Ed Christian's World

Discernment…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore the importance of discernment in a world of shifting values.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Isaiah 5:20

Imagine a world where sugar is labeled as salt, and salt as sugar. Sounds absurd, right? Yet Isaiah 5:20 suggests we often live in just such a topsy-turvy reality.

In our hyper-connected age, where opinions fly faster than facts, discerning truth can feel like trying to catch smoke. What was once universally acknowledged as harmful is now celebrated, while timeless virtues are mocked as outdated.

But this verse isn’t just a commentary on society; it’s a mirror for our own hearts. How often do we sugarcoat our questionable choices or turn a blind eye to things we know aren’t right?

The good news? We’re not left to navigate this maze alone. God’s Word is our north star, cutting through the fog of cultural confusion. When we stay connected to Him, we develop a sort of spiritual taste bud – able to savor what’s truly good and spit out the bitter masquerading as sweet.

Today, let’s commit to seeing the world through God’s eyes. It might not win us popularity contests, but it leads to a life of genuine integrity and deep-seated joy. In a world that’s lost its moral compass, let’s be the ones who point to true north.

Dear God, This world can be so confusing. It’s hard to tell right from wrong when everything feels upside down. I need Your help to see clearly, to know what’s truly good. When I’m tempted to make excuses or compromise, gently nudge me back to Your truth. Help me crave Your Word, developing a taste for what’s good and rejecting what’s harmful, even when it’s disguised. Give me courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not easy. Use me to share Your truth with others, but always with love and compassion. When the world feels overwhelming, let me stand firm on the solid foundation of Your Word. Thank You for being my guide. I’m so grateful I don’t have to navigate this alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established that, unless we love the truth, we can not know it.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

How Precious Your Thoughts…

An American believer visiting England was taken to see the great royal coach used by the royal family on state occasions. In the back of the coach were two little seats. He was told they were seats for the royal footmen. The royal footmen walk along and follow the royal coach as it moves through the streets.

Now, at that moment, the visitor remembered the verse, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” He said to himself, “I have two footmen.” If you belong to God, then you have this royal privilege also. Wherever you go, goodness and mercy will follow you and will attend to your life. God’s mercy and goodness will never fail you.

You may not always feel them any more than a king is always aware of his footmen, but they’re there. Even in your loneliest hours, you’re never alone; the footmen of heaven are attending you. So, as you journey through this life, rejoice and give thanks.

You’re being followed… by God’s footmen. Goodness and Lovingkindness are at your side all the days of your life. That’s a royal privilege.

LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.           1 Kings 8:23

Look at your life in God and all the ways His goodness and lovingkindness have stayed with you. Thank God for that and that they will always be with you all the days of your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Heavenly Patience…

Good morning all!!

As we start a new day, let’s pause to reflect on a truth that has the power to transform our perspective and fill us with hope. In 2 Peter 3:9, we find a beautiful reminder of God’s patient, loving heart towards humanity.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9

In the hustle of life, patience often feels like a luxury we can’t afford. We long for instant answers, quick breakthroughs, and rapid resolutions to our problems. But 2 Peter 3:9 offers a different perspective – one that invites us to see the loving heart behind God’s timing.

This verse reveals that God’s perceived slowness is not a sign of indifference or neglect but a reflection of His deep desire for everyone to experience salvation. His patience is a testament to His grace, a reminder that He is willing to wait, to give each of us every opportunity to turn to Him. And in the waiting, He is not idle. He is at work, weaving His goodness into our stories, preparing us for the answers to come.

So today, let’s choose to trust in God’s perfect timing. Let’s allow His patient heart to shape our own, and let’s rest in the assurance that in Him, every delay is an invitation to draw closer to the One whose love never runs out.

Dear Lord, As I step into today, I’m reminded that Your timing isn’t just a test of patience; it’s a canvas for Your love and grace. In those moments when I’m tapping my foot, waiting on answers or change, help me remember that You’re in the wait with me. Shape my heart to match Your rhythm, finding peace in Your pace, not mine. Teach me to cherish these pauses, knowing they’re filled with Your purpose. May my trust deepen in these times  and let my spirit stay aligned with Yours, recognizing that every moment of delay is ripe with Your loving intent. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Waiting time is not wasted time. Something is being worked out — in us, in our circumstances, in other people, and in the “invisible” realms where God is at work.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

How To Write…

Your Own Gospel Without exception, the authors of the Gospels refused to lift themselves up or give themselves any good press.

