Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

Easter Sunday is a day of celebration that Jesus has risen and is alive. How do you celebrate? Gatherings have changed over the years as the family has gotten older and many have passed away. For many years now we have gathered in a family member’s home for an early evening potluck with all the family favorites. 

Take a moment to think about what an empty grave personally means to you. How is this a celebration in your life? The following verses are a personal invitation to see Jesus’ empty grave in Matthew 28: 5-6 NIV —  The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” 

Take a moment to enjoy Ray’s photo. With every rising sun, we are blessed to receive an invitation to celebrate our Risen Lord. I encourage you to worship and celebrate with the following songs:

Empty Grave by Zach Williams

No Body by Elevation Worship, ft. Jonsal Barrientes

‭‭Mark 15 NIV

Take a moment to read this article by Christianity.com titled What Is So Good About Good Friday? for an explanation.

Today I encourage you to spend some time mourning the death of Christ. Reflect on the reality that Jesus suffered and carried your sins to the cross. What does that mean for you? Do you live your daily life in a way that exhibits your appreciation for this gift from Jesus? Have you shared the gift of Christ with someone else? Without Good Friday there would be no Easter Sunday. Watch this video for a Good Friday Prayer. Be sure to finish out Holy Week by joining us on Sunday for the resurrection of Christ.

Dear God, Thank You for Good Friday. Thank You for sacrificing Your only Son for me to have eternal life. Keep the image of the draped cross in my mind today so I may experience a small portion of Your grief. May all that I say and do today reflect the love of the cross. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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In John 13:34-35 NIV Jesus said to His disciples — A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Today is Maundy Thursday. Have you heard this term before? Do you know what it means? Take a moment to read this article from Christianity.com titled What Is Maundy Thursday? for an explanation. Watch this video for a Maundy Thursday Prayer.

As you go about your day, reflect on the events that happened thousands of years ago. Remember the promises Jesus made to us and hold on to the hope we have in Him.

Dear God, Thank You for the hope I have in Christ. Guide my thoughts today as I remember the events of the Last Supper. Continue to usher me through the events of Holy Week that ultimately lead me to eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV — But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

What is Holy Week? Holy Week is the week leading up to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Over the next few days we will walk with Jesus through the events that led up to His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. I invite you to be looking closely at the face of Christ as He walks towards the cross to die for you. Seek God’s insight and wisdom as God also watches His only Son suffer. As you give thanks, step out of your personal comfort zone and share the Good News with someone in your life. As you walk on water today, be looking toward the cross of Christ for courage and strength.

Dear God, may I always be looking toward You. Thank You for what this Holy week means to me as a Christian. May I continually seek Your strength as I step out and share Your love and mercy with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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John 12:12-19

John 12:13 NIV — They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

Sunday we celebrated Palm Sunday in Christian churches across the world. Take a moment to imagine the scene the day Christ entered Jerusalem. Think about the sights and sounds. Imagine the excitement. What a day of rejoicing it must have been!

As we walk through this week together I encourage you to examine your response to Christ. Do you meet with him each day with excitement? Are you rejoicing as He enters into worship with you? Joy is the bookends of Holy Week. As we travel with Jesus through His last week on earth, let’s be sure to meet Him daily with praise and thanksgiving.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the opportunity to read and learn about Holy Week. Prepare my heart to be open for new insights and may I respond to Christ with praise and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Let’s begin our week together by reading the scriptures that will be featured in the upcoming daily posts. Allow God to speak to you through His word.

John 12:12-19 NIV

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV — But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

In John 13:34-35 NIV Jesus said to His disciples — A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

‭‭Mark 15 NIV

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