Archive | June, 2024
Status

It’s A Relationship

15 Jun

It’s A Relationship…

Today, let’s unwrap a simple yet profound truth: joy isn’t found in getting what we want, but in wanting what God wants.

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

Imagine waking up each day with joyful anticipation, not because of what the day might bring, but because of who is already there: God. This is the delight Psalm 37:4 speaks of. It’s not about getting stuff. It’s about savoring Him.

Think of it like falling in love. At first, you’re thrilled by the dates, the gifts… but true love deepens. You find joy just being with the person, their quirks become endearing, and their presence is what you crave.

That’s what happens when we delight in God. We stop fixating on our wish lists, and we start noticing His fingerprints all over our lives. Suddenly, the desires of our hearts aren’t just about us anymore. They’re nudged, ever so gently, towards what He dreams for us too.

It’s not magic. It’s a relationship. As we draw close to Him, His goodness rubs off on us. The closer we get, the more our wants align with His good plans, leading to a life not just of fulfilled wishes but of a deep, unshakeable purpose.

What brings you joy and delight in your relationship with God?

How can you intentionally cultivate a heart of delight in Him today?

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of longing that draws me closer to you. I know that the world can’t satisfy the deepest desires of my heart, only you can. Forgive me for the times I’ve chased empty promises and looked for happiness in things that don’t last. Today, I want to make You my delight. Help me to truly enjoy your presence, to see your goodness all around me, and to align my desires with Your perfect plans. As I draw near to You, I trust that You are already working in me, shaping my dreams and desires to match Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When I try, I fail. When I trust, He succeeds!!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

Status

The Failure That Saved A Life

15 Jun

The Failure That Saved A Life…

William Cowper was 32 when he decided to end his life. After several attempts that failed, he tried to hang himself but was cut down, unconscious but still alive.

Then, one morning, for a reason unknown to him, he reached out for his Bible and opened it up to the Book of Romans. He opened up his heart and received the Lord.

His life was changed, and years later, he’d write the famous hymn which begins,”God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.” Cowper was thanking God that all of his own plans failed and only God’s plan came to pass.

You need to do the same thing. When your own plans fail, remember the plans of William Cowper. God has something better for you. The way of the flesh is death, but God’s way is life, and His will for you is a blessing.

So, every time your own plan fails, thank God. He’s got something better. As the Lord says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.”

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.Β  Proverbs 16:33

Give thanks today for any of your failed plans that have led to the plans of God being accomplished in your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

Status

Who Do You Thirst For

14 Jun

Who Do You Thirst For….

Good morning,

Today, let’s dive into the profound longing expressed in Psalm 63:1 and explore what it means to truly thirst for God’s presence in our lives.

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You; I thirst for You, my whole being longs for You, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
Psalm 63:1

Have you ever felt a thirst so deep, so consuming, that nothing else mattered? A thirst that couldn’t be quenched by any earthly drink? This is the desperate thirst that David describes in Psalm 63:1, a yearning for the living water that only God can provide.

We live in a world that offers countless distractions and temporary satisfactions. We chase after success, relationships, possessions – only to find that they can never truly fill the God-shaped void in our hearts. Like a parched traveler in a barren desert, our souls thirst for something the world cannot provide.

But this longing is a gift, a divine compass pointing us toward the One who created us and loves us unconditionally. David’s words remind us that true satisfaction, a love “better than life” itself, is found only in the presence of the living God.

Today, the Holy Spirit invites us to seek God with the same wholehearted passion as David. When we earnestly cry out to Him, He promises to draw near, satisfying our souls with His endless love and grace. Through Jesus, we can experience His presence continually, no matter how far we’ve wandered.

Let’s make seeking God our highest priority. As we pour out our hearts in prayer, immerse ourselves in His Word, and find quiet moments with Him, we will discover that in God’s presence, we find our heart’s true home.

What do you look forward to most about one day seeing Jesus?

In what ways will you seek Him today?

Father, sometimes, my soul feels parched and empty, and I confess that I’ve tried to fill that void with things that don’t last. But today, I come to You, acknowledging my deep need for Your living water. Forgive me for chasing after empty promises and for the times I’ve wandered away. Refresh my soul with Your presence. Help me to prioritize time with You, to drink deeply from Your Word, and to truly know You more. Thank You for loving me unconditionally and making a way for me to always come home to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

Status

The Menorah People

14 Jun

The Menorah People…

Israel’s national symbol on their Parliament building and national seal is the seven-branched menorah described in Exodus that stood in the Holy Place.

Israel was called to be a light to the nations, a holy vessel filled with God’s oil and shining with the light of His Presence. Whether you’re Jewish or not, if you’re born again, you are grafted in as a citizen of Israel.

