Lizard Butte Easter Sunrise Service, Caldwell, ID (2026)

02/26/2026

Are you ready for this years Easter Sunrise Service at Lizard Butte?
4/5/26 @ 7:20am

04/20/2025

Thanks for coming out to the 88th annual Easter Sunrise Service! We would love to see your photos from this morning. Post them in the comments below or tag us as

04/20/2025

Easter Morning Devotional: The Resurrection - Our Living Hope

On this most glorious morning, we celebrate the defining moment of history - the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the dawn breaks and light fills the sky, we remember that first Easter morning when darkness gave way to the brilliant light of resurrection power.

The Empty Tomb: Our Foundation of Faith
"But the angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.'" (Matthew 28:5-6)

The empty tomb stands as the cornerstone of our faith. What began in sorrow ended in joy beyond measure. The women who came to anoint Jesus' body discovered something far more precious - the living Savior had conquered death! This historical reality changes everything.

The Resurrection: God's Declaration of Victory
"Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

The resurrection was God's mighty declaration that sin and death had been defeated. The cross was not the end of the story, but rather the necessary passage to victory. Through Christ's resurrection, God validated every claim Jesus made about Himself and secured our redemption.

Our Living Hope
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Because He lives, we have a hope that cannot die. Our faith is not built on wishful thinking or mere philosophy, but on the historical reality of the empty tomb. The resurrection gives us assurance that all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ.

From Death to Life
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

The power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that transforms us. We are called to live resurrection lives—dying to sin and self, and rising to walk in new life. Easter isn't just about what happened to Jesus; it's about what can happen within us.

Our Commission
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

The risen Christ commissions us to share this good news. Just as the women at the tomb were told to "go and tell," we too are entrusted with the greatest message the world has ever known. And as we go, we have the assurance of His presence—"I am with you always."

Prayer for Easter Morning
Heavenly Father, on this Easter morning, we celebrate with joy unspeakable the resurrection of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. We thank you that death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him, and sin could not defeat Him. May the reality of His resurrection fill our hearts with hope, purpose, and renewed faith. Help us to live as resurrection people, bearing witness to the living Christ in all we say and do. In the name of our risen Lord, Amen.
"Because I live, you also will live." (John 14:19)

04/20/2025

We are ready for you! Today we got the stage all set and ready for tomorrow morning. Here are a couple of pro-tips for tomorrow.
-gates open at 5 am
-you will want to arrive early and beat the rush and the slow down that occurs
-make it memorable! Pack along some hot chocolate or coffee!
-dress warm. Until the sun comes up it will be chilly.
-wear good walking shoes. It’s quite a climb up the hill.

We xant wait to see you tomorrow!

He is risen. He is risen indeed.

04/19/2025

Holy Saturday: A Day of Waiting and Preparation

In the stillness between crucifixion and resurrection lies Holy Saturday—a sacred space of waiting, reflection, and preparation. On this day, we remember Jesus resting in the tomb, and we too are called to pause, pray, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of new life.

A Time for Prayer and Fasting
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." — Matthew 6:16-18

Prayer and fasting have long been spiritual disciplines that clear away distractions and open our hearts to God's presence. Holy Saturday offers us a unique opportunity to engage in these practices as we anticipate Easter's dawn.

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" — Isaiah 58:6

True fasting is not merely abstaining from food but redirecting our hunger toward righteousness. As we fast on Holy Saturday, we empty ourselves to be filled with something greater.

The Waiting Darkness
"Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." — Psalm 30:5
The disciples faced their darkest hours on this day, when all seemed lost. Similarly, we may experience times of waiting in darkness, uncertain of what lies ahead. Yet it is often in these silent spaces that God does His deepest work.

"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10
In our stillness and fasting today, we practice the difficult art of waiting with hope—knowing that God's silence is not absence, but preparation for something glorious.

Prayer for Holy Saturday
Lord, as we wait in this in-between time, teach us to pray with expectation and to fast with purpose. Like the seed buried in darkness before sprouting to life, may this time of apparent dormancy prepare us for spiritual renewal. Help us to embrace the waiting, knowing that Your greatest works often begin in darkness and silence. Amen.
"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy." — Psalm 126:5

Personal Reflection
What area of my life feels like a Holy Saturday—a space of waiting or apparent silence? How might God be using this time of waiting to prepare me for a resurrection moment? In what ways can I practice intentional stillness today to better hear God's whispers in the quiet?

