Ed Christian's World

God’s Goodness…

Good morning,

Today, let’s choose gratitude as our guide. Let’s actively express appreciation for the people and simple joys that surround us. Psalm 9:1 inspires us to acknowledge and celebrate God’s goodness.

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.  Psalm 9:1

In a world that prizes big, bold displays, gratitude offers a gentle power – a whisper of the heart that nourishes us at the deepest level and calls forth the presence of God.

Gratitude doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a silent thank you for the feel of sunlight on your skin, a whispered prayer of appreciation for a loved one’s presence, or the flicker of gratitude for another breath. These small acts might seem insignificant, yet they possess a transformative strength.

Imagine a plant receiving water – not in a torrential downpour but a slow, steady drip. Gratitude works similarly. As we intentionally cultivate thankfulness, even amidst difficult seasons, our spirits are sustained and refreshed. It softens our hearts, inviting God’s presence to dwell within us more deeply.

The beauty of gratitude is that everyone can practice it. Whether we shout our thanks from a rooftop or whisper it quietly in our darkest hour – God hears. Gratitude is more than words; it’s an orientation of the heart – a constant choice to recognize His love and faithfulness, which ultimately transforms us from the inside out.

Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You with an open heart, longing to see Your goodness all around me. Gratitude is Your precious gift, but sometimes my eyes are clouded and my spirit grows weary. Ignite within me a deep and abiding thankfulness. Help me to see Your blessings in the ordinary and the extraordinary. May each sunrise, each act of kindness, fill me with wonder. In times of challenge, let gratitude be my compass – reminding me of Your faithfulness and guiding me towards hope. Use my grateful heart, Lord. May my life radiate Your joy and draw others closer to You. Thank You for the transformative power of gratitude, a gift I long to receive fully and share freely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Suns, Rivers, and Trees…

Why did God make you? God made the sun to give light. And He made you to give the light of the Gospel to those in need. God made the rivers to give life. And He made your heart to flow in the river of His Spirit to give life to those around you.

He made the trees to give fruit. And He made you to bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, and peace. God made seed to be sown in the ground and reproduce. And God made you to die to self and to bear a beautiful life.

He made flowers to give perfume and He made you to bring forth the sweet fragrance of Jesus. God made your life for one purpose: to give love. God made you to love.

If you want to be fulfilled and overflow with joy, then give – love, light, hope, peace, a helping hand, the Gospel, and forgiveness. Every part of you is made to give: your heart, your hands, your mind, and your will.

Give and it shall be given to you, pressed down, overflowing. Love, because it’s the reason the universe exists, and you too.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8

Today, fulfill your purpose and live as a light, as a river, and as a tree. Give and be a blessing to the world.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

I Lack Nothing…

Good morning,

As we start a new day, let’s find comfort and guidance in the timeless words of Psalm 23:1. May this powerful verse remind us of the love and care of our Good Shepherd.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.  Psalm 23:1

There’s something about Psalm 23 that just tugs at the heartstrings. It’s like a soul-soothing balm, a reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we’ve got a Shepherd who’s got our back.

And that first verse? It’s a game-changer. “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” It’s a declaration of trust, a recognition that with God leading the way, we have everything we need.

It’s not about a life free from trouble or hardship. It’s about knowing that in the midst of it all, we have a Shepherd who guides us to green pastures and quiet waters, who refresh our weary souls and lead us down the right paths.

And when the valleys come, as they inevitably do? We don’t have to fear because our Shepherd is right there with us, comforting us with His presence and protection.

So today, whatever you’re facing, hold onto this truth: you are deeply loved by a Shepherd who knows you, sees you, and is always by your side. In His care, you can find rest, strength, and the assurance that you truly lack nothing.

Dear Heavenly Shepherd, Thank You for seeing me and understanding my needs more deeply than I even do. Calm my anxious heart and quiet my restless spirit. Lead me beside the still waters where my soul finds restoration. In the valleys of uncertainty, be my guiding light. Fill me with a profound sense of Your presence, banishing all fear. Thank you for being my Shepherd, the source of my comfort, strength, and unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil – it has no point.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Fatherless Koran…

Does the Bible explain the Koran? In Genesis 21, Ishmael is sent away from his father Abraham. The Arabs trace themselves to Ishmael. From the children of Ishmael comes Islam and the Koran. In the Koran, there are many titles of God.