So if you’re part of Israel, your national symbol is the menorah, and as a citizen, you’re called to individually be a light to those around you. Are you living a life worthy of the menorah? Is your life a light to those around you?

As God’s holy lamp, are you getting continually filled and refilled? Get filled up with the oil of His Spirit and the fire of His will. Be the light you were called to be. Shine to people all around you. It’s your heritage, and it’s your national calling. Live your life as the holy menorah of God.

You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore, God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions. Hebrews 1:9

Today, get filled up with the oil of His Spirit and the fire of His will and be the light you were called to be.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

Status

The Gift of Today

13 Jun

The Gift of Today…

Today, let’s reflect on the promise of Jesus’ return and live with a sense of anticipation and purpose.

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.
Matthew 24:44

Let’s face it: we all love a good countdown. Whether it’s for a holiday, a birthday, or a big event, the anticipation builds as we mark off the days. But when it comes to Jesus’ return, we don’t get a countdown clock.

Matthew 24:44 reminds us that the Son of Man will come “at an hour when you do not expect him.” No calendar alerts, no flashing neon signs – just a sudden, glorious arrival.

So, how do we live in the meantime? This verse isn’t meant to scare us, but to empower us. It’s a call to live each day with intentionality and purpose, knowing that we could be called home at any moment.

Imagine getting a surprise visit from someone you love. Wouldn’t you want to be prepared? Your house would be tidy, your heart would be open, and you’d be ready to welcome them with joy. It’s the same with Jesus.

Living in readiness doesn’t mean being perfect; it means being prepared. It means cultivating a close relationship with God, investing in our loved ones, and serving others with a generous heart.

So today, let’s not get caught up in the waiting game. Let’s live each day as if it were the day Christ returns, embracing every opportunity to love, serve, and spread His hope.

What would change in your life if you knew Jesus was returning tomorrow?

Father, thank you for the gift of today. I know that Jesus will return, but only You know when. Help me to live each day with joy, purpose, and a heart ready to welcome Him. Fill my heart with your love and grace so that I may live a life that honors you. Empower me to share your hope with a hurting world, using every moment as an opportunity to spread your love. May I not be caught up in the distractions of this world, but instead, may I focus on what truly matters – Your kingdom and Your glory. Help me to be ready, not perfect, but prepared to meet you with open arms. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Live in such a way that those who know you but don’t know God will come to know God because they know you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

Status

The Seven Year Convert

13 Jun

The Seven Year Convert…

Adoniram Judson turned down pastoring a large church in Boston for the mission field in India. He arrived in Calcutta in 1812 filled with zeal to preach to the peoples, but the British government gave orders to leave the country immediately.

He returned the following June, but once more was ordered to leave. With a heavy heart, Judson fled to Rangoon, a place he hated and ended up being imprisoned in. But Judson stayed and began a mission there. When no one responded, he struggled against severe discouragement.

Finally, after seven years, his first convert was a criminal of the Karen people. Through this man, the Gospel came to the Karen peoples and through them to the Kachin peoples. Within 90 years, more than 250,000 people came to the Lord because of Judson’s faithfulness and perseverance.

Most people would have given up. Had Judson done that, he would have quit before the greatest of miracles. Don’t miss your miracle! Even when every door is closed, every plan and dream has been crushed or thwarted, serve the Lord with gladness, faithfulness, and perseverance, and you, too, will find your miracle.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Β  Galatians 6:9

Encourage your soul in God’s calling. Renew your commitment today to persevere in fulfilling all that God has called you to.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

Status

Our Daily Walk

12 Jun

Our Daily Walk…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore what it means to truly walk by faith and not by sight, trusting in God’s guidance every step of the way.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

Life’s journey rarely unfolds as we expect. We often find ourselves at a crossroads, facing uncharted territories and detours we didn’t plan. Our human instinct craves clarity and control, but it’s in these moments of uncertainty that 2 Corinthians 5:7 speaks a profound truth: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Walking by faith isn’t about denying our fears or ignoring the challenges we face. It’s about looking fear in the eye and choosing trust anyway. It’s about believing that God’s plan is perfect, even when our circumstances seem anything but.

Faith calls us to surrender our need for control and to lean into the unknowable yet trustworthy heart of God. When we release our grip, we open ourselves to experiences and revelations that would otherwise remain hidden.

So today, if you’re feeling lost or uncertain, take a deep breath and step out in faith. Trust that the God who called you will also equip you and guide you through the twists and turns. Your faith walk may not be predictable, but with God as your compass, it will always lead you to a purposeful destination filled with unexpected blessings.

What’s one step of faith God is calling you to take today?

How can you cultivate a heart of trust, even when the path ahead is unclear?

