Archive | July, 2024
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Ask, Seek, and Knock

26 Jul

Ask, Seek, and Knock…

Good morning,

Today, may we approach God with open hearts, ready to ask, seek, and knock. Let His wisdom guide our steps and His love fill our day.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take? Or felt a longing in your heart for something more, but didn’t know where to turn? Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7 remind us that we are never alone in these moments.

God isn’t a distant figure. He’s a loving Father who invites us to come to Him with every need, dream, and question. “Ask,” Jesus says, and trust that God hears you. “Seek,” and believe that He will guide you. “Knock,” and have faith that He will open the right doors at the right time.

This isn’t a one-time invitation but a daily opportunity to deepen our relationship with the One who loves us most. Each morning, we can bring our day to God – our to-do lists, worries, hopes, and fears. We can ask for His wisdom, seek His presence, and knock on the door of His heart, confident that He will respond.

It’s not about getting everything we want, but aligning our hearts with God’s perfect will and wisdom. Even when His answers differ from our expectations, they’re always rooted in love.

Today, let’s embrace Jesus’ invitation with renewed faith. Let’s ask, seek, and knock, watching expectantly for how God will move in your life as you draw near to Him. Remember, He is always ready to welcome you with open arms.

Dear God, Sometimes life feels like a maze, and I’m not sure which way to turn. Thank You for reminding me that I can always come to You. Help me to ask for Your guidance, even in the small stuff. When I’m searching for answers, give me the courage to seek You first. And when doors seem closed, help me keep knocking, trusting Your timing. I know You’re not a genie granting wishes, but a loving Father who knows what’s best. When Your answers surprise me, help me trust Your heart. Thank You for always being there, ready to listen and guide. Today, help me to stay close to You, bringing everything to You in prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

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Praise – The Unshakeable Foundation

25 Jul

Praise – The Unshakeable Foundation…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore the transformative power of a life filled with praise.

I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name, I will lift up my hands.
Psalm 63:4

In the ups and downs of life, it’s easy to let our praise ebb and flow with our circumstances. But David’s words in Psalm 63:4 beckon us to a different way of living – a life where praise is the constant melody, the unshakable foundation.

When we lift our hands in worship, we’re not just going through the motions. We’re making a bold declaration: “No matter what comes my way, I choose to trust in God’s goodness. I choose to praise Him with every breath.” It’s a posture of surrender, a daily choice to place our lives in the hands of the One who holds the universe.

In the face of challenges, lifting our hands becomes an act of defiance against despair. In moments of blessing, it’s a testament to His gracious provision. In the everyday rhythms of life, it’s a continual reminder of His abiding presence.

So today, let’s raise a hallelujah that resounds through every part of our lives. Let’s lift our hands and our hearts to the God who is worthy of our praise in every season, every situation, every breath. As we do, we’ll find our spirits lifted too – carried by the unshakable hope and joy found in a life devoted to praising our amazing God.

Faithful God, Today and always, I want my life to overflow with praise to You. In joy and sorrow, abundance and need, certainty and mystery – may my heart find its song in You. Give me faith to praise You when the path is unclear and strength to lift my hands when the weight feels heavy. Remind me that my praise is never wasted, for You are always good and worthy. May my life be a living testimony of Your faithfulness, inspiring others to find hope and joy in You. I praise You for who You are – my Rock, my Redeemer, my Reason for singing. May my life forever echo the greatness of Your love. In Jesus’ praise-worthy name, Amen.

Praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song. By grace, we learn to sing, and in glory, we continue to sing.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

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The Poem Planet

25 Jul

The Poem Planet…

What’s this world all about? The answer is hidden in the Greek language of Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made.”

The word ‘made’ in Greek is ‘poema’, where we get the English word ‘poem’. Everything you’ve known since the day of your birth is part of God’s poem. All this time, you haven’t simply been living in the world, you’ve actually been living in God’s poem.

If that’s the case, why doesn’t it feel like a poem? Because the poem cannot exist without the poet. The poet writes a poem as an expression of his heart and spirit.

In the same way, when you try to live this life without God, it becomes meaningless. But when you seek instead to know God and live by His Spirit and heart, He’ll take the mess and make it into a poem.

Stop getting lost in the mess of life, come back to the joy of knowing the poet, and your life will become the poem of God.

He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.Β  Ephesians 1:9

Today, press into the heart of your Heavenly Poet and let Him lead and write your day into a beautiful poem.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

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His Full Armor

24 Jul

His Full Armor…

Good morning,

A new day dawns. May we walk in the protective light of Christ, clothed in His armor of righteousness and truth. May His peace and strength guide our steps.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:11

In the tumultuous journey of life, we often find ourselves on a spiritual battlefield, facing challenges that seek to derail our faith. But Ephesians 6:11 reminds us that we don’t have to face these battles unarmed or alone.

