Just the other day, I was putting on a pair of gloves – without paying attention and with some difficulty. Wouldn’t you know it! I was trying to maneuver the left glove onto my right hand, leaving the right glove waiting for my left hand. Silly, eh? Needless to say, it wasn’t going well. After a good look, I saw the problem and switched them out. No wonder they didn’t fit! I think there’s a life lesson in this. Namely: how well do your gloves fit?

Time for a fit check . . .

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Some years back, I accompanied my grandkids to a park. They were full of energy and expectation. Upon arrival, I gave the usual warning – “Now, be careful as you tackle this playground!” Their response? “O.K. We will!” Well, they climbed equipment, explored, and jumped from tree stump to every conquerable obstacle. The oldest mid-teen made a bounding leap – landing in a wipe-out. Boom! “Are you OK?” “Ya. I’m fine.” Then, another bounding leap – another wipe-out! Kersplat! “You still OK?” “Yup, I’m good.” Remarkably, yet another attempted giant leap for “teen-kind.” Ya-hoo-hoo-hoo! Trip-and-sprawl! Back up again – still grinning. Goodness! That brilliant offspring found every stumbling stone the park offered. Perhaps a successful visit?! I think it’s worth exploring what a stumbling stone is.

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Welcome to "Prepare For Easter!"

This content focuses on 7 days to prepare your heart for a meaningful Easter celebration.

 The material is -

Rich . . . Brief . . . Fun . . . Refreshing. You can Read or Listen. All FREE!

Because this content is concise, quality material – busy people with full schedules can easily participate. Simply click your way through the course to the next session.

May your heart be prepared, encouraged, and inspired to connect with Jesus Christ in a very special way this Easter! Read More ...

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

This past Christmas season, my family watched a wonderful concert of M.W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Michael Tait. It was so good! The vocals were beautiful, the band professional and creative, the lights and special features very well-done. Best of all, the message was inspiring. Worshipfully, the entire concert focused on Jesus Christ. One of the talking points impressed me. So, as I’ve been pondering it, I decided to write an article about “love, like, and fond-of.”

This is the perfect material for Easter week.

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Last article/podcast, we explored “A Positive Mindset Works.” Actually, there’s nothing more critical to your success as a Jesus follower. Why? Simply, because a person’s mindset propels them forward into response. Essentially, into action. Subsequently, let’s look at more healthy mindset action points today, with the goal of building character like Christ.

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You can listen to today’s content with the web player above or read the content below. Now let’s explore Easter Angel.

This is the only day in this Devotional Series that focuses on an Easter Angel rather than Christ’s roles and provisions. However, the Easter Angel is completely focused on Jesus.

So, through the eyes and obedience of a mighty angel, we look at the wonder of Christ:

You recognize this content from the week’s material. Now – consider these roles through the eyes of an angel.

God sent the Easter Angel down to earth from Heaven after Jesus had already raised from the dead on Sunday morning. Remarkably, the angel was so electric, powerful, and pure, that he made superheroes look like children at play. But this actually happened. Incidentally, the angel’s landing on earth likely shook the planet.

The Easter Angel was given clear orders:

Why did the Easter Angel carry out those detailed orders with precision and zeal? Evidently, he knew Jesus is every provision we explored this week.

Folded Grave Clothes

The Easter Angel, and many other angels, must have pondered the deep, abiding love God has for His people! They likely saw Jesus pour sincere care into every individual when He lived as a man on earth. Consequently, they must have been filled with wonder – and perhaps horror – at the crucifixion. Additionally, they must have worshipped in awe at the resurrection.

What a brilliant and strategic plan – carried out with precision and deep wisdom.

Thankfully, God knows exactly how to defeat all His (and your) enemies! Trust Him for this. How privileged you are to be called a “son” or “daughter” of the living God – because of all the provisions of Christ! You are royalty.

As a result, we should all be as obedient and responsive as God’s mighty angels!

This is the time to pull out all the stops! Celebrate Resurrection Day with all your heart! Engage every meaningful tradition you treasure.

The hunt (if you do it today), along with special food, some treats, games, visits

In the clothes dryer?!