    Father, sometimes IΒ  feel so lost and unsure. Life doesn’t always go as I plan, and the road ahead seems foggy. But I remember Your promise – that I don’t have to walk by sight, but by faith in You. Today, I choose to trust You. Help me to let go of my need to control everything and lean into Your loving arms. I know You have a plan for my life, even when I can’t see it yet. Please give me the courage to take the next step, even into the unknown. Be my compass, Lord, and guide me. With You by my side, I can overcome any obstacle and discover the blessings You have in store. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.

    Walk daily with God at your side!

    Love always,

    Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

    Status

    Kokhav

    12 Jun

    Kokhav…

    ‘Kokhav’ is Hebrew for ‘star’. In the northern sky, there’s a star, that for thousands of years has been the most reliable guide for travelers. It’s called Polaris, the pole star, or the North Star. Sailors sailed the oceans, discovered new lands, and conquered new worlds by its light.

    No matter which way the wind blew, no matter how great the waves were, no matter how lost they seemed to be, they found their way back home by just looking up at that star. Numbers 24:17 says, “a kokhav, a star, shall rise out of Jacob”.

    Jesus is called a star because He’s the guiding light that shines in the darkness. Life’s a journey, and every journey needs a guiding star, a light by which we find our bearings, and our way back home.

    Everything else in life moves and changes like the waters of a storm tossed sea, but the Kokhav, the Star of Jacob, never changes. Get your eyes off the storm and look up to the Star of Jacob. Keep your eyes on His light as you journey, and you’ll make it home because He’s your guiding Star.

    For this God is our God forever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14

    Get your eyes off of any storms and problems in your life today and focus on your guiding Star.

    Walk daily with God at your side!

    Love always,

    Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

    Status

    With The King of Kings

    11 Jun

    Good morning,

    With The King of Kings…

    Today, let’s discover how our battles are not fought alone, but alongside the victorious King of Kings.

    They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kingsβ€”and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.
    Revelation 17:14

    In the heat of life’s battles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and outnumbered. The enemies we face – whether they be doubt, fear, sickness, or sorrow – can seem invincible at times. But today, I want to encourage you with a truth that changes everything: in Christ, the victory is already yours.

    Revelation 17:14 gives us a glimpse into a cosmic battle, where the forces of evil wage war against the Lamb. But the Lamb, Jesus Christ, triumphs over them all. His victory is not uncertain or incomplete, but absolute and final.

    And here’s the amazing part: as a follower of Christ, you are not just a spectator in this victory, but a participant. The verse calls you one of “His called, chosen and faithful followers.” This means that when you face trials and tribulations, you do so not as a victim, but as a victor.

    Your battles may be real, but they are not the final word. In Christ, you are more than a conqueror. So today, whatever you’re facing, face it with the confidence of one who knows the war has already been won. You are fighting from victory, not for it.

    Today, let this truth be your strength and your song.

    Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the overwhelming love that you have poured into my life. When I feel weak and weary in the battles I face, remind me of the victory that is already mine through Christ. Your strength is my strength, Lord. Fill my heart with courage and peace as I face each challenge, knowing that I am never alone. I am so grateful to be called, chosen, and a faithful follower in Your triumph. Let that truth be my song, my strength, and my victory every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Outside of Christ, I am only a sinner, but in Christ, I am saved. Outside of Christ, I am empty; in Christ, I am full. Outside of Christ, I am weak; in Christ, I am strong. Outside of Christ, I can not; in Christ, I am more than able. Outside of Christ, I have been defeated; in Christ, I am already victorious. How meaningful are the words “in Christ.”

    Walk daily with God at your side!

    Love always,

    Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

    Status

    The Time Of Fruit

    11 Jun

    The Time Of Fruit…

    In today’s world, we’re surrounded by fast food. It’s fast and convenient, and that’s what we like because we don’t like to wait. Unfortunately, fast food isn’t just a food. It’s a culture, an attitude, a mindset, and a heart. It often invades the hearts of believers.

    Believers are to be known by the fruit of the Spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The scripture doesn’t say, ‘the fast food of the Spirit’, because fruit isn’t fast and it doesn’t come overnight. Fruit takes time.

    They don’t come prepackaged and without effort. They’re fruit, they have to be grown, and they need your time, your consistency, your perseverance, your commitment, and your care. You have to put effort into it.

    God wants you to have a solid, real love, a full joy, a true peace, and a deep goodness in your life. You’ll only have it by forsaking that fast food culture, the fast food life, the fast food walk, and the fast food heart.

    Come into His presence today and be filled at His table. It’s not fast food. It’s the Bread of Life.

    So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 1 Timothy 1:5

    Today, unplug yourself, take time to dwell with God, to soak in His love, and to be transformed by His Spirit.

    Walk daily with God at your side!

    Love always,

    Ed