Matthew’s Gospel records that Matthew was a sinner and a tax collector. John’s Gospel records that John was one of the twelve disciples who forsook the Lord. Mark’s Gospel is said to have been based on the account of Peter, but it’s full of Peter’s mistakes. Luke’s Gospel isn’t concerned about Luke at all. Only one person is glorified: Jesus.

Now, if the Gospels were the work of man, the authors would downplay their own faults, take credit for the incredible words of divine wisdom, and give themselves as much good publicity as they could. But they don’t. Instead, they downplay themselves, and they lift up the Lord alone.

So what about you? Are you seeking to lift up yourself or the Lord; your own reputation, or the Lord’s? Are you the Lord’s press agent or your own? You can’t be both.

Get yourself out of the way so you can lift up the Lord in your life. Give Him the good press, and your life will become a gospel.

Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.  Psalm 115:1

Today, make it your aim to get into lifting up the Lord and not yourself. Write your own Gospel!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Full of Hope…

Good morning,

As we embark on the day ahead, let’s hold close the assurance of Psalm 30:5 – joy comes after hardship. In every challenge we face, let’s find solace in God’s promise that brighter moments are on the horizon.

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

Look back at the nights of weeping in your life – those periods marked by challenges, loss, or pain. These experiences, while difficult, are often the very times when God’s presence becomes most tangible. They remind us that our journey is not about avoiding hardship but about finding God in the midst of it. The night might seem long and unyielding, but it sets the stage for a joyous dawn.

This joy isn’t just about the passing of trouble; it’s about the deep transformation that occurs within us. As we endure the night, we grow in strength, empathy, and faith. We learn to see the world differently. The morning light brings a new perspective, a renewed appreciation for life, and a deeper connection with God, who remained by our side through the dark.

As we go about our day, let’s carry this hope in our hearts. The challenges we face today are part of our journey toward a greater joy. Every tear has its place, but so does every smile that follows. God’s promise is sure: no matter how long the night, joy comes with the morning.

In what ways can maintaining a hopeful outlook shape your experience during tough times?

Father in Heaven, This morning, I’m reminded of the words in Psalm 30:5 about joy coming after hardship. Life can be tough, and sometimes, it feels like the hard times just won’t end. But I hold onto Your promise that these moments are temporary and that joy is on the horizon. In times of worry or sadness, help me to remember to turn to You. Your strength and love have a way of making things better, even when it seems impossible. Guide me through this day with that hope in my heart. Thank you for being with me through every up and down and for the joy that You bring after the darkest nights. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Jesus In The Pulpit…

Luke 4 records Jesus reading these words from Isaiah 61: “to set at liberty those who are bound and to open the eyes of the blind”. Critics charge that in the original Hebrew there aren’t two blessings there, only one.

In other words, Jesus read or said an extra blessing that isn’t consistent with Isaiah 61. There are several explanations for this: from the use of the ancient Greek Septuagint to the Holy Spirit’s translation of a unique Hebrew word in Isaiah, which indicates double blessing.

In any case, critics attack the Bible, and believers struggle with the controversy of the extra blessing. But think about it: Why is it a problem if God wants to throw in an extra blessing? If God wants to add an extra blessing, let Him bless you.

Accept the blessings that God wants to add even if they aren’t consistent with your old life. Stop struggling and arguing with the blessing; be quiet and let the blessings come.

Just let Him bless you, even if it’s not called for or consistent with your life. And you know what? You’ll be blessed.

The God of your father will help and protect you; the God who is more than enough will bless you. Genesis 49:25

What blessings have you had a hard time receiving? What blessings do you think are too much for you that you don’t deserve? Receive them anyway.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Fruitful and Multiply…

Growing up, the local television stations used to air a public service announcement that said: “It’s 10pm, do you know where your children are?”

Do you know where your children are? Now you might say, “I don’t have children.” But whether you’re old, young, married, or single, if you’re born again and mature in your faith, you need to have spiritual children; those you’ve led to salvation and new life – they are your children in the Lord.

The first command in Scripture is to be fruitful and multiply. That command is still valid, spiritually speaking. If you’re born in spirit, you have to give birth in spirit. That’s the nature of life. What’s alive is born to give birth when it reaches maturity. If you’re spiritually mature, then you’re one who has children or will have children.

