands the pain we experience because he himself suffered through it.

Isaiah 53:3 ~ He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

Yet, through His death on the cross, He not only bore the weight of your sins, but He also took your pain upon Himself.

1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

This healing includes physical and emotional healing, as well as spiritual healing.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Every rose has its thorn!

But then, on the opposite side of pain lies pleasure.

And that pleasure comes from an indescribable relationship with Christ.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:7

But I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. (John 16:22)

This pleasure is based not on earthly circumstances, but on the hope and assurance we have in Jesus Christ.

As Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Now as you know, there are trials and tribulations here on earth, but there is also beauty that’s indescribable.

And that beauty is expressed in the passion God has for you, for His people made evident through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” ~ John 3:16

This passion is not just focused on our eternal destination, but also on our daily lives.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

He has a plan and purpose for you (Jeremiah 29:11) and desires for you to experience a meaningful and fulfilling life.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult life can get, there is hope available in Him.

As Christians, it’s important for us to remember that the path to redemption isn’t easy; just like a rose with its thorns, it takes courage and strength from within to face our trials with faith.

But because Jesus died for our sins, we know that no matter what troubles come our way – whether spiritual or physical – there will always be a way out if we trust in Him alone.

So look at the beautiful rose He gave you in your mind. It serves as a visual representation of how passionate God is about each one of His children; so passionate that He was willing to put Himself through unimaginable pain for your sake, even though He knew what awaited Him at Calvary’s cross.

Every rose has its thorn (the pain when your finger is pricked), but it also presents a pleasure of comfort and grace that goes beyond your understanding. The passion God has for you is an unimaginable love by your Heavenly Father.

He is risen. He is risen indeed.

PRAYER: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ~ Numbers 6:24-26

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“