04/18/2025

The Way of the Cross: A Good Friday Devotional

On this solemn day, we pause to remember Christ's sacrifice at Calvary. Good Friday invites us to walk the way of the cross, to witness love's ultimate expression, and to contemplate what this means for our lives.

The Hour Has Come
"Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour." (John 12:27)

Jesus knew what awaited Him. The betrayal in a garden. The mockery of a trial. The crown of thorns. The weight of a cross. The nails. The abandonment. He knew, and still He walked forward. Not as a helpless victim, but as One fulfilling a divine purpose.

The Suffering Servant
Isaiah foresaw this moment centuries before:

"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth." (Isaiah 53:7)

At Golgotha, prophecy became history. The crowds that once shouted "Hosanna!" now cried "Crucify Him!" The disciples scattered. Creation itself responded—darkness fell at midday and the earth shook as Jesus breathed His last.

The Words from the Cross
From the cross, Jesus spoke words that continue to pierce our hearts:
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
Even in agony, He offered forgiveness.
"Today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)
To a dying thief, He promised eternity.
"It is finished." (John 19:30)
Not a cry of defeat, but a declaration of completion. The debt of sin—paid in full.

The Meaning for Us Today
The cross stands at the center of history and faith. Here, justice and mercy meet. Here, death is confronted so that life may flourish. Here, we see both the weight of our sin and the depth of God's love.

Paul reminds us: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
On this Good Friday, we're invited to:

Remember the price paid for our redemption
Reflect on what our sins cost our Savior
Repent with sincere hearts
Receive the grace that flows from Calvary

A Prayer for Good Friday
Merciful God,
As we contemplate Your Son's suffering on this holy day,
we are humbled by love so pure, so costly.
The cross reveals both our brokenness and Your unfailing mercy.
Lord Jesus, You endured the unimaginable
so that we might know forgiveness and reconciliation.
May we never take Your sacrifice for granted.
Holy Spirit, write these truths deep within our hearts.
Give us courage to embrace the way of the cross in our own lives—
dying to selfishness, pride, and fear
that we might live in the freedom Christ purchased with His blood.
We pray in the name of our crucified and risen Lord,
Amen.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

04/17/2025

Maundy Thursday: A Call to Serve

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gathered with His disciples for what would be their final meal together. This evening, known as Maundy Thursday, marks one of the most profound moments in Christian faith—a moment when Jesus demonstrated the true nature of leadership and love.

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:14-17)

In this remarkable act, Jesus—the Creator of the universe—knelt before His disciples and performed the task typically reserved for the lowest servant. The King of kings took a towel and basin, and one by one, washed the dust-covered feet of those who followed Him.

The word "Maundy" comes from the Latin "mandatum," meaning "commandment," referring to Jesus' words that same evening: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34).
This humbling posture of service challenges believers deeply. How often do people seek positions of honor rather than opportunities to serve? How frequently do they expect to be waited upon rather than looking for ways to meet the needs of others?
In our modern world, Christians may not literally wash others' feet, but the principle remains: true greatness comes through humble service. This might mean:

-Listening attentively to a colleague who's struggling, without rushing to offer solutions
-Taking on an undesirable task at home without being asked
-Serving in the community without recognition or acknowledgment
-Extending kindness to someone who can offer nothing in return

As Christians commemorate Maundy Thursday, they remember that the path to spiritual maturity isn't found in accumulating knowledge, status, or even spiritual experiences. Rather, it's discovered in following Jesus' example of self-giving love.
The true power of this evening lies not just in remembering what Jesus did, but in allowing His example to transform how believers live. As hearts prepare for the sorrow of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday, may all embrace the servant-hearted love that Jesus modeled and commanded.

May the One who humbled Himself to wash the disciples' feet—and who would soon humble Himself even further on the cross—give everyone the courage to set aside pride and serve others with genuine love.

What is one area in your life where you might be clinging to status or recognition rather than embracing the humble path of service that Jesus modeled?

