Archive | August, 2024
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In The Beginning

31 Aug

In The Beginning…

Good morning,

Today, let’s journey back to the very beginning, where the timeless story of God’s love unfolds.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1

“In the beginning was the Word.” John’s opening line hits like a thunderclap, challenging our very concept of time and existence. It’s not just a poetic flourish; it’s a revelation of Jesus’ divine nature.

This “Word” isn’t just speech. It’s the very essence of God’s expression, the foundation of all that exists. John is telling us that Jesus isn’t merely a great teacher or prophet who appeared 2000 years ago. He’s eternally existed alongside God the Father.

Think about that. The same Jesus who walked dusty Galilean roads also designed the intricate patterns of DNA. The one who calmed storms with a word is the reason seasons change. And this eternal Christ chose to enter our world, to make the intangible touchable, to translate the language of eternity into human terms.

What does this mean for us today? It means that when we pray, we’re not shouting into a void, but communing with the One who was there at creation’s dawn. When we face challenges, we have the power of the universe on our side. Our daily lives are infused with eternal significance because we’re walking with the One who has always been, and always will be.

Dear God,
It’s incredible to think that You, who created everything, want to be part of my life. Sometimes, it’s hard to grasp how vast You are, yet how close You want to be to me. Thank You for sending Jesus, for letting Him walk dusty roads just like I do. Help me remember that when I pray, I’m not just speaking into space but reaching You, the One who set the stars in place. When life gets tough, remind me that You’re not just the Creator, but my loving Father. Help me sense Your presence, turning struggles into opportunities for Your grace to shine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Born Yesterday

31 Aug

Born Yesterday…

The children of Israel were told to celebrate the Passover every year so that they would remember and never forget how the Lord saved them out of Egypt.

Rabbi Shaul/Paul at the end of his life called himself the biggest sinner. True, he had once opposed the Gospel, but his life as an enemy of God was long over and even long forgotten. He had been in the Lord for decades, known throughout the world as a saint.

But at the end of his life, he tells the story of getting saved as if it were yesterday. This principle is as old as Passover. If you want to get to the Promised Land, you must never stop thanking God for taking you out of Egypt.

Never forget how He saved you. Peter wrote that those who lack godly qualities are those who have forgotten their salvation. Give thanks to the Lord for saving you out of Egypt as if it just happened, and one day, you’ll give thanks to the Lord for bringing you into the Promised Land.

For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 2 Peter 1:9

Today, practice the principle of Passover by giving thanks for how God saved you and delivered you from bondage. Live as if you just got saved today.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Hidden Treasures

30 Aug

Hidden Treasures…

Good morning,

Today, let’s unlock the door to extraordinary possibilities and discover the hidden treasures God has in store for us.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3

Have you ever felt like you’re wandering through a fog, unsure of your next step? Maybe you’re wrestling with a tough decision or seeking direction amidst life’s chaos. Jeremiah 33:3 offers a beacon of hope in these uncertain moments.

God isn’t a distant deity waiting for us to figure things out on our own. He’s a loving Father, eagerly inviting us to call on Him with our questions and concerns. He longs to reveal ‘great and unsearchable things’—truths that go beyond our limited understanding, plans crafted by a wisdom that sees the full picture.

Imagine God leaning in, ready to listen with a heart full of love and a desire to guide. When we pray, we’re not speaking into a void; we’re entering a conversation with the Creator of the universe. His promise is to answer—not always as we expect, but always with what we need most.

Today, don’t hold back. Bring your questions, doubts, and dreams to God. Trust that He has wisdom and guidance for you. As you seek Him, watch expectantly for the surprising ways He’ll reveal His love and purpose for your life. Remember, the line is always open – God is just a prayer away.

Dear God, Life often feels like a maze, and I’m not sure which way to turn. Thank You for inviting me to bring all my confusion and worries to You. It amazes me that the Creator of the universe wants to listen to my concerns. Help me trust You more, especially when I can’t see the whole picture. Show me those ‘great and unsearchable things’ that only You can reveal. When I’m tempted to figure everything out on my own, remind me that Your wisdom is just a prayer away. Fill me with Your peace and guide my steps. I’m so grateful that in my uncertainty, You’re my constant. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God never ceases to speak to us, but the noise of the world without and the tumult of our passions within bewilder us and prevent us from listening to him.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Clear Paths and Serpents

30 Aug

Clear Paths and Serpents…

I was looking through a manual on how to avoid being bitten by a snake in the wild. It said: walk on clear paths as much as possible and avoid tall grass.