But you’ll never see Him called ‘Father’. Islam tends to see God as distant, not as a loving father. This all goes back to Ishmael. Ishmael felt cut off from his father Abraham, and it has affected the history of the Middle East ever since – and the religion of Islam.

The Bible speaks of God as a loving Father. Many believers know that as doctrine but not in their hearts. So they spend their lives trying to prove their worthiness, as if God was only a judge. Or they live in anxiety as if they have no father to protect them.

But the Bible says that God loves you as a father who loves his child. And He’ll provide, protect, care for you, and even carry you when you can’t walk.

Therefore, it is written, ‘Be imitators of God, as beloved children.’ Walk in His love. For you are not fatherless. You’re His beloved child. Live like it.

This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. 1 John 3:10

Today, walk for real as a beloved child, and in the confidence of knowing your Heavenly Father will never leave you or forsake you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Selfless Surrender…

Good morning,

Today, let’s pray for the courage to surrender like Jesus asks us in Mark 8:35. May we find peace and joy in letting go of our striving and embracing the abundant life He offers.

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Mark 8:35

In our self-focused culture, the concept of losing one’s life may seem counterintuitive or even alarming. We’re conditioned to prioritize self-preservation, chasing after our own dreams and desires. But Jesus presents a radical paradigm shift, inviting us to a life of selfless surrender.

When we cling tightly to our own plans and agendas, we may find that life slips through our fingers. But when we release our grip, offering our lives as a living sacrifice to Christ, we discover the true essence of living.

Losing our life for Jesus isn’t about self-denial for the sake of it. It’s about aligning our hearts with His purposes, finding our identity, and our joy in Him. It’s about trading temporary pleasures for eternal rewards, knowing that our lives are secure in the hands of the One who gave His life for us.

This path of surrender isn’t always easy, but it leads to a life of profound significance and unshakable peace. It’s in losing our lives that we find them in the most beautiful and transformative way possible.

Today, let’s embrace the upside-down kingdom that Jesus invites us into. Let’s choose to lose our lives for His sake and for the gospel, confident that in doing so, we will find life abundant and eternal.

Heavenly Father, My heart truly desires to honor You, yet I find myself clinging to my own plans and worries. Help me loosen my grip on control and fully surrender my life – my dreams, my anxieties, my desires – into Your loving hands. Transform my heart and guide me into the beauty of surrender, a life poured out in worship of You. Replace fleeting pleasures with Your unshakeable peace and the eternal joy found only in You. Have Your way in me, Father. All I am is Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Worry and worship can not exist in the same space. One always displaces the other. Choose worship.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Ministry of Goliath…

Goliath was a massive problem, a terror to God’s people. Yet, ultimately, he existed for good. It was through Goliath that Israel and David saw the power of God. Through Goliath came David’s greatest hour. Through Goliath, David would ultimately become king.

In the Book of Acts, the apostles faced Goliath problems. Yet through all their adversity, they ended up spreading the Word to the world and becoming pure, strong, victorious, and miraculous.

It was through Goliath and Goliath-sized problems that the people of God became who they were born to be. It is through Goliath problems that you become the victorious person you were meant to become.

Do you have a Goliath problem? Then you have a Goliath blessing waiting as well. So don’t run from your Goliath. Don’t complain about it. Do what David did.

Rise with the challenge. Rise in courage, faith, and God’s power, and your Goliath problem will become your Goliath blessing.

Through God, we will do valiantly. For it is he who will tread down our enemies.  Psalm 108:13

Today, set your heart on facing your Goliath and by the power of the Most High, slaying it.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

By His Grace – Peace…

Good morning,

Today, let’s carry the promise of Christ’s peace – the peace that endures all storms – into our interactions with the world.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

In a world fractured by conflict, our human attempts at peace feel like sandcastles against an endless tide. We negotiate, we reconcile, yet new disputes emerge like waves on the shore. But there is another path, a deeper peace promised by Jesus in John 16:33: “In me you…have peace.” It’s a peace that defies human logic, enduring even when the world rages around us.

Jesus doesn’t guarantee a life free of storms, acknowledging that troubles are an inevitable part of this fallen world. “But take heart!” He proclaims, “I have overcome the world.”

When our own efforts to build peace crumble, let’s remember the One who holds the blueprint for true reconciliation, mending hearts through His selfless sacrifice. He has paved the way for peace – within ourselves, with others, and a deep, eternal peace with God.

