Ed Christian's World

The Power of Weakness…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore the paradoxical power of weakness.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10

Remember those old-school night lights? The ones with cracks in the ceramic that let the light shine through in beautiful patterns? That’s what Paul’s talking about in 2 Corinthians 12:10.

We often try to plaster over our weaknesses, to present a perfect, uncracked facade. But Paul suggests something radical: what if our flaws are actually conduits for God’s light? Even more, what if they’re the very source of our true strength?

This isn’t about celebrating failure or glorifying suffering. It’s about recognizing that our imperfections don’t disqualify us from God’s use—they uniquely qualify us. It’s in our brokenness that God’s strength becomes most visible. Paradoxically, it’s when we’re at our weakest that we can be at our strongest.

Think about it: when are we most relatable to others? Often, it’s when we’re vulnerable about our struggles. When do we lean most heavily on God, allowing His power to work through us? Usually, in our moments of inadequacy.

So today, let’s shift our perspective. Instead of hiding our weaknesses, let’s hold them up to the light. Because in God’s hands, our cracks don’t make us worthless. They make us lanterns, imperfectly perfect channels for His light to shine through. And in that shining, we find a strength far beyond our own.

Dear Lord, As I step into today, I’m holding onto Paul’s words about finding strength in weakness. It’s kind of wild how You use our cracks to let Your light shine through. On days when I feel broken, help me remember that these are the moments You can use me most. When I’m tempted to hide my flaws, remind me that You’re the artist who creates beauty from brokenness. Help me to see the bigger picture. When I feel inadequate, show me how Your strength works best in weakness. I’m asking for that paradoxical strength You give, the kind that doesn’t make sense but always makes a difference. And if there’s someone out there feeling weak today, help me share the hope You’ve given me. Thanks for being the light in our imperfections, making us beautiful in unexpected ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The storms of life prove the strength of our anchor.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Spider Web of Zeus…

The ancient Greeks worshiped a pantheon of gods represented by statues to which they bowed down and offered gifts. Zeus, the king of their gods, was considered strong, fierce, lusty, capricious, and not to be messed with. The Greeks feared him.

Occasionally, spiders would spin their webs across the eyes of Zeus’ statue. When this happened, the Greeks would more frequently worship at the statue because they believed that Zeus couldn’t see their sins to punish them. Therefore, to obtain mercy and escape from judgment, the ancient Greeks depended on the whim of spiders.

The lives of many believers sometimes seem more pagan than faithful. They never seem sure if they’re really saved, forgiven, loved, set free, or really God’s beloved child. But God is not like Zeus or any of the other gods of the ancient world.

You don’t have to hope for the whims of spiders. His very nature is mercy. His heart and arms are always ready to receive you back. Come into the arms of His love. Because there’s no doubt about it: “If we confess our sins, He’s faithful and just to forgive.”

Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Jude 2

Today, come into His arms of love and mercy and let Him hold you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Our Shield…

Good morning!

Today, let’s embrace the resilience we find in Christ amidst life’s challenges.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Have you ever felt like life is playing a game of whack-a-mole with you, problems popping up faster than you can handle? Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 speak directly to those moments when we’re pushed to our limits.

Notice the powerful “but not” in each phrase. We’re pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair. It’s like having an invisible shield, absorbing life’s blows without breaking our spirit.

This isn’t about putting on a brave face or denying our struggles. It’s about recognizing a strength within us that’s greater than any challenge we face. It’s the unshakeable hope we have in Christ.

Think of yourself as a palm tree in a hurricane – bending almost to the ground, but not breaking. That’s you, with God’s strength flowing through you. You’re not just surviving; you’re showing the world the incredible resilience God has placed within you.

Today, whatever you’re facing, remember: you’re bent, not broken; shaken, not shattered. Your ability to stand amidst the storm isn’t just admirable – it’s a living testimony to God’s faithfulness.

Dear Lord, As I step into today, I’m keeping those words about being pressed but not crushed close to my heart. It’s kind of wild how life can be so tough sometimes, and yet, here we are, still standing, still moving forward. It’s all because of You. On days like this, help me to see the bigger picture. When it feels like I’m in over my head, remind me that You’re the lifeguard in these waters. I’m asking for that peace You give, the kind that doesn’t always make sense but always makes a difference. And if there’s someone out there I can help today, someone who needs a bit of the strength and hope You’ve given me, help me to be there for them. Thanks for being the one constant in this unpredictable life, the steady hand in every storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Peace doesn’t come from finding a lake with no storms. It comes from having Jesus in the boat.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Second Rain…

In Israel they have two rains. One set of rains comes in the spring and the other comes in autumn; the former and the latter rains. Hidden in what happen in Israel every year is a prophecy concerning the Jewish people and the world.

