Prepare for Easter - Day 3 - Lover of Your Soul

To get your free downloadable PDF of this Easter devotional focus, sign up here: www.aliveandactivelife.org/easter. Day 3 – Lover Of Your Soul 1. Brief Daily Focus – Lover of Your Soul When someone says, “I love you,” you expect more than words. Actions prove the heart. So, what does Lover of Your Soul mean? Jesus was a Teacher while on earth. Plus, He is the Lover of Humanity. At the cross, Jesus took onto Himself the consequences for all wrongs done – ever! He suffered punishment for it all. You are free! No punishment. Jesus said, “I AM the Lover of Your Soul.” Then He totally proved it! Jesus loves you as a whole person. He has a purpose for your life. How is your love back to God? Jesus put it in simple terms, “If you love Me, you will obey Me.” (Jn. 14:15) Once again, the focus is on actions. Love is credible by what you do. Deut. 11:22 says, “. . . carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow – to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, and to hold fast to Him. . . “ Holding fast to God is “pinning yourself to Him.” In every thought, word, attitude, and deed. So, pin yourself to the Lover of Your Soul. To love God deeply means: • Surrender to Him in everything. (Phil. 3:8) • A choice to die to self and live for Him. (Rom. 6:11) • Serving God daily as a “living sacrifice.” (Rom. 12:1) • Taking care of His interests over your own. (Phil. 2:21) • Choosing to trust and obey God despite feelings or situations. • Loving Him from your heart – and from all the rest of you! (Deut. 6:5; Mt. 22:37; Mk. 12:30; Lk. 10:27) Now, that list proves you love the Lord! Because Jesus proved He's the Lover of Your Soul, you can enjoy His love, freely. Yes, curl up in it by faith. Work to grow in your love for God. Love Him back and prove it by how you live. Lover Of Your Soul Scriptures: • “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jer. 31:3) • “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; He will quiet you with His love, and will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph. 3:17) 2. Fun Activity It's time for the Easter story using Resurrection Eggs. If you have children, let them tell the story. This set is delightful for adults, too. Read the Easter story from Scripture as you open each egg. Choose from: • Mt. 27 • Mk. 15 • Lk. 23 • Jn. 19 If you don't have a set or didn't have time/supplies to make one, use the following list to reflect on the Easter story: 1. Donkey – Jesus rode into Jerusalem. 2. Coins – Jesus sold for 30 silver pieces. 3. Cup – The last supper of communion. 4. Prayer hands – Jesus’ in Gethsemane. 5. Whip – He was scourged severely. 6. Rooster – “Deny Me 3 times before the rooster crows. 7. Crown of thorns – Put on Jesus’ head. 8. Cross – He was nailed to a cross. 9. Spear – His side was pierced. 10. Cloth – Jesus was wrapped in linen. 11. Stone – A stone closed the tomb. 12. Empty – He rose from the dead. Imagine the crucifixion of the Lover of Your Soul through the eyes of people who witnessed it. Then, write these insights in your journal/device. What do you learn from putting yourself in their place? 1. Weeping women - 2. Fearful disciples - 3. Torturous, mocking soldiers - 4. Scoffing pharisees - 3. Teaching Point These are action steps you can explore about the Lover of Your Soul. • Ponder why Jesus became a baby and why He died for you. • Write about God’s love – the Lover of Your Soul. • Write a prayer of sincere thanks to the Lover of Your Soul. This is a love story between God and you. • God reaches to bring you into intimate relationship. The Lover of your soul reaches to you continually. So, reach back with all your heart.