So, when turmoil swirls and disagreements threaten to overwhelm, let’s anchor ourselves in the Prince of Peace. His is the steady foundation in a world of shifting sands, offering peace unshaken by any storm and a promise of ultimate victory. In Him, we have peace that no circumstance can shake.

What are some “storms” in your life right now?

How can you actively choose to anchor your heart in Christ, finding unshakeable peace even amidst those challenges?

Dear Lord, In a world torn by conflict, I confess that my own efforts to create peace often feel futile. Help me cling to the deeper peace You offer – a peace that transcends my understanding. When storms rage around me, let me anchor myself in You, the Prince of Peace. Remind me that You have overcome the world. Grant me strength to persevere, a heart shaped by Your love, and faith in the promise of ultimate victory in You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Bystanders and Players…

When I was a child, my father took me to a football game. It was freezing cold and we were sitting so far away from the field that we could barely see the players.

Then it started to snow. And I’m thinking, “We could have watched this on television.” I had no idea what they were doing on the field, or what the score was.

Unfortunately, many believers live their lives in God the same way – sitting on the bleachers, far away from the action. They hear great testimonies of believers on the mission field, stories of victorious lives and miracles, but they’re not seeing much victory from the bleachers.

Could that be you? God did not call you to the bleachers where there’s no victory. There are no bleachers in the Kingdom of God. And God didn’t call you to be far away from the action, victory, miracles or the blessings.

It’s time to get up off the bleachers and get involved. Get into the great commission. Don’t waste your life far away on the bleachers. Get on the field because you were called to the field of God’s calling.

Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.  Matthew 22:9

Today, get on the field for the great commission. Get involved in the Kingdom and Ministry of God. Don’t just watch victory. Live it. Be a player!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

With All Your Heart…

Good morning,

Today, let’s embark on a treasure hunt of the heart, seeking the One who promises to be found.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13

Have you ever turned your house upside down looking for something, only to realize it was right in front of you all along? Our relationship with God can be like that. Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us that God isn’t hiding from us; sometimes, we’re just not looking in the right places.

This verse isn’t about a frantic spiritual scavenger hunt. It’s a gentle invitation to open our eyes to the everyday moments where God is already present. He’s in the sunrise that takes your breath away, the unexpected kindness of a stranger, the quiet strength that rises within us when we need it most.

Seeking God “with all your heart” isn’t a call to religious perfection. It’s an invitation to bring your authentic self to each moment. Your doubts? Bring them. Your joy? He delights in it. Your mess? That’s where His grace shines brightest. God is as present in your tears as He is in your laughter, in your questions as much as in your certainties.

Today, let’s approach life as divine treasure hunters, seeking God in the ordinary and the overlooked. As we open our hearts to Him, we may discover that He’s been with us all along, waiting to be found in the simplest, most surprising ways.

What distractions are hindering your pursuit of God?

How can you cultivate a deeper hunger for His presence in your life?

Dear Lord, In the rush of life, I often overlook the quiet moments where You’re patiently waiting for me. Help me to slow down today and open my eyes to Your presence in the everyday beauty—a sunrise, a kind smile, or the strength You give me when I feel weary. I want to seek You with my whole heart, not just in perfect moments, but in the mess, the doubts, and the joys. Remind me that I don’t need to be perfect to find You; You’re already here, waiting with open arms. Today, I choose to notice You in the simple, often-overlooked moments. Thank You for always being near and never giving up on me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Arm That Reaches Down…

Hinduism teaches that salvation comes when man merges back into God through the cycle of reincarnation and karma. Islam teaches that the way to heaven is by obeying Sharia law. Buddhism teaches that one must extinguish all the desires and passions of the soul to enter a state of peace or nirvana. Orthodox Judaism teaches that it’s by observing the commandments and having your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds, you’ll go to heaven.

Though each is different, each teaches that salvation comes from the one who needs to be saved, an arm reaching up to heaven. Only one message is different – the Gospel.

Salvation is just the opposite: It’s an arm reaching down from heaven. Stop struggling and striving to be good enough. Stop seeking to save yourself. You can’t, and you don’t have to.

Jesus is heaven’s arm reaching down to you. In biblical prophecy, it’s called the Zeroah, the Arm of God. Wherever you’re at, wherever you’re not, just grab on to heaven’s arm, and He’ll do the rest.

Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.  Isaiah 40:10

Live today, not from earth to heaven, but from heaven to earth – and not from yourself to God, but from God to you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