Ed Christian's World

Jesus Standing…

Acts 7:55 Stephen sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God. But Ephesians 1:20 says Jesus was seated at the right hand of God. Is there a contradiction? What’s the explanation? Stephen is bearing witness while he’s being stoned to death and calling for forgiveness of his murderers.

The Lord couldn’t sit for that. He rose to His feet as one rose for a standing ovation. As if to say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter the joy of your Master.”

He sits on His throne, but He rises to His feet when He sees a man love his enemies, when He sees you triumph in salvation, when He sees you have victory over that sin. When He sees you rise up, He will rise to see it.

When He sees you overcoming in love and mercy–when He sees you living a life of greatness. It will cause your Lord and Master to stand.

So do something extraordinary this week. Do something great in God, something that’s going to cause the One seated at the right hand of God to stand up.

He gave him no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child. Acts 7:5

Do something today that will not only bless Jesus but would cause Him to stand up.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Faith’s Shield…

Good morning,

Today, let’s draw strength from Ephesians 6:16 as we face life’s challenges.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16

In the journey of faith, invisible adversaries target us with fiery darts – subtle attacks designed to seed doubt, discourage, delay progress, amplify difficulties, or sink us into depression. These aren’t random, but strategic strikes aimed at weakening our spiritual resolve. Thoughts like “Can I truly trust God?” or “Why bother if nothing changes?” are the darts Satan uses to disrupt our focus.

Yet God equips us with the ultimate defense: the shield of faith. With it, we extinguish these attacks by affirming God’s steadfast promises, even when reality seems contrary. It’s about trusting what God says over what we see or feel. When discouragement whispers nothing improves, faith declares God is working behind the scenes. When delays frustrate plans, faith reassures God’s timing is perfect.

Holding the shield of faith transforms our perspective, compelling us to doubt our doubts and trust the truths we profess. It’s a daily commitment to view every challenge through the lens of faith, ensuring we remain steadfast, no matter how intense the battle.

What are the “flaming arrows” that you’re currently facing? How can you practically take up the shield of faith today, choosing to trust in God’s protection and provision?

Heavenly Father, My heart feels the weight of the unseen battle. Help me discern the enemy’s lies that whisper doubt, discouragement, and despair. Give me the courage to lift the shield of faith, believing in Your promises even when my circumstances scream otherwise. Let me see with eyes of faith that You are working even in delays, that Your love never fails, and Your purpose will stand. Transform my heart to doubt my doubts and trust fully in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away. What other answer would suffice?

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Keepers of The Light…

In ancient Israel, the priests were in charge of lighting the lampstand of God. But they weren’t just those who lit the lights, they were in charge of keeping the light burning.

As God’s priests, we now have to learn to be keepers of the light. Many believers live as if God’s light doesn’t need keeping, as if it just burns by itself. It’s not enough that you lit the light of God in your heart.

You have to maintain it, trimming the wick and replenishing the oil to keep your lamp burning. God’s light never goes out. However, our lamps can go out if we don’t keep them. And they will go out if we don’t keep them. 1 Peter 2:9 says you are God’s royal priesthood.

Therefore, keeping your light burning is your calling and ministry. So trim your wick with obedience, replenish your heart with the oil of His Spirit and the fire of His Word.

Guard what’s in you, because what’s in you is the most precious thing you have – the very light of God. You are the keeper of the light.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

Today, replenish your heart with the oil of His Spirit and the fire of His Word.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

He Walks With Us…

Good morning,

Let’s start this day with the comforting assurance that no matter what we face, our Savior walks with us, sharing in our sorrows and our joys.

Jesus wept.
John 11:35

“Jesus wept.” These two simple words reveal so much about our Savior’s heart. Standing at Lazarus’s tomb, Jesus is moments away from performing an incredible miracle – raising His friend from the dead. Yet, He pauses to share in the grief of Mary, Martha, and the other mourners.

Even knowing the joy that’s about to unfold, Jesus enters fully into the present sorrow of those He loves. He doesn’t rush to fix the situation; He first connects with their pain, showing us that our emotions matter deeply to God.

This moment beautifully illustrates Christ’s nature – divine yet deeply human. He feels our pain authentically, even when He knows resolution is coming. For us, this means we have a Savior who truly understands our sorrows. When we grieve, Jesus grieves with us.

