Monday: Surprised By God– Read John 20:1-16. When Mary arrived at the tomb, she received much more than she expected. Her offering of service to prepare the body of Jesus was a gift. She was surprised to experience her Lord was alive and speaking to her. Jesus gave her a task much more important than burial preparations – “Go and tell.” v. 17. How might God be speaking to you in an unusual way or circumstance? Perhaps the person you think is as unimportant as the gardener might have a word of life for you? Jesus shows up in the most unexpected places!!!

 

Tuesday: Nothing– Read Romans: 8:28-49. If you ever wanted a promise that will last no matter what, listen to the words of Paul. In all things God works for good v. 28, If God is for us, who can be against us v. 31, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us v. 37, & nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord vs. 38-39. There is an implied truth that life will be tough. Haven’t we all found this to be true? But, God’s love and presence is with us through Jesus Christ.    God loves us too much to let us go even if it means giving his son’s life to prove this truth.

 

Wednesday: The Last Enemy is Destroyed: Read 1Corinthians 15:12-28. Sin came into the world through Adam – a human. Death came because of Adam and Eve’s sin. But it is through a human, Jesus that resurrection comes. All died because of Adam. All live because of Jesus. Not even death can defeat our Lord and Savior. His resurrection proves that Jesus is the Messiah, the one who came to save us from our sin. It may seem like evil and wickedness are winning the battle but they will not win the war. That victory was accomplished on the cross of Calvary. Thanks be to Jesus the Christ!

 

Thursday: Where Do You Look For Life: Read Luke 24:1-12. In Luke’s account, several women go to the tomb to prepare the body of Jesus. When they arrive, the men (angels) ask them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Are you looking for Jesus in the dead places of your life like destructive habits or relationships? Is your character creating deadly parts of your life? Look for Christ where there is life, not death. Pray that God will show you areas of your life where you need to die so Christ’s life can bring resurrection. 

 

Friday: Peace: Read John 20:19-23. Jesus appeared before his disciples and his first words were “Peace be with you.” The Hebrew word for peace is shalom which describes more than just a lack of conflict. Shalom is a wholeness that comes from being in right relationship with God and others. Shalom reflects a healing and saving presence of the Lord at work in every aspect of your life. Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace.” Allow him to enter into the locked areas of your life and see where restoration begins. 

 

Saturday: The Final Word: Read 1Corinthians 15:50-58 and John 3:16-17. God’s final word is LIFE, not death. It is a new beginning, not the past. It is healing and restoration, not brokenness and destruction.   It is goodness, not evil. For those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Word of Life, death will not have the final say. We will have eternal life. The sting of death is sin but we have a savior who has taken our sin and died our death so that we may have life. He did not come to condemn the world but to save it. Is there any greater reason to praise and thank God every day? Isn’t this truth something that you would want the whole world to know?