04/16/2025

Spy Wednesday: When Darkness Seemed to Prevail

"Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over." — Matthew 26:14-16

In the shadows of Holy Week, we pause to reflect on what has come to be known as "Spy Wednesday"—the day when Judas Iscariot made his fateful agreement to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

While the rest of the disciples continued in fellowship with Jesus, unaware of what was transpiring, Judas had already begun looking for an opportunity to hand over his master. In that moment, the darkness seemed to be gaining ground. A trusted friend had become a spy in their midst. The seeds of betrayal had been planted.
Yet even in this dark moment, God's sovereign plan continued unfolding. What appeared to be a victory for evil was actually setting the stage for the greatest triumph of all—our salvation through Christ's sacrifice.

As we contemplate Judas' betrayal today, we might reflect on the smaller betrayals in our own lives—the times we've chosen temporary gain over lasting faithfulness, the moments we've hidden our true intentions, or the ways we've turned from God's path toward our own desires.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, on this Spy Wednesday, we remember the pain of betrayal you experienced from one who walked closely with you. Forgive us for the times we have betrayed you in large or small ways. Strengthen our resolve to remain faithful. Help us to see that even when darkness seems to prevail, you are working all things together for good, according to your perfect plan. May we never sell our loyalty to you for any worldly treasure. In your holy name we pray, Amen.

For Personal Reflection: In what areas of my life might I be compromising my commitment to Christ for something of lesser value? What "thirty pieces of silver" tempt me to betray my relationship with Jesus today?

04/15/2025

Holy Tuesday Devotional: Wisdom That Silences

Scripture Reading
"They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. 'Teacher,' they said, 'we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?' But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, 'You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.' They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, 'Whose image is this? And whose inscription?' 'Caesar's,' they replied. Then he said to them, 'So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.'" - Matthew 22:16-21

Reflection
On Holy Tuesday, we remember Jesus teaching in the Temple courts while various religious leaders—Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians—approached Him with calculated questions designed to trap Him. They came with flattery on their lips but malice in their hearts.

Each question was carefully crafted: about paying taxes to Caesar, about the resurrection, about which commandment was greatest. Each was meant to force Jesus into a controversial position that would either alienate His followers or give grounds for His arrest.

Yet in every instance, Jesus demonstrated divine wisdom that silenced His critics. When questioned about taxes, He brilliantly distinguished between civic and spiritual obligations. When the Sadducees tried to ridicule the concept of resurrection with an absurd hypothetical scenario, Jesus corrected their misunderstanding of both scripture and God's power. When asked about the greatest commandment, He captured the entirety of the law in the principles of loving God and loving neighbor.

Holy Tuesday reminds us that following Christ means we may face opposition and attempts to discredit our faith. People may try to entangle us in controversies or force false dilemmas upon us. But Jesus shows us that godly wisdom doesn't fall for such traps. Instead, it rises above them, revealing deeper truths that address the real issues of the heart.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, on this Holy Tuesday, we are reminded of Your Son's perfect wisdom when faced with those who sought to trap Him with their words. Grant us discernment to recognize when we are being led into unproductive arguments about our faith. Give us wisdom to respond in ways that honor You and reveal Your truth. Help us, like Jesus, to see beyond surface-level controversies to the heart issues that truly matter. May our words and actions today reflect Your love and wisdom to a watching world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Today's Challenge
Today, consider a situation where you feel "trapped" between two seemingly impossible choices. Ask yourself: What wisdom would Jesus offer here? Is there a third way that transcends the apparent dilemma? Remember Jesus' example of responding to challenging questions with truth that points people back to God.

04/14/2025

Holy Monday Devotional: Authority, Cleansing, and Fruitfulness

During Holy Week, as we journey toward Easter Sunday, Holy Monday offers profound lessons from Jesus's actions on this day. The biblical accounts tell us of three significant events: Jesus cursed a fruitless fig tree, cleansed the temple, and responded to questions about His authority.

The Fig Tree: A Call to Spiritual Fruitfulness

"Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, 'May you never bear fruit again!' Immediately the tree withered." (Matthew 21:19)
Jesus's curse upon the barren fig tree wasn't an act of frustration but a living parable. The fig tree, which should have been bearing fruit, had only leaves—appearing productive from a distance but failing its purpose upon closer inspection.
Reflection: Does my spiritual life only appear fruitful from a distance? Am I producing the fruits of faith, love, and good works, or merely displaying the leaves of religious appearances? The Lord seeks genuine fruit in our lives, not just the appearance of devotion.