Today, whatever you’re facing, remember: Jesus meets you in your emotions. He invites us to be honest with our feelings, knowing He’s present in both our joys and our pains. This is the God we serve – One who weeps with us and works wonders for us.

Dear God, Thank You for Jesus, who shows us it’s okay not to be okay. When I feel like hiding my tears or think I’m the only one struggling, remind me that You understand. Help me be real with You, God. Give me the courage to open up about what’s hurting, both to You and to the people I trust. And when others are hurting, let me be the one who offers comfort, just like Jesus did. In every season of life, I want to feel You close. Thank You for being a God who walks with us, even through the messiest parts of our lives. Knowing You’re there, in the tears and the laughter, gives me hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Grief never ends … But it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

His Love Stands…

Good morning!

As you rise with the morning sun, let your heart be warmed by the unbreakable promise of God’s love, a love that stands resolute amidst life’s ebb and flow.

Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.                   Romans 8:39       

The vastness of God’s love is beyond human comprehension. Paul’s declaration in Romans is not just a statement but an anthem of hope and assurance for every believer. No matter the heights of our victories or the depths of our despair, there’s absolutely nothing that can come between us and the love God has for us.

In life’s unpredictable journey, this love is our surest constant. When we’re tossed by life’s storms or basking in its brightest moments, God’s love remains the same—immovable and ever-present.

Today, let this truth sink deep into your heart. God’s love is not dependent on our circumstances; it’s a steadfast promise, an unbreakable bond in Christ. It’s our source of strength, a foundation that doesn’t shift with the sands of time.

How does understanding the magnitude of God’s love shape our perspective on life’s ups and downs? How can we live in a way that reflects our gratitude for such boundless love?

Father in Heaven, As I start this day, I’m struck by how deep Your love is for me, the kind that Romans 8:39 talks about. It’s so comforting to know that no matter what this day brings, Your love is something I can always rely on, steady and sure. I ask for Your help today to really feel that love and to let it guide me. When I’m unsure or facing tough moments, remind me of Your presence. And in the good times, let me share the joy of Your love with those around me. Thank you for being my rock, for Your constant love that never changes, no matter what life throws my way. Help me to live in a way that shows I understand and appreciate this amazing gift. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

God’s love is like an ocean; you can see its beginning, but not its end.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Dayspring…

For many believers, the forgiveness of God is a theological concept like justification, propitiation, sanctification, and atonement. We know that in Jesus we’re forgiven. We expect and count on being forgiven if we confess our sins.

But for many believers, getting forgiven becomes something they take for granted. But God’s forgiveness isn’t a doctrinal concept or a mechanical transaction. In Luke 1:68-79, Zechariah sings a song of thanksgiving with these words: “the knowledge of salvation, by the forgiveness of sins, because of the tender mercy of our God…”

Forgiveness only comes through the tender mercy of God, with heart, compassion, deep kindness, and real passionate love. He didn’t have to forgive us – that He does is an amazing thing. So if God gives you His forgiveness in this way, how can you receive it any other way?

Come back now to His amazing grace. Ask His forgiveness and let the hardness of your heart be melted and it will be, by the tender mercy of your God.

Let not kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Proverbs 3:3

Today, come back to His amazing grace and be enveloped in His tender mercy.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

To Live For Christ…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore what it truly means to live for Christ. Many times, I have been told that I center my life too much on Jesus and not enough on what is happening around us in the world. My response has always been that I am just a visitor here, and my home is in heaven. Today, I want to point out just how important life is and how we all should be living for Christ.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippines 1:21

To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21 aren’t just beautiful poetry; they’re a radical redefinition of life itself. Imagine viewing every moment, every breath, as an opportunity to experience and express Christ.

This isn’t about forsaking joy for somber piety. Rather, it’s about finding our deepest fulfillment in Christ. It’s seeing our work, our relationships, our talents, and even our struggles as avenues to know Him more and make Him known.

Paul goes even further, seeing death not as an enemy but as a doorway to greater intimacy with Christ. This perspective doesn’t dismiss life’s value but elevates it by connecting it to an eternal purpose.

Today, let’s challenge ourselves: How would our lives look different if we truly believed this? Would our fears diminish? Would our priorities shift? Would our joy deepen?

