FaithStones Devotional - April

HE IS RISEN: The Hope of Easter

There is something so powerful about this short and simple sentence:

“He is risen.”

Every time I hear it or see it written somewhere, it ignites a deep joy and hope within me. It feels like a spark of light breaking through darkness—a reminder that our Jesus is not dead. He is alive.

As a believer and follower of Jesus, there is a knowing deep within your spirit that cannot be shaken. Even though our physical eyes cannot see Him, our innermost being senses His presence. You know that you know He is alive. And no one, nothing, can convince you otherwise.

More Than a Celebration

Easter is so much more than chocolate eggs, family gatherings, or seasonal traditions. While those things can be beautiful, they are not the essence of this sacred time.

Easter is, without a doubt, one of the most important seasons in the Christian faith.

It is the time when we remember and honor the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jesus paid the ultimate price.

He willingly gave Himself on the cross, taking upon Himself the punishment that was meant for us. He paid the ransom for our sin and rescued us from eternal separation from God.

Because of His sacrifice, everything changed.

We are no longer lost—we are redeemed.

We are no longer strangers—we are sons and daughters of God.

And even more, we are called co-heirs with Christ.

Pause for a moment and think about that.

Everything that belongs to Jesus—His inheritance, His victory, His access to the Father—we now share in it. What an incredible gift of grace.

A Call to Love and Reflect

This Easter season, let your heart respond.

Love the Lord deeply, because He first loved you in the greatest way possible—by laying down His life for you, even when you did not deserve it.

He is worthy of your worship.

He is worthy of your praise.

He is worthy of your whole heart.

Take time to sit in His presence. Reflect on His goodness. Thank Him for the cross—and for the empty tomb.

And as you do, don’t forget to share that love with others.

Spend time with fellow believers—family and friends who share your faith. Encourage one another. Show kindness. Extend the love of God to those around you.

Scripture for the Month

Let this truth guide your heart throughout this season:

“He is not here; He is risen.”

Weekly Reflections

To help you meditate more deeply on the meaning of Easter, here are weekly themes and scriptures to reflect on:

Week 1: Greater Love

John 15:13–26

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Week 2: The Last Supper

Matthew 26:17–30

A moment of covenant, sacrifice, and surrender.

Week 3: He Is Alive

Matthew 28

The victory of the resurrection—death could not hold Him.

Week 4: Touch My Hands

John 20:24–29

From doubt to faith—blessed are those who believe without seeing.

The Transit

In the cold dark waiting room, there I was, seated on the floor with my head between my laps, weak, shameful and

hopeless. I waited in anguish, not knowing when my turn to be thrown into the turmoil that was destined for all those who chose this path will come.

Suddenly _ the gate cracked opened _ The ray that shone was so bright that I couldn't open my eyes to look. Then I heard my name being called in a loud voice!

My heart jumped in fear. What was this supposed to mean? Who called my name? How did He know my name?

What was I supposed to do? Thousand upon thousands questions run through my head at the same time. Softly I felt like a divine force carefully lift me up. I could barely stand, not to even mention walk. But gently I was carried into a hallway and this gentle man clothed in white helped me walk through the hallway. When we reached the exit, a paper was handed over to the keeper of the gate. I managed to read what was written on it in bold red letters, and it said: PAID IN FULL!

The gate pushed wide open. There I was _ Set Free! Was I dreaming? Liberty instead of eternal condemnation?

How? Why? I was desperately searching for answers to all these questions. But the further we walked down the path, the more my spirit and soul began to calm down. Soon I could feel such a warm embrace of peace, love and joy unspeakable. I thought that was the end of the story _ but it was just the beginning.

We came to a glorious avenue. What is the beautiful place? Where are we going? 'The King is calling you', replied the gentleman who escorted me . The King? Me? How? What for? I asked myself inaudibly. 'You are chosen ', he replied. I looked at him in wonder, this person seemed to hear my thoughts and replied when necessary.

My clothings were changed, and I was walking down the amazing aisle. The walk down this aisle was glorious! It's brightness compared to the previous hallway was unspeakable, and the beauty indescribable.

All along the aisle a heavenly choir sang praises to Lord and rejoiced over me. My heart burst with gratitude and joy unspeakable! Further across the aisle, I saw the source of this glorious light that illuminates the whole Kingdom.

And at the end of the aisle... there He stood _ strong and tall, majestic and in humility, beauty beyond words, glorious in splendor. I felt unworthy to stand in front of Him. But He called my name.

Slowly I looked into His eyes, and there I understood : Love is a person, Joy is a person and peace is a person.

He knew my name. He had chosen me. How wonderful! How glorious! I saw the scars of His sacrifice and felt guilty. 'You are worth every bit of it. I had been waiting for this moment for so long. Finally, here you are. Welcome home!' Those words came out with such love that made tears flow down my cheeks uncontrollably. He took a step forward and wrapped me in arms of love.

Words cannot fathom this moment. I was finally home. Oh what a transit into glory

with love,

Eva-Marianne