Sunday, April 20, 2025

God loved you before the world was made (Ephesians 1:4). He sees you - holy and blameless - not by your effort but by Christ's gift. The cross was brutal, but Jesus took it all and left the grave so we could live again.

He gave all of himself for you. Don't settle for giving Jesus just a piece of your life. You can leave the grave behind, too.

Is today the day you decide to release the past shame, guilt, and striving you’ve been carrying and surrender it all at the foot of the cross?

As we celebrate Easter today, I encourage you to choose a future with Jesus. A future alive with joy, anchored in purpose, and empowered by grace!

Discussion Questions:

Ice breaker: Share a time you received a gift that surprised you. How did it make you feel to receive something you didn't earn?

What would it look like to be a community alive with joy, anchored in purpose, and empowered by grace?

Read Ephesians 2:1-10: What stands out most about God's role in our salvation? Is there a phrase or verse that feels especially meaningful to you now?

Where in your life do you feel tempted to only give part of yourself rather than trust God with all of you?

Take a few minutes to reflect on this question: What would your life look like if you fully lived out the truth that you are God's masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)? Journal your thoughts, prayers, or even a letter to God from where you are right now.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for the gift of Easter. Today, I don't want to give you just a piece of my heart. I want to respond with complete surrender. Help me release the shame, guilt, and striving I've carried for too long. Let me leave the grave of my past behind and step fully into the future you've prepared. Help me walk forward, hand in hand with you—fully alive and yours. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Theme Verse:

Ephesians 1:7
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the LivingItOut Devotional.