Ed Christian's World

The Light Is On…

Good morning,

Today’s verse is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the world around us may seem, we have a light that can never be extinguished.

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
Isaiah 60:1

Ever feel like you’re stumbling around in the dark, unsure of your path or purpose? Maybe the shadows of doubt or discouragement have dimmed your inner light. But today, let’s remember that we were never meant to live in darkness.

Isaiah 60:1 is a powerful wake-up call, a reminder that the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, has come to dispel the darkness and ignite a flame within our souls. His glory shines upon us, not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

When we allow His light to illuminate our lives, something beautiful happens. We begin to see ourselves as He sees us – beloved, valuable, and filled with potential. We discover a purpose that transcends our circumstances, a joy that outweighs our sorrows, and a hope that anchors us in the storms of life.

So today, embrace your God-given call to shine. Step out of the shadows of fear and insecurity, and trust that the glory of the Lord is rising upon you. You were created to be a light, and the world needs the unique glow that only you can bring.

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel lost in the shadows of doubt and fear, forgetting the light You’ve placed within me. Thank You for reminding me through Isaiah to ‘arise and shine.’ Forgive me for letting insecurities overshadow Your light. Help me see myself as You do – beloved, valuable, and full of potential. Fill me with Your joy and hope, Lord. Let Your light shine through me, bringing warmth and love to those around me. Guide me to be a beacon of Your grace in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Key of The Saints…

Most people don’t realize that saints are a Jewish thing. Zechariah 14:5 says, “And the LORD my God shall come and all the saints with him.” It’s from this verse we get the song ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’. It’s a scene of the saints coming in victory. It’s an important truth.

A saint is one whose life is characterized by holiness. Holiness is the right way, but it’s also the way of victory. It may not look like it in the short run, but in the end when the saints go marching in, it’s pure victory. God calls you to forsake and turn away from the ways and things of unholiness and walk by His Spirit.

Start walking in holiness, and step by step, you’ll end up marching into victory. It starts now, with one small step of repentance, and then one decision and commitment to follow through daily on the straight and narrow path.

Start today, and in the end, you’ll win because I know you want to be in that number when the saints go marching in.

Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem.  Isaiah 4:3

Walk in holiness today. Follow the path God has for you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Reassurance…

Good morning!

As we welcome this new day, let’s find solace and strength in the comforting embrace of God’s presence, especially in moments of hardship. Our focus today is the reassuring promise found in Psalm 34:18.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.    Psalm 34:18

Psalm 34:18 speaks directly to the heart of every believer who has faced the depths of sorrow. It reassures us that in our most fragile moments, God is not only present but intimately close. This verse isn’t just a statement of fact; it’s a promise of divine companionship in times when we feel most alone.

God’s proximity in our pain is one of the most profound aspects of His character. He doesn’t watch from afar; He draws near, offering comfort and strength that can only come from His loving presence. In the midst of heartbreak, God’s nearness becomes a tangible reality, a gentle whisper in the chaos of our despair.

Today, let’s find solace in the knowledge that our brokenness is never a journey we walk alone. God is closest when our hearts are most shattered. He meets us in our brokenness, not merely observing our pain, but to restore and heal. As we navigate through life’s trials, let’s hold onto this truth, letting it anchor us in hope.

How have you experienced God’s presence in difficult times?

How can this assurance of His nearness change your perspective in current challenges?

Heavenly Father, as I step into the day, I seek Your comfort in every moment of heartache. In Your closeness, let my broken spirit find strength and solace. May Your presence be a beacon of hope, guiding me through the shadows of sorrow.
Empower me, Lord, to be a source of Your healing love to those around me. Let my words bring solace, and my actions reflect the compassion You have shown me. In sharing Your comfort, may I help mend other hearts, spreading Your peace and hope. In Jesus’ name, I pray with a grateful heart. Amen.

Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil and let us see what we are made of.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Consecration…

The only place in the entire Bible where Chanukah is celebrated isn’t in the Old Testament, it’s in John 10:22. “Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem.” The word Dedication in Hebrew is Chanukah.

It says, “It was winter and Jesus was in the Temple.” Chanukah is in the winter and the Lord was there celebrating. At Chanukah, the Temple and all Jerusalem would be lit up with the lights of the Festival.