Just as there are two rains in Israel each year, so there will be two showers of God’s Spirit on His people. The first rains came when God poured out His Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost; the showering of life onto His people from Jerusalem, and out to all nations.

This age will not be complete until there comes one more shower. Just as the first, it will come upon His people Israel; the people of two showerings. So don’t give up praying for the Jewish people and for the peace of Jerusalem because their redemption and the best days are yet to come.

So it is with all of God’s people. No matter how dry the time may seem to you, press on – it only gets better. Your best days are yet to come. It’s as sure as the latter rains.

I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.  Ezekiel  34:26

Today, ask God to pour out the rains of His Spirit on whatever dry ground there is in your life and be refreshed!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Helping Hand…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore the refreshing power of generosity.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.  Proverbs 11:25

Have you ever noticed how a single act of kindness can transform your entire day? It’s one of life’s beautiful paradoxes, captured perfectly in Proverbs 11:25.

Think about the last time you truly gave of yourself—comforting a friend, volunteering your time, or simply offering a genuine compliment. Didn’t you walk away feeling lighter, happier, somehow… refreshed? That’s the beautiful paradox of God’s economy at work.

Think of it like a river. When we dam it up, the water stagnates. But when we let it flow, it brings life and nourishment to the land around it. The same is true for us. When we hold back, we wither. But when we give generously, we flourish.

This isn’t about transactional giving or expecting something in return. It’s about living a life that mirrors God’s heart. Generosity isn’t just for those with plenty to spare; it’s for all of us, in whatever season we’re in. A listening ear, an encouraging word, and a helping hand—these are gifts we can all offer.

Today, let’s challenge ourselves to be refreshers. In a world parched for kindness, let’s be the oasis. You might just find that in quenching another’s thirst, your own spirit is watered in ways you never imagined.

Gracious God, Your generosity knows no bounds, and I long to mirror Your giving heart today. Open my eyes to see the needs around me, and give me the courage to meet them with joy. When I’m tempted to hold back, remind me that You are the source of all I have, and Your supply never runs dry. Use me as a conduit of Your refreshing love. Let my life overflow with generosity, not out of obligation, but from a heart captivated by Your goodness. As I pour out to others, fill me back up with Your endless grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Walk With Jesus…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore the profound truth of Jesus as our ultimate guide.

Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’
John 14:6

In the labyrinth of life, where every corridor seems to lead to more questions than answers, John 14:6 stands as a clear call from Jesus, resonating deeply within our souls. He doesn’t just offer directions; He offers Himself as the path—”I am the way, the truth, and the life.” This isn’t merely a signpost; it’s a hand extended, inviting us into a journey vibrant with meaning and possibility.

Choosing to walk with Jesus, “the way,” means every step is grounded in purpose, every decision soaked in significance. He transforms our wandering into a directed journey toward something greater than we can imagine. Embracing Him as “the truth” cuts through the noise, giving us clarity to view ourselves, our lives, and the world. And living in “the life” He promises? It’s like breathing in color in a world that too often fades to gray—every moment richer, every interaction deeper, and our very existence imbued with a weight of glory that whispers of eternity.

This journey with Jesus isn’t a detour from reality but a deeper engagement with it. His presence infuses our daily lives with divine mystery, making the mundane sacred. It’s about less of us and more of Him, until His way becomes our reflex, His truth our dialect, and His life our pulse.

Heavenly Father, In this journey of faith, guide me on the path You’ve laid before me. It’s a journey I know I can’t walk alone. I need Your light to guide me, Your wisdom to hold me steady, and Your grace to keep me moving forward. As I walk today, let every step reflect my journey towards You. May my actions mirror Your love, my words carry Your truth, and my spirit exude the abundant life You’ve given me. It’s about drawing closer to You, Lord, until Your way becomes my way, Your truth my understanding, and Your life my very breath. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jesus is not one of many ways to approach God, nor is He the best of several ways; He is the only way.

Walk daily with God at your side

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Nurturing Your Salvation…

Psalms 127:3 says, “Children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” That’s why there’s so much joy when a baby’s born, because it’s a gift. But right after the baby’s born the parents totally change their lives around all for the sake of the gift.

It usually never ends, even to the parents’ dying day. They sacrifice everything for their gift. The greatest gift is salvation. When Jesus comes into your life, it’s a new life. Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua, and Yeshua means salvation.

