Photo taken in Hawaii.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Your risen, living Son Jesus to give You praise and thanksgiving for this Easter celebration and for the atoning death on the cross of Your spotless Son. In addition to taking my place on the cross, You accepted the fate that should have been mine, and bore the punishment of death for my sin, allowing me to be set free. Philippians 2:8 “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

How wonderful it is that the Easter story does not end with Jesus’ death. It also shows the resurrection power of God. Mathew 28:5-6a “But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen.‘”

Thank you for providing a way to overcome the power of sin. Simply by my accepting and believing in Jesus as Savior, You have given me the righteousness of God through the saving work of Your Son. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Direct me to comprehend and appreciate the true meaning of all that happened as we celebrate this special day of Easter. It is no small thing that ​Jesus traded the immeasurable worth of His righteousness for something as worthless as man’s sin.

In Jesus’ Name, I thank You for all the blessings this Easter season brings to mind, Amen.