God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has provided us with a powerful arsenal – His full armor. Each piece of this armor represents a divine truth we can apply to our lives: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.

When we actively put on this armor daily through prayer, immersing ourselves in God’s Word, and cultivating a deep relationship with Him, we become fortified against the enemy’s attacks. We can stand firm, knowing that the victory is already ours in Christ.

So today, let’s choose to clothe ourselves in God’s mighty armor. Let’s march forward in confidence, trusting that with God’s strength, we are more than conquerors in every battle we face.

Almighty God, Thank You for the gift of Your full armor that enables me to stand strong against the challenges I face. Help me to daily put on each piece – to walk in Your truth, righteousness, and peace; to hold up the shield of faith; to wear the helmet of salvation; and to wield the sword of Your Word. Remind me that the battle is Yours, and the victory is already won through Christ. Empower me to stand firm, boldly share Your love, and live as a testament to Your greatness. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

What you are is God’s gift to you. What you become is your gift to God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

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Tapestry of Life

23 Jul

Tapestry of Life…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore how God weaves our desires into His grand design.

May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
Psalm 20:4

Imagine standing before a vast tapestry of your life, threads of every color weaving in and out. Some strands represent your dreams, hopes, and plans. Others? They’re the divine interventions, the unexpected blessings, the answered prayers. Psalm 20:4 is like God’s gentle hand on your shoulder, saying, “Let’s weave this together.”

Our hearts often burst with desires – some God-given, others perhaps our own creations. But here’s the beautiful mystery: as we draw closer to our Creator, our desires begin to align with His ultimate design. It’s not about God being a cosmic vending machine, dispensing wishes. It’s about Him lovingly guiding us to want what’s truly best.

This verse is an invitation to dream courageously, but with open hands. It’s about trusting that the Master Weaver sees the full pattern, even when we can only glimpse a few threads. So today, hold your desires up to the light of God’s love. Watch how He might refine them, expand them, or sometimes lovingly redirect them.

Remember, in God’s tapestry, even the unexpected threads create beauty beyond our imagination.

Dear Lord, My heart is full of desires and plans, and I’m grateful You care about each one. Thank You for this incredible promise in Psalm 20:4. As I lift my dreams to You today, help me discern which ones align with Your will. Shape my desires, Lord, so they reflect Your heart. When my plans succeed, let it bring You glory. When they don’t, give me faith to trust Your better plan. Guide me to dream courageously, yet hold those dreams with open hands. Help me remember that You see the full tapestry of my life, even when I can only glimpse a few threads. Thank You for being a God who listens, cares, and acts on behalf of Your children. I trust You with my heart’s deepest longings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer but unoffered prayer.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

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The Abundance of Ministry

23 Jul

The Abundance of Ministry…

I’ve often run into people who are waiting for their ministry. If only those in charge would see their gifts in the Lord and recognize their calling. If only…

Jesus said the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. There’s no worldwide dearth of opportunity to serve the Lord; the harvest is plentiful. There’s more than enough ministry to go around. There’s no shortage of opportunities to serve and fulfill His calling in your life.

It’s the laborers who are refusing to serve. The harvest is all around you. All around you are people who need ministering, love, encouragement, help, support, the Word, the Gospel, and the presence of Jesus. You don’t need somebody to give you a pulpit, a title, or a certificate.

Look around, and you’ll see the harvest of which Jesus spoke. Look around and see your family, your town, your job, your congregation, your country, your world, your life. Find the need. Because there’s no shortage of needs. In serving the need around you, you’ll begin to fulfill the calling on your life. And you’ll find that the harvest is definitely plentiful.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.Β  Galatians 6:2

Today, find the need around you and fulfill His calling in your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

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His Unchanging Nature

22 Jul

His Unchanging Nature…

Good morning,

Today, let’s find comfort in the unchanging nature of our Savior.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

In a world where change is the only constant, where trends come and go faster than we can keep up, Hebrews 13:8 offers us an anchor. Jesus Christ, unchanging and eternal.

Think about it. The same Jesus who calmed storms and healed the sick walks with you today. The One who forgave Peter’s denial extends that same grace to you now. His love, His truth, His promises – they’re as rock-solid today as they were 2000 years ago.

This isn’t about God being outdated or static. It’s about His character being dependable. In your moments of doubt, His faithfulness remains. When your feelings fluctuate, His love stays steady. As the world shifts around you, He stands firm.

So today, whether you’re riding high or trudging through a valley, remember: you serve a God who’s consistently good, unfailingly loving, and eternally faithful. In Him, you have a constant source of strength, a never-changing standard of truth, and an everlasting wellspring of hope.

