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As we enter the final stretch of the Lenten season and make our way into Holy Week, we draw near to the heart of our faith and the story that changed everything. These days, we’re invited to slow down, pay attention and remember why Easter matters so deeply to us and to the people we serve.

Holy Week and Easter remind us that our hope is not rooted in our effort, our planning or our performance, but in the finished work of Jesus. His life, sacrifice, death and resurrection are the foundation of our faith and the source of our strength. This is where the gospel moves from history to reality!

In the days ahead, we’ll reflect on the themes of Easter that shape our faith. The cross, the waiting, the empty grave and the resurrection power of Christ.

Our team is praying for you as you walk through days 31–40 of The Significance of ____: Spiritual Strength for Your Easter Season. May your heart be anchored in Christ and your joy made complete in the hope of the resurrection.

Day 31: The Significance of the Empty Grave

Refocus

Fix your focus on this truth: "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay." (Matthew 28:6)

What this truth says about God: Jesus conquered death by performing the most life-altering miracle in all of history!

What this truth says about your work/your church/your team: The empty grave is the basis for the most life-altering good news that’s worth sharing with everyone.

Always remember: The empty grave gives us new life and hope for the future!

Abide

Prayer of the day: Jesus, thank you for the empty grave, for conquering death and keeping your promises so we can have confidence in our eternity. Help us to boldly share this good news with others. Amen.

The empty grave is why we can celebrate and have hope in Christ!

Day 32: The Significance of the Garden

Refocus

Fix your focus on this truth: “When He had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and He and His disciples went into it.” (John 18:1)

What this truth says about God: Jesus went to a familiar place to be obedient to God and to fulfill His purpose of the cross.

What this truth says about your work/your church/your team: We can be encouraged by Jesus’ obedience to His Father and work to submit to God’s plans and purposes.

Always remember: Even when things feel chaotic or stressful, obedience to Christ is the safest, most secure place to be.

Abide

Prayer of the day: Lord, thank you for your example of surrender. We submit to your will for our lives, knowing that you are near and believing that you are a good Father. Amen.

We can find restoration, peace and purpose in the center of God’s will!

Day 33: The Significance of Sacrifice

Refocus

Fix your focus on this truth: “And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)

What this truth says about God: God desired a way to be reconciled with us, so He sent His one and only Son. Out of a place of love, He gave Jesus to atone for our sins and bring us back into a holy communion with Him.

What this truth says about your work/your church/your team: In a day and age that is all about power, receiving, and control – it is an incredible thing for Jesus to sacrifice His life for eternity in Heaven.

Always remember: The counter-cultural ways of Jesus … and His great love and forgiveness ... is the good news of Jesus that others need to hear!

Abide

Prayer of the day: Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to earth so that He could live a perfect life, die and conquer death once and for all through the empty grave. We are grateful for your sacrifice. Amen.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we can know Him and abide in a personal relationship with Him.

Day 34: The Significance of Resurrection Power

Refocus

Fix your focus on this truth: “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life ...” (Romans 8:11)

What this truth says about God: The mighty strength of our Savior shines brightly through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What this truth says about your work/your church/your team: We have all that we need through the power and strength of the Holy Spirit.

Always remember: Through the Spirit, we have the same resurrection power of Jesus Christ that will carry us through.

Abide

Prayer of the day: God, thank you for raising Jesus from the dead and conquering death once and for all. Thank you for abiding with us through the Holy Spirit. We praise you for your power! Amen.

Let’s recognize and rejoice in what we have: the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is living inside us through the Holy Spirit!

Day 35: The Significance of Prayer

Refocus

Fix your focus on this truth: “And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed. And being in agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:41, 44)

What this truth says about God: Leading up to His separation from God and death on the cross, Jesus prayed. He bent His knee and prayed earnestly to His Father in heaven.

What this truth says about your work/your church/your team: Our prayers of desperation during times of agony are welcomed by our compassionate and loving Father.

Always remember: We have intimate access to the Father through prayer.

Abide

Prayer of the day: Lord, thank you for hearing our prayers and receiving our cries for help. We praise you for being an accessible God. Amen.

In times of hardship, we can kneel down and pray, knowing that He hears us.

Day 36: The Significance of Companionship with the Father

Refocus

Fix your focus on this truth: “... He fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. ‘Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” (Mark 14:35b-26)

What this truth says about God: Even in times of turmoil leading up to His arrest, Jesus abided with His Father in prayer and submitted to the will of the Lord.

What this truth says about your work/your church/your team: We share the same Father as Jesus! We can come to our heavenly Father in our hardships and with our emotions, knowing that He hears our cries.

Always remember: We can pray and surrender to the Lord in times of trouble knowing that our Abba Father is near.

Abide

Prayer of the day: Lord, thank you for your example of surrender. We submit to your will for our lives, knowing that you are near and believing that you are a good Father. Amen.

Our heavenly Father is near to us even when we’re brokenhearted, burdened, weary ministers of the Gospel.

Day 37: The Significance of Redemption

Refocus

Fix your focus on this truth: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)

What this truth says about God: We are all in need of a Savior. Through Jesus’ blood and God’s grace, we can be saved!

What this truth says about your work/your church/your team: The good news of redemption is at the core of the Easter message that we get to share with others.

Always remember: The redemption story of Jesus’ resurrection is essential for salvation and is freely given to all who believe.

Abide

Prayer of the day: Jesus, thank you for your blood so that we could be forgiven of our sins. We ask that you’ll give us the boldness and encouragement to share this good news with others this Easter season! Amen.

We have been redeemed from an empty way of life through the precious blood of Christ!

Day 38: The Significance of the Last Supper (Maundy Thursday)

Refocus

Fix your focus on this truth: “When the hour came, Jesus and His apostles reclined at the table. And He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.’” (Luke 22:14-15)

What this truth says about God: The shedding of Jesus’ blood established a different way of doing things and, through the new covenant, He ushered in a new way of life.

What this truth says about your work/your church/your team: Jesus brought us from death to life. We no longer live under the law, but under grace!

Always remember: Jesus desires to be in relationship with us. He died and rose again so we could accept Him, become new creations and share about His redeeming power with others.

Abide

Prayer of the day: Lord, thank you for bringing about the new covenant through your death, burial and resurrection. We are grateful for the new life we have in you! Amen.

Jesus’ blood was shed and body was broken so we could have a way back to Him, live under grace and share this good news with others.

Day 39: The Significance of the Cross (Good Friday)

Refocus

Fix your focus on this truth: “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2b)

What this truth says about God: Jesus selflessly endured the cross for the joy set before Him – for each one of us!

What this truth says about your work/your church/your team: This Easter season, we get to share about Jesus’ sacrifice and mercy with others.

Always remember: We can be called children of God because of the sacrifices of Jesus Christ.

Abide

Prayer of the day: Jesus, thank you for enduring the cross for us. We thank you for your sacrifice and for making a way for us to spend forever with you. Amen.

The mercy and love of Jesus are on full display at the cross.

Day 40: The Significance of Silence (Silent Saturday)

Refocus

Fix your focus on this truth: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)

What this truth says about God: No matter how long it takes, the Lord always keeps His promises!

What this truth says about your work/your church/your team: Even when we wonder and wait, we can have full assurance in God.

Always remember: Even when we face hardship, pain and loss – God still redeems brokenness!

Abide

Prayer of the day: Lord, thank you for always moving behind-the-scenes to bring restoration. We can trust you and rely fully on your goodness, even when there is silence. Thank you for making a way from ashes and death to light, healing, redemption, resurrection and beauty. Amen.

While we’re waiting, God is working. Hold onto hope!