Ed Christian's World

Navigating Through Life…

Today, let’s embrace the message of Isaiah 42:16, reminding us that God is our guide through life’s uncertainties. Trust in His promise to lead us, turn our darkness into light, and smooth out the rough places.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do. I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16

Navigating through life can often feel like trying to find our way through a dense fog. The path ahead is unclear, and doubts creep in, whispering fears and what-ifs. But Isaiah 42:16 shines like a lighthouse, offering a promise we can cling to: our God is a God who leads.

He doesn’t stand at a juncture and point the way; He’s a guide, not a signpost. He walks with us, leading us down paths we never envisioned. All we have to do is walk alongside Him.

This verse beautifully illustrates God’s commitment to us. He leads the blind—those who cannot see the way—along paths they have never known. He turns darkness into light, illuminating our path and transforming our fears into confidence.

He makes the rough places smooth, easing our journey through life’s challenges. Most importantly, He assures us, “I will not forsake them.” In a world where promises are often broken, God’s word stands unshaken. He will never abandon us.

Today, if you’re facing uncertainty or a daunting decision, take heart. Your Heavenly Father is with you, guiding you through every twist and turn. Trust in His promise to turn your darkness into light and smooth out the rough places. Lean into His presence and find peace in His unfailing love.

Heavenly Father, thank You for always being there for me. When life feels overwhelming and the path ahead is unclear, remind me of Your unfailing love and wisdom. Walk with me through the dark times and light my way. Smooth out the rough patches and give me the courage to keep moving forward with You by my side. Strengthen my faith, Lord, and remind me that You will never leave me. Fill my heart with Your peace and assurance as I lean into Your presence  follow Your lead. Thank You for guiding me every step of the way and for never letting me go.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faith is seeing light with your heart when all your eyes see is darkness.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Fondling of Heaven…

When I was little, grown-ups in my family were always patting or rubbing my head. My parents explained that it was an expression of love. They were touching me because their hearts were filled with love toward me.

A word used to describe God is ‘rachamim’, meaning ‘mercies’. It comes from a root that means “to fondle,” or “gently touch” someone you love. Just as the adults felt towards me when I was a child, so God loves you.

Just as your heart overflows with compassion and sympathy towards the needy, so God’s heart overflows with compassion for you. Too often our ideas about God’s mercy are more of a legal concept than of the heart. But now you know how He feels towards you.

His heart overflows with deep compassion when He thinks about you. He wants to touch you in your spirit and heart with His tender love and affection. He wants to put His arms around you and hold you tight.

God doesn’t just let you in the door of the kingdom, He loves you from His heart with rachamim; with deep compassions and tender fondlings.

Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.  Luke 1:78-79

Run into His arms of mercy today and receive the tender fondling of God’s love.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Bear With One Another…

As we begin this new day, let’s allow the life-changing words of Colossians 3:13 to guide our hearts and transform our relationships. This powerful verse offers us a model of grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13

In the journey of life, hurt and offenses are unavoidable. We’ve all experienced the sting of someone’s words or actions, and if we’re honest, we’ve also been the ones to inflict pain. It’s in these moments that Colossians 3:13 offers us a path to healing and restoration.

“Bear with each other,” Paul writes. This isn’t a call to brush aside the hurt, but to approach one another with patience, understanding, and compassion. It’s recognizing that we’re all imperfect people, all in need of grace.

But Paul doesn’t stop there. “Forgive one another,” he urges. Forgiveness is not a suggestion for the Christian; it’s a command. And the measure of our forgiveness? “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

When we consider the magnitude of God’s forgiveness towards us, the offenses we cling to seem to pale in comparison. He has forgiven us of so much, not because we earned it, but because of His boundless love.

Today, if there’s someone you need to forgive, remember the grace that’s been lavished upon you. Choose to extend that same undeserved favor. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. For in forgiving, we find freedom. In extending grace, we experience the very heart of God.

So let us bear with one another, forgive one another, and in doing so, become living reflections of the One who has forgiven us all.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the boundless grace and forgiveness You have shown me. Help me to bear with others in love, patience, and understanding. When I am hurt, give me the strength to forgive as You have forgiven me, knowing that forgiveness brings freedom and peace. Guide my heart to extend grace, even when it’s hard. Let Your love flow through me, healing relationships and reflecting Your heart. Thank You for Your endless mercy and for teaching me the power of forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Showers On The Midbar…

The Hebrew word for ‘wilderness’ is ‘midbar’. Israel’s wilderness is like a giant moonscape of rock hills and plains, rock mountains and valleys; everything rock. That’s why the word ‘midbar’ also means ‘waste place’ and ‘desolate’.

But, when the rains fall upon the wilderness, the whole place changes. The dry wadi’s fill up with water and become rivers in the desert. The rock hills are covered with a coat of green and become speckled with beautiful flowers of every color. It’s a miraculous sight.

