Pastor Stephen Dedman

So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬

Question
Where in your everyday life might Jesus already be present that you haven’t recognized?

Context
The resurrection has happened, but not everyone fully understands it yet. Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem toward Emmaus. They were confused, disappointed, and trying to process everything. And what they don’t realize is: Jesus is already walking with them

Application

Easter Sunday is powerful. The tomb is empty, victory is declared, and hope is alive. But then comes Monday and life resumes. The questions still remain.

And this is where many people miss it: The resurrection is not just something to celebrate, it’s something to live in. The same Jesus who rose , walks with you in the ordinary, meets you in confusion, and reveals Himself in the journey.

Truth For The Day
The resurrection is not just proof that Jesus is alive, it is the promise that He is present.

Pray
Lord, thank You that the resurrection was not the end of the story, but the beginning of a new life with You. Open my eyes to see You in my daily walk. Help me not to leave Easter behind, but to carry its power into every moment. Walk with me, speak to me, and make Yourself known to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).
‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Question
Have you just heard about the resurrection…Or have you personally responded to the risen Jesus?

Context
On the first Easter morning, Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. Everything she had hoped for felt lost. Jesus was gone. The dream was over. The future felt empty. And maybe, if we’re honest, we’ve all had moments like that. Easter reminds us of this truth: God does His greatest work in places that look empty. The tomb was empty… but it wasn’t the end, it was just the beginning. He is risen! Jesus is alive.

Truth For The Day
The resurrection is not just something that happened… It is something that still changes lives today.

Application
Maybe today you feel far from God, or tired and worn out, or in need of hope. Let Easter be your reminder that the story is not over. If Jesus can walk out of the grave… He can walk int your situation.

Pray
Lord, I believe You are alive. Thank You for conquering death and giving me hope. Open my eyes to see You clearly. Restore what is broken in my life and help me walk in the new life You offer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27‬:‭66‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Where in your life does it feel like the story is over, when God may just be preparing a resurrection?

Context
Holy Saturday sits in a strange place between heartbreak and hope. Jesus has been crucified. His body has been laid in a borrowed tomb. The stone is sealed, and guards are posted. From every human perspective, the story looks finished.

The disciples are scattered. Fear fills the air. Heaven seems silent. And yet God is still at work. What looked like the end was actually the beginning of the greatest victory the world would ever see.

Application
We all experience “Holy Saturday” moments times when prayers feel unanswered, when hope seems buried, and when God feels quiet. It’s the space between what we believed He would do and what we currently see.

But just because God is silent doesn’t mean He is absent. The same God who was working in the tomb is working in your waiting. The stone may be sealed. The situation may look final. But God is never finished where He has made a promise.

Truth For The Day
Silence is not the absence of God, it is often the setup for His power.

Pray
Lord, in the quiet moments when I don’t understand what You are doing, help me trust that You are still working. Give me faith in the waiting and hope in the silence. Remind me that what looks like the end is never the end with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.