Easter Is Over, So Now What?

Easter isn't only a single day to rejoice in the Good News of Jesus and his never-stopping, never giving-up love for us. It's a time to be intentionally prayerful and personal with God.

Lysa Terkeurst, from Proverbs 31 Ministries, offers six prayers to pray the week after Easter. She references Matthew 28, where the angel spoke to the woman at the tomb.

• “Do not be afraid,” – God, I hand over to You those things that make me so afraid. Resurrect the parts of my faith squelched by fear.

• “I know that you are looking for Jesus,” – God, when my soul is searching, help me know the answer to every longing can be found in You.

• “He has risen,” – God, the fact that Jesus is risen should lift my head, my heart and my attitude. Help me to live today as if I really believe this with every part of my life.

• “just as he said,” – Jesus, You keep Your promises. Help me live as though I believe that with every part of me. Help me trust You more, obey You more and resemble You more.

• “Come and see,” – Jesus, You had the angels invite the women in to see for themselves that You had risen. You invite me into these personal revelations every day. Forgive me for sometimes rushing about and forgetting to come and see for myself … You, Your Word, Your insights.

• “Then go quickly and tell his disciples,” – Jesus, I don’t want to be a secret keeper with my faith. I want to be a bold and gracious truth proclaimer. For You. With You. Because of You. Me, the unwanted girl whom You loved, redeemed and wanted.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What's the best time of day for you to sit quietly in prayer? Challenge yourself to find that time and be intentional about it regularly, daily, lovingly.

Do you want to memorize a verse this week? Try this one:

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is. Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

Butterfly Cross of New Life and Resurrection

Butterflies are recognized around the world as symbols of change and transformation. More than 28,000 species of butterflies represent the insect's differences, though often, they are categorized as the same. Not a single human is exactly alike, yet everyone is created in the same way.

Butterflies begin life in one form, but end it in another. It begins as a crawling creature that hibernates in a cocoon and re-enters the world able to fly, often used a symbol of resurrection in Christianity. As Christ died on the cross, was buried in a tomb, and came to life again, He brought hope of life after death. The butterfly "dies" as a caterpillar, is buried in a cocoon, and transforms into new-life, able to take flight, symbolic of a human soul into heaven.

This year at HT, the traditional Easter cross will be filled with butterflies rather than fresh cut flowers. Many students in the Sunday School program will participate in making a one or more butterflies to add to the cross. However, this is a church-wide opportunity for adults to contribute time and talents, as well. You are invited to create a butterfly for the Easter cross. A few visuals are included below, however, the creative possibilities are endless. Butterflies will be attached to the cross with wire.

Begin with a random assortment of scraps and supplies, allow yourself to ponder (hibernate) for a few minutes, and create a butterfly that has transformed from simple pieces into a beautiful new life.