Living 4 Him

“I am the Resurrection and the life.” John 11:25

When we read scriptures in the Bible, stories and wisdom written from ancient manuscripts, it is possible to envision God in the past, a distant force that bears little relevance in our lives today.  But Jesus’ resurrection reminds us that God is alive, not just thousands of years ago but here and now, in the midst of our daily details. God never had a thought of leaving us alone and helpless in this imperfect world.  He chose to bring us alive.

The moment Jesus stepped out of the tomb, he brought with him a new existence for people; cloaked in Christ’s resurrection.  The God who came to earth as man could now move freely among his children as a spirit, his presence covering activity on earth (and in heaven) forever.

Pastor Al Strauss from First United Methodist Church in Greeley wrote a message in his Pastor’s Notes for April that reminds us what resurrection looks like in 2026.

For people of faith today, Easter is not only about what happened long ago–it is about what God continues to do.  Resurrection is not simply a past miracle; it is a pattern woven through life.  Again and again, God brings life out of what seems finished.  Again and again, hope appears where we least expect it.  In a world that often feels heavy with division, grief, and uncertainty, Easter invites us to practice resurrection.  It invites us to look for signs of new life–small resurrections happening all around us. 

Pastor and hymn writer, Alfred Ackley, penned the words to the well-known hymn, “He Lives” in response to an Easter message on the radio in 1933, declaring that God’s word alone lived on.  Alfred disagreed that not only does God’s word live on, but God through his spirit works in our lives everyday. His lyrics point to the real presence of Jesus with us.  The chorus affirms this news: He lives!  He lives!  Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. (see full lyrics below)

God is alive!  When this truth buries its meaning deep into our souls, we come alive as well.  We live our days in hope, trusting our needs to God.  We look at life’s challenges with renewed vigor, partnering with God to carry our load.  A peace settles inside our souls, allowing us to make decisions that shine light into this world.  And most importantly, our actions display God’s goodness and as we reach out to others, God becomes alive to them as well.

In Matthew 22:32, Jesus explains to his listeners “God is not the God of the dead but of the living.”  As we acknowledge our living God with us, may our hearts grow in peace, may our minds grow in faith, and may our eyes recognize the glorious ways God maneuvers among the works of the world.

Reaching in (taking God’s Word into our souls):  In Matthew 22: 23-32, Jesus is questioned about resurrection.  Read this passage and take your questions about resurrection to God.

Reaching out (taking God’s Word into the world):  Start each day with the thought “God is alive!” and move through your day in awareness of God’s active presence.

He Lives

Words and Music by Alfred Ackley, 1933

I serve a risen Savior

He’s in the world today.

I know that He is living

Whatever foes may say.

I see his hand of mercy;

I hear his voice of cheer;

And just the time I need Him

He’s always near.

He live, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me

I see His loving care,

And through my heart grows weary,

I never will despair;

I know that He is leading,

Through all the stormy blast;

The day of His appearing

Will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,

Lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs

To Jesus Christ the King!

The Hope of all who seek Him,

The Help of all who find,

None other is so loving,

So good and kind.