As Yeshua stood in the temple courts and began to give His Chanukah message, they said, “Tell us who you are!” It should have been obvious, as He stood in the midst of the torches and oil lamps. It was the Festival of Lights.

He was ‘Or Ha Olam’, ‘The Light of the World’ that bears the witness of God. Jesus celebrated Chanukah not by lighting a light, but by being The Light. Celebrate Chanukah as He did.

Wherever you are, bear witness to God’s truth, love, and glory. Let your life become a sacred candle, a blazing torch, and a light to the world.

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

Today, go through your day as a living light. Bear witness of God’s truth, love, and glory to all you come in contact with.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Melody of Gratitude…

Good morning,

Today, let’s tune our hearts to the melody of gratitude that echoes in Psalm 107:1.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1

Ever feel like life’s soundtrack is a bit…off? Maybe it’s stuck on repeat with the same worries, doubts, and disappointments. But what if we could change the tune? What if we could hit the “play” button on a song of gratitude, a song that reminds us of God’s unfailing goodness and love?

That’s the invitation of Psalm 107:1. It’s a reminder that even when life feels chaotic or uncertain, God’s love is the steady rhythm that holds us together. It’s a love that’s always there, always true, always enough.

When we focus on gratitude, we’re not just saying “thank you” for the good things in life. We’re actually rewiring our brains to see the world through a lens of hope and possibility. We’re choosing to trust that even in the midst of challenges, God is at work, and His goodness will prevail.

So today, let’s hit the reset button on our hearts. Let’s choose to sing a new song – a song of thanksgiving for the blessings big and small, for the answered prayers and unexpected joys. Let’s tune our hearts to the melody of gratitude and watch as it transforms our lives from the inside out.

Dear Lord, life’s melody sometimes feels out of tune with worries and fears playing on repeat. Forgive me for forgetting Your constant goodness and love. Today, I choose to hit pause and turn up the volume on gratitude. Open my eyes to the countless blessings You’ve woven into my ordinary days, reminding me of Your faithfulness and unfailing love. May my heart overflow with thanksgiving, and my life becomes a melody of praise that echoes Your goodness in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God’s goodness is the root of all goodness; and our goodness, if we have any, springs out of His goodness.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

How Chanukah Brought You Christmas…

About 130 years before the birth of Jesus, Antiochus Epiphanes, King of the Greek/Syrian Empire, tried to wipe the Jewish faith from the face of the earth. He almost succeeded.

If he had succeeded, there would be no Jewish fishermen in Galilee to become apostles, no Jewish shepherds in Bethlehem, no Jewish carpenter in Nazareth, and no Jewish virgin to give birth to Jesus.

But by a miracle of God, he and his armies were defeated. The celebration of that miracle is called Chanukah. Jewish people celebrate as they light the lights of the Chanukah Menorah. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus with the Lights of Christmas.

But if it were not for Chanukah, if Jesus wasn’t born, we would have nothing to celebrate. The lights of Chanukah gave birth to the Light of Jesus.

If you belong to Jesus, rejoice in your Jewish roots, your heritage as a child of Abraham, and light a menorah this year. Celebrate the Festival of Lights in the Light of Jesus’s glory.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.  Galatians 4:4

Today, rejoice in your Jewish roots as a fellow citizen of the nation of Israel and pray for His ancient people.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Full Awareness…

Good morning,

Today, let’s embrace humility as the pathway to a life overflowing with God’s blessings.

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 22:4

Humility. It’s a word that’s often misunderstood, sometimes even seen as a weakness. But what if humility is actually the key to unlocking a life of true fulfillment and purpose?

Humility isn’t about putting ourselves down or denying our gifts. It’s about recognizing our place in the grand scheme of things – we’re not the center of the universe, but beloved children of a God whose wisdom and love are beyond our comprehension.

This awareness can fill us with awe and reverence – a “fear of the Lord” that’s not about trembling in terror, but about standing in wonder at His majesty and grace. It can shift our focus from our own desires to God’s heart, aligning our priorities with His perfect will.