In a world frantically searching for meaning, Paul offers us a life overflowing with purpose. Whether in boardrooms or hospital rooms, in celebrations or sorrows, we have the opportunity to embody Christ. And in doing so, we find a life truly worth living.

Maybe today, everyone will have a better understanding of where I am coming from and just who I am. Since no one asks any questions of me, this post should give you a clear understanding of where I am coming from.

Heavenly Father, I’m deeply inspired by Paul’s unwavering passion for You, even in the face of life’s toughest challenges. Help me to have that same fire in my heart, a fire that burns brightly for You, no matter what’s happening around me. Guide me to live each day with You at the center. Let me see challenges as opportunities for Your strength to shine through, and may every conversation be a chance to show Your love to others. Fill me with the hope Paul had—a hope that remains steadfast, even when things seem dark. Knowing that one day I’ll be with You forever changes everything. In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.

For the Christian, death is not the end of adventure but a doorway from a world where dreams and adventures shrink to a world where dreams and adventures forever expand.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Purim…

Purim is the holiday celebrated to remember the events of the Book of Esther. The word Purim is Hebrew for the lots that were cast to determine the fate of the Jewish people. And so, the Book of Esther appears to be about the law of lots and chance.

Everything seems out of control. The wicked prosper and the righteous are cast down. Yet, as the story heads to its conclusion, those seemingly chance things start coming together and everything begins to turn around for good. It’s the hand of God.

So, too, life often appears as a Book of Esther with events happening by chance or for no reason; the Purim. But God promises that as you follow Him, He’ll work all those things you couldn’t understand together for good. Even though sometimes it’s hard to see, nothing in your life will ever happen for no reason.

All those seemingly chance things will work for good. So when you don’t understand, trust and press on. In the end, you can be sure you’ll always have more than enough reason to celebrate the Lord’s love. Happy Purim!

These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim.  Esther 9:28

Today, celebrate all those things in your life that you didn’t understand or that didn’t work out, but that God has used to save and bless your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Light of His Love…

Good morning,

Today, let’s find comfort in knowing that God’s watchful eyes are always upon us, guiding and protecting us. We are never alone.

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
Proverbs 15:3

Don’t you sometimes wish someone truly saw you? Not the polished version you present to the world, but the real you – the hopes, the fears, the messy bits, and the shining ones. There’s a truth that cuts through the noise of life: God sees you exactly as you are.

His gaze isn’t a harsh spotlight exposing your flaws. It’s the warm embrace of a Father who knows every inch of your heart and loves you without limits. He sees your quiet triumphs, the struggles whispered only to Him, and celebrates or grieves with you through them all.

In the light of His love, a beautiful thing happens: you discover the freedom to be yourself. The striving, the imperfections, the journey – it’s all held in the tender gaze of the One who crafted you.

Today, whether you feel invisible or fear your flaws define you, remember this: You are seen. You are known. And you are deeply loved by the God who watches over you. Let that love wash over you, not just as comfort, but as an invitation. An invitation to step boldly into who you were made to be, to live with a heart echoing His own.

Dear God, Sometimes, I hide my true self, presenting only a polished surface to the world. But You, You see it all – the good, the messy, the in-between. Help me believe that Your loving gaze isn’t a judgment but a warm embrace. Give me the courage to be vulnerable before You, trusting that even my flaws are held in Your tender hands. Let Your love transform me so I may walk boldly as the person You created me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Pilgrims Key of Escape…

In the book Pilgrim’s Progress, the lead character, named Christian, decides to depart from the main highway and follow another path, which seems easier. This path leads him into the territory of a giant name Despair, whose fortress is called Doubting Castle.

Christian is captured by the giant and kept in his dungeon. He’s overcome by Despair until his faithful companion Hope reminds him of previous victories. After praying all night, Christian remembers that he owns a key called Promise that will open any lock.

Even the greatest of God’s people sometimes deal with despair. When you feel like giving up in some way, remember all the blessings and victories that God’s given you in the past. For every dark situation or bondage, God will give you the way out.

You have to take hold of the promise He’s giving you and apply it into action. In every situation of discouragement, you’ve got a choice. You can sit in a dungeon of despair, or you can hold on to hope and use the key of God’s promises. Do the latter, and every door of doubt in your life will swing open.

By two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.  Hebrews 6:18

Today, remember all the blessings and victories God has given you in the past and take hold of His promises for your freedom.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