So, have you ever wondered where else you can hide an Easter basket? Sometimes you run out of ideas.

This bonus content provides lots of new ideas. Here’s a list that gives lots of places to hide your Easter baskets this year! It’s a huge bonus.

For more resources and tools that inspire and equip you to live well using God's Word in practical ways each day, visit the Alive and Active Life website.

You can listen to today’s content with the web player above or read the content below. Now let’s explore Interconnector.

You need a bridge between you and God. Someone very much like you who understands you. Someone very much like God who understands Him.

Jesus is your Interconnector to:

Hide Easter baskets with a small assortment of candies, perhaps a small story book about Easter, and a few surprise treats/tiny gifts. Include a meaningful token – like a cross. Children (and adults!) LOVE searching for goodies! Keep it fun and full of adventure. Then set a time for the hunt!

Just as

You can listen to today’s content with the web player above or read the content below. Now let’s explore Intercessor.

Traditionally, the word “intercessor” has come to mean – a person who prays on behalf of another person or an event. To say it simply, they intercede for God’s blessing on the person/event being prayed over.

Another synonym is “negotiator.” Jesus negotiated with God for you – on your behalf. Consequently, His words made a difference.

Yes, Jesus prayed for you. Incidentally, Jesus continues to pray for you every day. What a comforting thought. Jn. 17:6-24 records such a powerful prayer. Jesus pleads on your behalf with your best interests in mind.

When you consider this fact, it’s truly mind-boggling to know Jesus is your Intercessor – for real!

Consider This: Jesus is the great Creator. With words, only, He created all things. That’s power!

Now, this same Jesus speaks powerful words on your behalf into your trials and sorrows. Your Intercessor has you in His great heart. 

Once you are a Christian, the Spirit of Jesus – who lives in you – knows your weaknesses. He helps you in those very vulnerable spots. Because He continually searches your heart – while also knowing the mind of God – He knows the best way to plead to God for you as you strive to walk in God’s ways.

Jesus will never force His help on you. His help becomes your provision as you accept it. This means you must open your heart and accept His work as your Intercessor. As you do this, your faith releases the power of Jesus’ interceding words into your daily life, problems, and struggles.

Make a specialty breakfast bread of some kind. Perhaps you’ve had exposure to kuchen or coffee cake or sweet bread. Maybe cinnamon rolls, biscuits, or hot cross buns.

Whatever your preference, make that specialty bread and share with someone else as a treat – family, friend, roommate, co-worker, a lonely person.

Make a double batch to last this whole week. Then on Easter Sunday, you can serve up the rest of the yummy bread with chilled Easter eggs and a huge fruit and cheese platter for a quick, easy breakfast before church.

Reflect on Jesus, the Bread of Life. Since He is your spiritual food (the nourishment your inner person needs to survive) you need to “eat of Him.” This means to take Him into your heart and life.

Tell children and remind adults – Jesus gave His body for them on the cross. Then serve small pieces

You can listen to today’s content with the web player above or read the content below. Now let’s explore Intervener.

Consequently, what does it mean to be an Intervener? Most dictionaries say:

You have an Intervener – someone ready to do all those things for you.

For starters, Jesus did the most amazing thing. He stood for you – between you and holy God. Interestingly, He took your side as He became your “stand-in.”

In a skillful, creative, never-been-done-before strategy, Jesus bore God’s wrath and punishment so justice would be carried out and so you would be free from condemnation. (Is.53: 4-10) Yet, Jesus accomplished something even more precious! He also demonstrated God’s deep, abiding love for you.

Because He solved the sin problem with both God’s and your best interests in mind, you can be reconciled to God. So, we say with confidence Jesus is the great Intervener.

In addition to saving you from sin and eternal death, Jesus is eager to intervene for you each day.

Decorate cooled, hard-boiled eggs to show the joy of new life in Christ:

If you don’t have eggs and supplies to do this activity, why not draw/sketch or paint beautiful eggs on paper? Or you can sculpt with clay or play-do. You can also decorate small balloons. Set them out around your home or room to add to this week’s celebration.

If you don’t have children, do this activity with a friend or group. See the variety of beautiful egg designs each person creates. As you see them this week, remember your Intervener.