When we live with this humble posture, our lives are transformed. We become less concerned with our own wants and needs and more focused on loving God and serving others. This surrender isn’t a loss but a gain. We find true riches – the joy, peace, and purpose that come from living a life in step with our Creator.

Dear God, thank you for the gift of humility. I’m grateful that You see me not for my achievements, but as Your beloved child. Forgive me for the times I’ve let pride get in the way of truly knowing You. Help me to embrace humility, to stand in awe of Your majesty and grace. Quiet my striving and fill me with a desire to simply love You and serve others. Thank you for the true riches that come from a heart surrendered to You – joy, peace, and purpose. May I walk humbly with You always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Humility is the root, mother, nurse, foundation, and bond of all virtue.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Love Is Not A Bucket…

Zechariah 13:1 says, ‘In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem to cleanse them from sin and impurity.’

It doesn’t say, ‘In that day a bucket, a pool, or a lake,’ because a bucket has a bottom, a pool has sides, and a lake has an enclosure of land around it. But a fountain, as long as it’s a fountain, which is as long as it keeps flowing, is infinite’ there’s no end to it.

That’s why God’s love is not a bucket, or even a lake, because those things have ends and they run out. God’s love for you, His mercy and forgiveness have no end, no limit, and no running out.

His mercies are new every morning, because it’s a fountain. That’s why you don’t receive it just once, but every day of your life. Rejoice because God loves you, and still loves you, and yet loves you more.

Come to Him today and be refreshed. Receive the new living waters waiting now to fill your heart again, because His love for you is like a fountain.

To open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.  Acts 26:18

Come to Him today and be refreshed. Receive the new living waters waiting now to fill your heart again to overflowing.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Good Shepherd…

Good morning,

Today, let’s discover the comfort and security of knowing the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for us.

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
John 10:11

In Jesus’ day, shepherding was a tough, dangerous job. Shepherds faced constant threats – predators, thieves, harsh weather. They had to be vigilant, tough, and utterly devoted to their flock.

So when Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd,” He’s making a powerful statement about His love and commitment to us.

As our Good Shepherd, Jesus isn’t just a guide to greener pastures. He’s our fierce protector, ready to face any danger, fight any battle, even lay down His own life for our sake. That’s the depth of His devotion.

But Jesus isn’t just our protector; He’s also our intimately personal shepherd. He knows each of us by name – our quirks, our fears, our deepest needs. To Him, we’re not just faces in a crowd, but precious individuals worth sacrificing for.

So whatever you’re facing today – whether you feel lost, afraid, or alone – remember that you have a Shepherd who sees you, knows you, and loves you deeply. You have a Savior who considered you worth dying for.

Lean into His love today. Trust His leading, even when the path is unclear. And rest in the truth that with Jesus as your Good Shepherd, you are safe, you are cherished, and your life has a purpose beyond what you can imagine.

He’s the Good Shepherd, and He’s all in for you. Always.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Good Shepherd, who knows my name, my heart, and every fear and hope within. Your love is fierce, protective, and sacrificial, guiding me through life’s storms and leading me to green pastures, where my soul can find rest. Forgive me for the times I’ve strayed and doubted Your path. Today, I choose to trust Your leading, even when the way is unclear. Fill me with Your peace, courage, and the unwavering knowledge that in Your loving care, I am safe, cherished, and eternally loved. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your savior, your guide? If He is, you don’t need to search any further for security.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God And His Baby…

Have you ever felt like you don’t love God enough? As a parent, it is natural to love your baby. Yet you can’t expect your baby to love you back with the same love. Babies are a constant expense of time, energy, and money.

But you don’t expect your child to pay you back. How did you, as a parent, love and bless your newborn child? It was not dependent on anything they did. It was unconditional.

So it is with you and God. You can never love Him enough, but He loves you more – just as a parent loves a baby. It’s not about how much or how little love you have for Him. You’re not God.

Stop dwelling on your love – or lack of it – and lose yourself in His love. He’s your Daddy. He loves you just because He loves you. When you realize it, you’ll love Him as you never did before. It’s as simple as being a baby.

Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.  Jude 21

Today, stop dwelling on your lack or limitations and lose yourself in His unlimited love.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