It’s almost unbelievable to see. The fact is that even when things look totally desolate in the wilderness, there are seeds of grass and flowers waiting to blossom as soon as they receive their water.

Your life might have been a wilderness or wasted place, and your situation right now might seem dry, desolate, and hopeless, but in God, your desert will bloom.

You might not see it, but there are seeds of joy, life, hope, and love waiting to blossom. They only need you to open your heart to the waters of God’s Spirit, and your desert will bloom.

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.  1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Invite the Spirit to touch every part of your life today, especially into the most barren and dry ground, the wildernesses of your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Faith Over Fear…

Good morning,

Today, let’s embrace the message that waiting for perfect conditions can hold us back. Let’s trust in God’s timing and take steps forward in faith.

But there are some things that you can not be sure of. You must take a chance. If you wait for perfect weather, you will never plant your seeds. If you are afraid that every cloud will bring rain, you will never harvest your crops.
Ecclesiastes 11:4

Fear often lies at the root of our indecision. We’re afraid of making mistakes, failing, or facing rejection. This fear can paralyze us, keeping us from taking action. But Ecclesiastes 11:4 reminds us that waiting for perfect conditions will prevent us from ever moving forward: “If you wait for perfect weather, you will never plant your seeds. If you are afraid that every cloud will bring rain, you will never harvest your crops.”

Consider the excuses we often make: “I’m not ready,” “I don’t have enough resources,” or “The timing isn’t right.” These are rooted in fear. Yet, throughout the Bible, God has used imperfect people in imperfect situations to accomplish His will.

Moses said, “I can’t talk.”

Gideon said, “I’m too young.”

Abraham said, “I’m too old.”

What dreams has God placed in your heart? What steps have you been hesitant to take? Remember, perfectionism paralyzes potential. We must trust that if God is with us, nothing can stand against us. Romans 8:31 tells us, “If God is on our side, who can ever be against us?” Faith, not fear, is the antidote to our hesitation.

Just as God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites and provided manna in the wilderness, He will make a way for you. Take the first step, and watch as He opens doors, provides resources, and works miracles in your life.

Today, choose faith over fear. Trust that God’s plans for you are good, even if the path ahead seems uncertain. Plant those seeds of hope and watch as He brings forth a harvest beyond your wildest dreams. Your life is too precious to be wasted in the shadows of fear. Step out in faith, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.

Father, thank you for reminding me not to wait for perfect conditions. I know I often let fear hold me back. Help me to trust You like Moses, Gideon, and Abraham did, despite their flaws. Give me the courage to take that first step, even when I’m unsure. I trust that You will guide me and provide what I need along the way. Strengthen my faith so that it overcomes my fears and let Your strength show through my weaknesses. Thank You for the dreams You’ve placed in my heart. Help me move forward with confidence, knowing You’re with me every step. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Pure Thoughts…

Good morning,

Today, let’s fill our minds with thoughts that are pure, lovely, and admirable as we reflect on Philippians 4:8. Embrace the beauty and goodness that God has placed all around us.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8

In a world that constantly bombards us with negativity and distractions, it’s easy for our thoughts to spiral into worry, fear, and doubt. But in Philippians 4:8, Paul offers us a powerful antidote: to intentionally focus our minds on what is good, true, and beautiful.

It’s not about ignoring the challenges of life but rather about choosing where we direct our attention. When we fill our minds with thoughts that are noble, pure, and praiseworthy, we create a mental space where joy and peace can flourish.

This shift in focus is not merely a feel-good exercise; it’s a transformative practice that aligns our hearts with God’s heart. When we meditate on His goodness and truth, we become more resilient, hopeful, and compassionate. We begin to see the world through His eyes, recognizing the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.

Today, let’s make a conscious effort to replace negative thoughts with those that uplift and inspire. Let’s choose to dwell on what is lovely and admirable and watch as our perspective shifts, our hearts are filled with gratitude, and our lives reflect the light of Christ.

Heavenly Father, today, I bring my scattered thoughts to You. It’s easy to get lost in the noise, but I want to focus on what is true, noble, and right. Fill my mind with Your goodness and light. Thank You for always being there, even when I forget to notice. Help me turn my worries into prayers and give me the strength to trust in Your plan. Fill my heart with Your peace, the kind that doesn’t always make sense but brings such comfort. Guide me to see the beauty around me and share Your love with others. Thanks for listening and for Your unending peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Kepler’s Universe…

17th century astronomer Johannes Kepler, troubled by his friend who denied the existence of God and maintained that the universe came into existence by itself, constructed a model of our solar system.