The Temple Cleansing: Restoring Sacred Purpose

"Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 'It is written,' he said to them, 'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.'" (Matthew 21:12-13)

With righteous zeal, Jesus purified His Father's house from those who had turned a place of worship into a marketplace. This powerful act demonstrated His commitment to preserving sacred space for communion with God.

Reflection: What areas of my life need cleansing? Have I allowed worldly priorities to overtake spaces meant for communion with God? Just as Jesus cleansed the temple, He desires to purify our hearts—the temples where His Spirit dwells.

A Prayer for Holy Monday

Lord Jesus, on this Holy Monday, examine my life as You examined the fig tree. Help me bear authentic spiritual fruit rather than mere appearances. Cleanse the temple of my heart from anything that displaces worship. Grant me humility to fully submit to Your authority, even when Your ways challenge my comfort. May this Holy Week journey deepen my commitment to follow You as Lord. Amen.
As we continue through Holy Week toward the celebration of resurrection, may we remember that the path to Easter morning passes through honest self-examination, spiritual cleansing, and renewed submission to Christ's authority.

04/13/2025

"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" — Matthew 21:9

On Palm Sunday, we commemorate Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event that marks the beginning of Holy Week and sets in motion the final days of Christ's earthly ministry. This moment, captured vividly in all four Gospels, invites us to contemplate the nature of true kingship and our own response to Christ's presence in our lives.

The King Arrives

In Matthew 21:1-11, we read how Jesus instructed his disciples to bring him a donkey and her c**t. This seemingly simple request fulfilled the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9:
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a c**t, the foal of a donkey."

Unlike worldly rulers who arrive with military might and grand displays of power, Jesus chose humility. The King of Kings entered Jerusalem not on a warhorse but on a lowly donkey—a profound statement about the upside-down nature of God's kingdom where the greatest must become servants of all.

The People's Response

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowds spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from palm trees to lay before him. This spontaneous act of reverence acknowledged Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah. Their cries of "Hosanna"—which means "save now"—expressed both praise and a plea for deliverance.
Yet how quickly their adoration would turn. The same crowds that shouted "Hosanna!" would soon cry "Crucify him!" Their expectations of a political liberator who would overthrow Roman oppression were not aligned with God's redemptive plan.

Our Palm Sunday Reflection

Palm Sunday challenges us to examine our own expectations of Jesus. Do we, like the Jerusalem crowds, create a Messiah in our own image—one who fulfills our desires and conforms to our understanding? Or do we surrender to the Messiah who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45)?

As we enter Holy Week, let us lay down not just palm branches but our very lives before Christ. Let us approach Easter with hearts prepared to embrace not just the triumph of Palm Sunday and the victory of Resurrection Sunday, but also the sacrificial love displayed on Good Friday.

In Philippians 2:5-11, Paul reminds us of Christ's example:
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

A Prayer for Palm Sunday

Lord Jesus, as we remember your triumphal entry into Jerusalem, help us to welcome you anew into our hearts and lives. May we not merely offer outward praise while our hearts remain distant. Grant us the grace to follow you faithfully through Holy Week—through the hosannas of Palm Sunday, the betrayal of Maundy Thursday, the agony of Good Friday, and ultimately to the joy of Easter morning. Like the disciples who surrendered their cloaks and like the crowds who gave their palm branches, teach us to surrender all that we have and all that we are to you. In your precious name we pray, Amen.

Please plan on joining us Easter morning at 7:00 am as we celebrate our risen savior at the 88th annual Lizard Butte Ester Sunrise Service. For detailed information please see our website at www.lizardbuttesunrise.com

04/12/2025

Today, several of our dedicated board members gathered at Lizard Butte for our annual pre-Easter maintenance work. We painted, cleared pathways, and performed general cleanup to ensure everything is ready for next weekend's Easter sunrise service.

As stewards of this historic site, our board members take great pride in preserving this special place that has hosted the oldest continuing outdoor Easter sunrise service in the Pacific Northwest since 1938. The breathtaking views from the butte provide the perfect backdrop for celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the sun rises over the valley.

Maintaining this beautiful 40-acre property does require financial support. If you feel led to contribute to the ongoing care of Lizard Butte, donations can be made through our website www.lizardbuttesunrise.com Your generosity helps us continue this cherished tradition for our community.

We look forward to seeing you at sunrise on Easter morning! (Don't forget to check our website for the exact start time and remember to dress warmly!)

Lizard Butte Easter Sunrise Service

02/26/2026

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