So the enemy is like a serpent. If you walk on a path that’s not clear, you’ll get bitten. If you compromise, dilute the Word, bend the rules, or if you’re not clear on the Word, you’ll get bitten. If you want to avoid getting bitten by the enemy of your soul, falling and succumbing to the poison of his venom, don’t dilute the Word.

Walk clear with the Word and stay clear of sin. If the Bible says do it, do it. Get your life straight and clear with God and in His word with no compromise, diluting, or bending. Walk a clear and simple path.

Don’t make it complicated because that’s when it becomes murky and the enemy gets in. Keep it very clear and simple. Don’t waver back and forth. Because when you walk on a straight and clear path, you won’t get bitten. Stay clear in God, and you’ll stay clear of the enemy.

He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Psalm 23:3

Is there anything unclear in your path? Any compromise? Put it away. Stay clear of sin and walk clearly today.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Boundless Hope

29 Aug

Boundless Hope…

Good morning,

Today, let’s open our hearts to the boundless hope that only God can provide, filling us with joy and peace that overflows.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Have you ever felt like your spiritual tank was running on empty? We’ve all been there. Life can sometimes feel like a long road trip with no gas stations in sight. But Romans 15:13 is like a divine fill-up station, reminding us of the endless supply of hope we have access to.

Picture this: God isn’t just hopeful; He’s the very source of hope. And He’s not stingy with it. He wants to fill us to the brim with joy and peace. The catch? We need to trust Him. It’s like holding out our empty cup – the more we trust, the more He fills.

But it doesn’t stop there. This verse promises we’ll overflow with hope. Imagine that – so full of hope that it spills over, touching everyone around us. And the power source for all this? The Holy Spirit, working within us.

Today, wherever you are, whatever you’re facing, remember: your hope tank can always be refilled. Trust God, and let His hope overflow in your life.

What areas of your life feel hopeless or joyless right now?

Can I be of help to actively cultivate your trust in God, even when circumstances are difficult?

Dear God, I come to You feeling a bit empty and in need of a refill. Thank You for being the source of endless hope, joy, and peace. Help me to trust You more, especially when life feels overwhelming or uncertain. Fill me up, Lord, so that Your hope overflows from me and touches those around me. Today, I ask for Your Spirit to guide me, to keep my heart steady and my spirit strong. Let my life be a reflection of Your goodness and grace, always shining with the hope only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Jesus and Jerusalem

29 Aug

Jesus and Jerusalem…

Growing up, I never looked at Palm Sunday as  being Jewish. What could be Jewish about a man named ‘Jesus Christ’ riding a donkey over palm branches? But He rode into Jerusalem. For the Jewish people, Jerusalem is the city of cities.

As I later learned, ‘Christ’ is a Greek translation of the Hebrew word ‘Mashiach’, or ‘Messiah’. There’s no more Jewish word than Messiah, and this Messiah is the central figure of human history.

So here you have two of the most Jewish things coming together: the city of Jerusalem and one called Messiah. And if that weren’t Jewish enough, the Hebrew prophet Zechariah foretold that Messiah would come to that same city ‘riding a donkey’.

So the most Jewish of men and the most Jewish of cities came together on Palm Sunday. This tells us three things: First, it’s Jewish to believe in Jesus/Yeshua; secondly, Messiah has come; and lastly, if Messiah has come as foretold in Zechariah 9:9, the only appropriate response in your life is to rejoice. So, rejoice today and be exceedingly glad! For Jesus, your King has come to you.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.  Luke 1:68

Take time today to rejoice in the fact that Jesus has come. Let Him come into every part of your own Jerusalem.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Faith Over Fear

28 Aug

Faith Over Fear…

Good morning,

Today, let’s discover the strength that lies within us, even when fear tries to drown us out.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

Do you ever feel like fear is louder than faith? Like there’s a voice inside whispering, ‘You’re not strong enough’ or ‘You can’t handle this’? We’ve all been there. But 2 Timothy 1:7 steps in like a breath of fresh air, gently reminding us of what we carry within us.

God didn’t give us a spirit of fear; He gave us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Think about that. When you face that daunting task or that tough conversation, you’re not doing it alone. You’ve got God’s strength surging through you, a love that breaks down walls, and a mind sharpened by His wisdom.

Remember times when you’ve surprised yourself by overcoming something you thought impossible? That wasn’t just you—it was God’s spirit at work. When you’ve shown unexpected kindness or found peace in chaos, that’s this spirit in action.