The miracle of Yeshua has come into your life. That means you have something to cherish and sacrifice for. If parents didn’t continually cherish, nourish, and sacrifice for their child, we would consider them negligent.

So the believer who doesn’t continually cherish, nourish, and sacrifice for their salvation is a negligent believer. Salvation is precious and if you want it to grow, you can’t be careless or neglect it.

Guard it, treasure it, nourish it, and sacrifice for it because your salvation is the very life of Yeshua, and that’s the most precious thing you’ve got.

He shall receive blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Psalm 24:5

Meditate on the goodness of God’s salvation today as you cherish it in your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Peacemaker…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore how we can be peacemakers in a world of conflict.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18

Do you ever found yourself in the heat of an argument, tensions rising and tempers flaring? In a world where conflicts can ignite in an instant, Paul’s words in Romans 12:18 offer a challenging yet beautiful standard: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

This isn’t a call to be a doormat or to avoid difficult conversations. Rather, it’s an invitation to become architects of peace instead of agents of conflict. Think of that family member whose views oppose yours, or the coworker who knows exactly which buttons to push. In these moments, Paul encourages us to take the high road, even when the climb seems steep.

“As far as it depends on you” reminds us of our role in cultivating peace. While we can’t control others’ actions, we can choose our responses. It’s about offering olive branches rather than throwing stones, listening more than speaking, and choosing forgiveness over resentment.

Today, let’s commit to being peacemakers wherever we are. By intentionally bringing Christ’s love into our relationships through our words, actions, and attitudes, we can transform potential battlegrounds into bridges of understanding.

The key word in this message is choice!! We choose how we respond, and we choose our words. Words – once you let your tongue pass them, they can’t be taken back.

Dear Lord, In this world where conflicts flare up so easily, help me be a beacon of Your peace. When tensions rise and harsh words tempt my tongue, remind me of Your gentle ways. Give me the courage to extend olive branches instead of building walls. Open my ears to truly listen, Lord, and guide my words to speak with love. When others push my buttons, help me respond with grace. In moments of disagreement, let me see Your image in those I struggle to understand. Thank You for Your peace through Jesus. Help me follow His example and build bridges of understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Peace begins with a smile..  Let us radiate the peace of God and so light His light and extinguish in the world and in the hearts of all men, all hatred and love for power. Today, if we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other-that man, that woman, that child is my brother or my sister.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Discerning Heart…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore the art of cultivating a discerning heart.

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
Proverbs 18:15

Have you ever noticed how God can speak to us through the most unexpected things? That bird outside your window, the smile of a stranger, even the frustration of a traffic jam – all can be classrooms for the discerning heart.

Proverbs 18:15 isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about approaching each day with humble curiosity, ready to hear God’s whispers of wisdom in the ordinary and extraordinary.

Think about it: Even Jesus, in His humanity, grew in wisdom and learned obedience through His experiences. If the Son of God embraced a learner’s heart, how much more should we?

As we cultivate this curiosity, wisdom finds us. We become magnets for insights that not only deepen our walk with God but also equip us to be light in a world that desperately needs it.

So today, let’s embark on a wisdom treasure hunt. In every conversation, every challenge, every moment – there’s a gem of understanding waiting to be discovered. Are you ready to seek it out?

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of wisdom You offer. Open my eyes and ears to the truth found in Your Word and in the everyday moments of my life. Help me to cultivate a heart that’s eager to learn, a mind that’s quick to discern, and a spirit that’s humble before You. May my pursuit of Your wisdom lead me closer to You and help me reflect Your light and love to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The greatest enemy of learning is knowing.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Unknowable Love…

When Augustine found salvation, he spent the rest of his life seeking to glorify God and also to understand and explain Him. It’s said that one day he came across a little boy filling a seashell with ocean water, then running back to a hole that he’d dug in the sand and filling it with the water.

Augustine asked him what he was doing. “I’m trying to put the ocean in this hole,” answered the boy. That’s what I’m trying to do, he said to himself. I’m standing on the shores of time trying to get into this little finite mind things which are infinite.

So it is with us. All our theologies, doctrinal understandings, systematic philosophizing, or ponderings of God are like the efforts of a child trying to fit the ocean into a hole on the seashore. When you think you’ve heard it all, learned it all and know it all, you’re missing God.

Stop trying to figure Him out and start doing the things you can do. Receive Him, worship Him, and rejoice in His love. Because His wonders are as great as the ocean is deep.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. 1 Chronicles 16:29

Stop trying to figure God out today and just worship Him!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