You may or may not be a parent in the flesh, but you have to become a parent in the spirit. It’s as joyous as parenthood in the flesh, and it’s a lot cheaper. So, do you know where your spiritual children are? They’re out there, and they’re waiting to be born again.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.  Proverbs 11:30

Today, truly seek to share the love of God with another person. If you don’t have the opportunity, pray today and be ready tomorrow.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Daily Praise…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore the joyful call to praise that concludes the Book of Psalms.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
Psalm 150:6

Let’s have a worldwide standing ovation for God – that’s the spirit of Psalm 150:6. It’s the grand finale of the Psalms, inviting every living thing to join a universal chorus of praise.

But what does this look like in our everyday lives? It’s not just about Sunday hymns or perfect pitch. It’s the gratitude in your heart at a beautiful sunrise, the silent “thank you” when overcoming a challenge, the joy in serving others.

Your “instrument” of praise might be your voice, your talents, or even your quiet presence. It could be patience in traffic, kindness to a stranger, or perseverance in tough times. Every breath is an opportunity to honor your Creator.

This verse reminds us that praise isn’t limited to good times or church walls. It’s a lifestyle, a constant awareness of God’s presence in every situation. Whether you’re on top of the world or walking through a valley, you’re invited to this cosmic chorus.

Today, let your life be a living hallelujah. In your actions, attitudes, and words, join the symphony of praise echoing throughout creation. Remember, as long as you have breath, you have a reason to praise.

Dear Lord, Thank You for the gift of breath and the chance to praise You. Open my eyes to see Your goodness in everything, from my morning coffee to the sunset. Help me be more grateful, even for the little things. When life gets tough, remind me that praising You can change my outlook. Let my words and actions be a constant “thank You” to You. Use me to inspire others to join in this praise party. Whether I’m having a great day or struggling, help me remember You’re right there with me. Make my life a living hallelujah, God. Let everything I do show how awesome You are. With every breath I take, I want to honor You. Thanks for being so good to me, always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Let God…

Good morning, everyone. Today, let’s find strength in casting our cares upon the Lord, even in our darkest moments.

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.
Psalm 55:22

We’ve all felt the weight of the world pressing down on our shoulders. Worries, fears, anxieties – they pile up like heavy stones, threatening to crush your spirit. In Psalm 55:22, David, a man familiar with such burdens, offers a lifeline: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

“Cast” isn’t a passive word. It evokes the image of throwing something heavy, a deliberate act of release. It’s not about ignoring our problems or pretending they don’t exist; it’s about acknowledging we were never meant to carry them alone. God invites us to transfer that weight – the sleepless nights, the unanswered questions, the heart-wrenching decisions – onto Him.

And here’s the incredible promise: He will sustain you. Not just rescue you, not just fix it all, but sustain you. Like a loving parent holding a child through a thunderstorm, He’ll provide the strength, the peace, the courage you need to weather the storm.

Today, let’s take that step of surrender. Name your burdens, one by one, and lay them at His feet. Feel the weight lift as you trust in His unfailing love and power. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. The God who holds the universe in His hands is holding yours, too.

Dear God, When life feels overwhelming, it’s such a comfort to know that You’re right here with me. Today, I bring all my worries, fears, and uncertainties to You, trusting that You will carry them for me. I know that I don’t have to bear these burdens alone, and that brings me peace. Please fill me with Your strength and calm my anxious heart. Hold me close when the storms of life rage around me, and remind me that even when things feel out of control, You are always in control.Thank You for Your unwavering love that never lets go. I’m so grateful that I can lean on You, no matter what comes my way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

The Eyes of God..

A mother was putting her little daughter to bed. The daughter struggled with the fear of the dark. When she turned out the light, the child caught a glimpse of the moon shining outside. “Mom, is the moon God’s light?” “Yes,” said the mother. “Will God put out His light too and go to sleep?” “No, God never goes to sleep,” answered the mother.

Then the daughter, in the simplicity of her child’s heart, said, “Well, as long as God’s awake, there’s no sense for both of us to stay up.” As adults, the darkness can still be scary: the darkness of financial problems, uncertain future, rejection, gloom, conflict, loneliness, and so on.

But the truth of the little girl is not just a nice anecdote. Psalms says, “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep”. If you’re born again, you’re now in the commonwealth of Israel.

That means He who keeps you will never slumber nor sleep. So let go of your fear. Give it to God and find your rest because as long as God is awake, there’s no sense for the both of you to stay up.

Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  Psalm 121:4

Today, let go of any fear. Give it to God. Let Him deal with it. Be free. Find your rest and your release in Him.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