Today, let’s approach life with this truth front and center. That project that seems overwhelming? You have the power to tackle it. That relationship that needs mending? You have the love to bridge the gap. That decision weighing on you? You have the sound mind to choose wisely.

Today, let’s not just read this verse—let’s live it. Face that challenge. Love that difficult person. Make that wise decision. You’ve got this because God’s got you.

What fear is holding you back today?

How can you tap into God’s power, love, and sound mind to overcome it?

Heavenly Father, When fear tries to drown out my faith, remind me of Your spirit within me. Thank You for not leaving me defenseless, but equipping me with power, love, and a sound mind. As I face today’s challenges, help me tap into Your strength. When tasks seem daunting, fuel me with Your power. In difficult relationships, fill me with Your love. As I make decisions, guide me with Your wisdom. Let me live out this truth boldly. Help me face my fears, love unconditionally, and choose wisely. Thank You for being my constant source of courage and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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John the Baptist and Jesus

28 Aug

John the Baptist and Jesus…

Yochanan the Immerser, or as most know him, John the Baptist, was called the greatest of those born of women by Jesus. He was a priest, a prophet, God’s messenger to his generation – and yet, without the Jesus, it made no sense. Yochanan’s life and ministry only found its fulfillment when Jesus came.

Now, if John, with all his holiness, spirituality, gifts, calling, and power in ministry, was still not complete without Jesus, how much more your life? No matter what you’ve acquired in your life, you’ll still be empty without Jesus in its center.

Maybe you’ve been trying to fill your life with possessions, a relationship, recognition, achievement, some cause, or pursuit. Maybe you think that you can fill your life with the pursuit of ministry and spirituality.

Well, these things are good, but they can’t fill your life. No matter what else you have, it’s an unchangeable fact – it’ll be empty if the Lord’s not in the center. So why waste any more time?

Come back to your first love. Make God the Lord of your heart, and your life will really be something great.

Our walk with God must be rooted in faith—and therefore rooted in Him, not us—just as salvation is.  Colossians 2:6

Today, make it your aim to make Messiah your aim – Make Him the object of everything you do.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Inspiration

27 Aug

Inspiration…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore how creation reveals God’s glory and inspires our worship.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Psalm 19:1

Have you ever stood under a starry sky and felt incredibly small, yet somehow significant? That’s the power of Psalm 19:1 in action. It’s as if the universe is putting on a non-stop light show, silently shouting, ‘Look at how amazing our Creator is!’

But this verse isn’t just about star-gazing. It’s an invitation to open our eyes to the everyday wonders around us. The intricate pattern on a leaf, the perfect symmetry of a snowflake, the vibrant colors of a sunset – they’re all whispering (or sometimes shouting) about God’s creativity and power.

Here’s the beautiful part: we’re not just observers in this cosmic concert. We’re participants. If the skies can declare God’s glory without words, imagine what we can do with our lives, our talents, our love for others.

Today, let’s join Creation’s chorus. In our work, our play, our relationships – let’s make our lives a living, breathing hallelujah. After all, if the stars were made to worship, so were we.

Heavenly Father, Your world is bursting with beauty – the vibrant colors of a sunset, the intricate patterns on a leaf, the endless expanse of the night sky. It all leaves me speechless, in awe of Your creativity. Fill my heart with that same sense of wonder, Lord. May my life echo the silent song of creation, a melody of praise for You. Help me to live each day with a grateful heart, celebrating Your goodness in the big and small things. May my every breath be a “thank You,” and may my life be a living, breathing hallelujah. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I believe in God, as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Right Beside You

27 Aug

Right Beside You…


Luke 24 records that two disciples on the road to Emmaus received perhaps the most amazing Bible study ever given; Jesus Himself leading them through the entire Hebrew Scriptures showing what was written concerning Himself.

And just as amazing is they were so busy learning about the Lord that they missed the Lord Himself standing right there beside them. So what’s Jesus teaching us?

The Word of God is filled with His Presence and wonders, and we have to be diligent in studying it. But learning about the Lord is not enough. We have to get to know the Lord Himself.

You can get so used to knowing about the Lord and hearing about Him that you miss knowing the Lord Himself. You must never let the Lord only dwell on the pages of the Bible; you must invite Him to dwell off the pages and into your everyday life. Leave the “about the Lord” realm, and meet the Lord of Emmaus Road.

The same Lord who fills the pages of the Bible dwells beyond them and is sitting right beside you – even right now.

Now that same day, two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along? They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,”  they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.  Luke 24:13-27

Today, get into the mystery of the fact that the presence of God is right there beside you. Spend time just soaking that in.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