As you study scripture we invite you to prayerfully consider the following categories and questions: 

Inspire: What inspired you, or was meaningful to you? 

Inquire: What raised curiosity? What didn’t you understand? 

Irk: What frustrated or bothered you? 

Require: What might cause you to make a change?

Daily Prayer: God thank you for the miracle of Easter. Give me the faith to believe in this new life you give me, even if I don't have all the answers. Help me to be an example of what life with you is like, this day, and everyday. Amen.

Day 1: The Promise of Resurrection-Monday
Reading: Luke 24:1-8

As we begin this journey, let's reflect on the astounding reality of Jesus' resurrection. The women who went to the tomb that first Easter morning were expecting to find death, but instead encountered life beyond their wildest imagination. How often do we approach our own challenges with a mindset limited by what we can see or understand? Today, consider areas in your life where you might be looking for the living among the dead. Are there dreams, relationships, or hopes you've given up on? Remember that with God, all things are possible. Just as Jesus defeated death, He can bring new life to any situation. Pray for eyes of faith to see beyond your current circumstances and trust in God's power to resurrect what seems lost.

Day 2: Anticipation and Faith - Tuesday
Reading: Hebrews 11:1-6

The sermon mentioned how movie previews create anticipation. In a similar way, Jesus' resurrection is a preview of what's to come for believers. Faith is the spiritual muscle that allows us to anticipate God's promises with confidence. Hebrews reminds us that faith is "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." As you read today's passage, reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you struggle to believe God's promises? Remember that even small acts of faith please God. Challenge yourself today to take a step of faith in an area where you've been hesitant. It might be forgiving someone, sharing your faith, or trusting God with a difficult decision. Let the reality of Christ's resurrection fuel your confidence in God's faithfulness.

The pink spoon analogy from the sermon beautifully illustrates how our current experience of new life in Christ is just a taste of what's to come. Paul tells us in Romans that through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. This means that right now, we have access to a new quality of life – one that's free from the power of sin and filled with God's presence. Today, take some time to inventory your life. Are there areas where you're still living as if you're bound by old patterns or fears? Remember, you are a new creation in Christ! Identify one specific way you can live out this new life today, whether it's extending grace to someone who's wronged you, choosing joy in a difficult circumstance, or stepping out in obedience to God's calling.

Day 4: Hope in Suffering - Thursday
Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9

The reality of the resurrection doesn't mean life will always be easy. In fact, Peter wrote to believers who were facing persecution. Yet he reminds them (and us) that because of Christ's resurrection, we have a "living hope" and an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This hope isn't just wishful thinking – it's a confident expectation based on what God has already done in raising Jesus from the dead. As you face challenges today, how might this perspective change your outlook? Instead of asking God to simply remove your trials, try praying for the strength to endure them with joy, knowing that your faith is being refined and that a glorious future awaits. Let the reality of the resurrection infuse your present difficulties with hope.

Day 5: Living as Witnesses- Friday
Reading: Acts 1:1-11

As we conclude this devotional series, we're reminded that the resurrection isn't just a historical event to believe in – it's a reality that should transform how we live. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commissioned His followers to be His witnesses. Like the pink spoons at an ice cream shop, we're called to give the world a "taste" of what life with Jesus is like. Reflect on your own life – how are you witnessing to the power of the resurrection? It might be through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or by sharing your faith story. Today, pray for opportunities to be a "preview" of God's kingdom to those around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live in such a way that others see a glimpse of the resurrected life and are drawn to Jesus. Remember, you carry the hope of eternity within you – let it shine!