Upon seeing it, his friend exclaimed, “How beautiful! Who made it?” Kepler replied, “No one. It made itself.” “Nonsense,” said his friend. “Tell me who made it.” Kepler then said, “Friend, you say that this little toy cannot make itself? It’s but a weak imitation of this great universe, which I understand you believe did make itself.”

No one in their right mind would have believed that Kepler’s model made itself any more than one could believe that a car could manufacture itself. Yet, according to many scientists, the universe came into existence by accident, and so did human life.

You’re here because of God, and your life has a great purpose. The Creator also said concerning you, “I know the plans I have for you… plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.”

But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16

Rest assured in the fact that your life was not an accident and God has a purpose for you. Live each moment today as one who was created for the high purposes of God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Beacon Of Light…

Good morning to everyone!

Today, let’s embrace the opportunity to shine our light and be a beacon of hope to those around us.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

In today’s verse, Jesus calls us not just to hold our faith close but to let it shine outward, illuminating the lives of those around us. This verse isn’t simply a call to personal righteousness; it’s an invitation to actively demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love through our actions.

Each day presents us with countless opportunities to be a living example of Christ’s teachings. It could be through a gesture of kindness, an act of service, or even through our patience and understanding in difficult situations. In these actions, our light – the light of Christ within us – shines brightly, offering guidance, comfort, and a glimpse of God’s grace to others.

Remember, each of us carries the potential to brighten someone’s path, using our talents, resources, and time not just to serve but to inspire. In doing so, we transform into beacons of hope and encouragement. Let’s make our light shine in such a way that others can’t help but notice and give glory to our Father in heaven.

What specific actions can you take today to shine God’s light and help others see His love and grace in your life?

You may have noticed I spend a lot of time within the Sermon On The Mount. I do this because I feel it gives us the very essence on how to live our lives.

Dear Lord, in the quiet of this morning, I am reminded of Your call in Matthew 5:16 to let my light shine. Help me, Father, to live out this day in a way that reflects Your love and grace. Guide my steps and my words, that they might bring a glimpse of Your kingdom to those I encounter.
Empower me, Lord, to use my talents and time to serve and uplift others, to be a source of encouragement and hope. May my actions point others to You, bringing light to places of darkness and joy where there is sadness. Let my life today be a living testimony to Your goodness and mercy. In doing so, may I glorify You in all things.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Shemen Name…

In the Song of Solomon, the bride says to her beloved in Hebrew, “Shemen turak sh’mecha”. “Your name is like pouring oil.” When you’re in love, your beloved has a beautiful name and it pours off your lips like oil.

You sing it, shout it, and write a song about it because the name of your beloved is always beautiful. When you’re in love, the name of your beloved is like pouring oil.

The name of Jesus is like pouring oil. Not just because He’s called ‘The Anointed One’, but because it’s the name of our Beloved. There’s something about His name, Jesus; Yeshua in Hebrew. It’s the name of the One who loves us with all His heart and life, who died for us.

His name should pour out of your heart and lips, and not just His name, but His love. It’s one thing to talk about Yeshua, another to show His love. Show others the love of your Beloved, and they will love Him too. Then His name will flow from their hearts, like pouring oil.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  John 13:24

Today, let your lips be filled with and flow forth with the name of your Beloved, in worship, in praise, and in love.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

If You Can…

As the first light of morning graces our world, let’s open our hearts, eager for the divine wisdom in today’s scripture. May His Word be our guiding light, illuminating each step of our day.

‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’
Mark 9:23

Mark 9:23 is a powerful reminder from Jesus about the strength of faith. When Jesus says, “Everything is possible for one who believes,” He’s inviting us into a world where faith opens doors, breaks barriers, and brings about change.

It’s easy to feel limited by our circumstances or by what we see around us. Maybe there’s a dream we think is too big, a problem that seems too complex, or a situation that feels unchangeable. But Jesus challenges us to shift our perspective – to see things not just as they are, but as they could be through the lens of faith.

Believing isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s about trusting that God can do what seems impossible to us. It’s about holding onto hope even when the odds are against us and taking steps forward even when the path isn’t fully clear.

Today, let’s embrace this challenge. Let’s look at our lives, our communities, and our world, and ask, “What can faith do here?” Whether it’s believing for healing, for restoration in relationships, for breakthroughs in challenges, or for growth in our personal lives, let’s approach these with the confidence that comes from faith in a God for whom nothing is impossible.

Gracious Father, I come before You with an open heart, eager to believe and experience the impossible. Banish every trace of doubt within me, and fortify my faith to stand firm against life’s challenges. Let my trust in You not be based on circumstances but on Your steadfast love and unmatched power. I want to live in the fullness of belief, confident that with You, Lord, everything is truly possible. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The Lord is trustworthy in all his promises and faithful in all he does.  Psalm 145:13

Trust God for the impossible – miracles are His department. Our job is to do our best, letting the Lord do the rest.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