Let this unchanging Christ be your rock in shifting sands.

How does the unchanging nature of Jesus bring comfort to you?

Father In Heaven, As I start my day, I’m so grateful that You are my constant in a world of change. Your love and character remain the same, and that brings me peace. When life feels overwhelming or unpredictable, I look to You – the same God who calms storms, heals the hurting, and loves unconditionally. Help me remember that You’re still doing all those things today. Give me the strength to reflect Your love to others. Let me be a source of calm in the chaos, a healing presence in the pain, and a steady friend in the uncertainty. Thank You for being my rock, my firm foundation. It means more to me than words can express. In the name of Jesus, the same yesterday, today, and forever, Amen.

Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

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Lord Of The Mountains

22 Jul

Lord Of The Mountains…

Isaiah 52:7 says, “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him who brings good news.” This is ultimately a prophecy about Jesus. He gave the ‘Sermon on the Mount’, was transfigured, taught, slept, and was betrayed on the mountains.

In fact, he spent most of his life on the mountain tops of Nazareth. He often withdrew to the mountains to pray, or be alone with His Father. As it was for Him so it is for the believer.

When you go up to the mountains and look out, everything looks different. All the details of day-to-day life- your problems, things you’re worried about, those obstacles which seem so formidable- all disappear.

Withdraw from the details, go up to the mountains to the high places with God. Get away from your day-to-day pressures. Step back. Go up to the high places with God in prayer, worship, and the peace of His presence.

Look at the big picture with God. All your problems will shrink to nothing, and your fears will shrink to less than nothing when you dwell with Jesus high up in the mountains.

He has founded his city on the holy mountain. Psalm 87:1

Today, go up to the high places with God in prayer, worship, and the peace of His presence. See any problem or concern in the distance – small!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

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With Unfailing Wisdom

21 Jul

With Unfailing Wisdom…

Good morning!

As we embrace this new day, let’s meditate on the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:11. guidance in every decision today and trust in His unfailing wisdom.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11

Life, with its seasons of joy, sorrow, waiting, and celebrating, is a beautiful tapestry woven by the hand of God. He’s the master artist who uses every thread, every color, every moment to create a masterpiece. In His time, He brings beauty out of chaos, turning our mess into a message, our test into a testimony.

And within us, He has placed a longing for eternity, a sense that there is more to life than what we see. This holy dissatisfaction drives us to seek Him, to yearn for the everlasting, and to find our purpose in His grand narrative. We can’t fully comprehend God’s plan – it’s far too great, too complex, and too glorious. But we can trust in His wisdom and His timing.

Today, remember that you are part of God’s beautiful design. Be patient through the seasons of waiting and rejoice in the seasons of fulfillment. Trust in God’s timing, for He makes all things beautiful in their time.

Heavenly Father, In the quiet of this morning, my heart ponders the truth of Ecclesiastes 3:11, that You make everything beautiful in its time. In the ebb and flow of life, in seasons of joy and seasons of challenge, help me to see Your hand at work, crafting beauty and purpose in every moment. Thank You for setting eternity in my heart, a constant reminder of the bigger picture and Your grand design. This day, let me live with an awareness of this truth, finding beauty even in the mundane, trusting in Your perfect timing. In moments of impatience or uncertainty, remind me that Your plans are greater than my understanding. Give me the grace to embrace the season I am in, knowing that You are at work in ways I might not yet see. Lord, guide my thoughts and actions to align with Your purpose, that I may live a life that reflects Your beauty and wisdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

God is never late and rarely early and always right on time.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ

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The Price of God

21 Jul

The Price of God…

The Gospels tell of the temple priests paying Judas thirty pieces of silver to obtain Jesus. Zechariah 11 prophesied that the sign of Israel’s rejection of their God would be 30 pieces of silver.

Those 30 pieces weren’t just given as a betrayal payment, but as the price of God. That’s how much He was worth to them. How much do you value God? What’s your life saying about how much God is worth? Do you give Him some tithes, some praise, some moments of worship, or some obedience of His will over your will?

If you’re only giving Him what you can do without anyway, then you’re giving Him your leftovers. The value of God is everything and His worth is more than anything you have. In fact, He’s worth more than everything you have.

So give Him everything and don’t hold back. God considered you to be worth His very life. He gave it to save you. The least you can do is to consider His life worth your own. Give Him your best and your life will be filled with His best. That’s the value of God.

We know that all things work for good for those who love God,* who are called according to his purpose.Β  Romans 8:28

Today, meditate on the worth of Messiah in your life and spend the day giving Him your best.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed πŸ™πŸΌ