Archive | September, 2024
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Leadership, Service and Love

15 Sep

Leadership, Service and Love…

Good morning,

Today, we’re unwrapping a powerful truth that transforms how we see leadership, service, and love. Let’s dive into a scene that changed how disciples understood greatness.

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
John 13:14

In the upper room, Jesus turns the world’s idea of greatness upside down. As He kneels to wash His disciples’ feet, the Lord and Teacher becomes the Servant. This single act is a powerful declaration that, in God’s kingdom, true greatness is found not in status or power but in humble service.

When Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, He’s not just performing a menial task; He’s setting an example. He’s showing us that love is more than words; it’s a verb. It’s a willingness to roll up our sleeves, stoop down, and meet the needs of others, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

This is the heart of the gospel – a God who didn’t cling to His divine status but who humbled Himself to serve and to save. And it’s the call on our lives, too. We’re invited to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, to serve as He served, to love as He loved.

Today, let’s look for opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Let’s ask God for the courage to serve with humility, the grace to love unconditionally, and the strength to pour out our lives for His glory. In a world that often feels dark and divided, our acts of service can be beacons of Christ’s love, pointing others to the One who came not to be served but to serve.

Gracious God, I am humbled by the example of Your Son, who knelt to serve His disciples. Help me follow in His footsteps, embracing a life of humble service. Grant me eyes to see the needs around me and a heart willing to respond with selfless love. Allow me to lay aside pride and seek opportunities to be Your hands and feet, meeting the needs of others with compassion. In this divided world, let my acts of service shine as a beacon of Christ’s love, pointing others to the hope found in Him. I ask for courage, grace, and strength to pour out my life for Your glory. Amen.

A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you can not see something that is above you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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I Know The Plans

15 Sep

I Know The Plans…

As a little child, you didn’t need to carry around a daily planner. You didn’t have to figure out what you had to do. Everything was planned for you by your parents or your guardians- your activities, your education, your meals, your nap time, bath time, and bed time.

You probably couldn’t wait to grow up so you could plan your own life. But the truth is, it was comforting to know that things were planned out for you. There was a purpose and plan to your life. In the same way, if you’re born again, you’re a child of God.

Children of heaven are never on earth without a plan or purpose. Your heavenly Father says to you, “I know the plans I have for you; plans of peace and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.”

Stop being afraid of the future. God does have a plan for your life; a good plan for your shalom/peace, to give you hope and blessing. Don’t struggle to give your life a purpose.

Find your purpose in God by following the good plan He has charted out for you. It’s as simple as being a little child.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.  Proverbs 16:9

Today, seek to live, not in your plan, but seek the plan of your heavenly Father for each moment.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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All Things

14 Sep

All Things…

Good morning,

As we start this day, let’s remember the amazing world God created for us. Take a moment to see the beauty in everything around you.

For in him, all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.  Colossians 1:16

Do you ever feel like you’re just one small person in a vast, complicated world? Colossians 1:16 reminds us of an amazing truth: everything—every star, every mountain, every heartbeat—was created by God, through Him and for Him. This includes you. You are not here by chance or as an afterthought; you are part of God’s grand masterpiece.

When life feels overwhelming or your purpose seems unclear, remember that God intentionally placed you here. You were crafted with care, with a unique role only you can fulfill. Your value isn’t defined by your circumstances but by the One who made you.

Today, embrace the truth that you are an essential piece of God’s creation. Let this inspire you to live with confidence, knowing that your life matters deeply to Him. Your existence is part of a much bigger story—His story—where every detail, including you, has a purpose.

Dear God, Thank You for creating me with purpose and love. There are times when I feel lost or unsure, but Your Word reminds me that I am part of Your magnificent plan. Help me to see my life through Your eyes, knowing that every moment, every joy, and every challenge has a purpose. Today, I place my trust in You. Guide my steps and help me to live in a way that honors the purpose You’ve given me. Fill my heart with peace and assurance, knowing that I am deeply loved and valued by You. Thank You for being my Creator, Sustainer, and Guide. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Your Secret Profession

14 Sep

Your Secret Profession…

My last name is Christian. In Hebrew, it means anointed one. When I was a child, my grandfather told me that I was of the line of the priests. I had very little idea of what that meant. In the days of the temple, the priests offered up the sacrifices and offerings to the Lord.

Today, there’s no temple or sacrifice, so priests aren’t in great demand. But when I came to Jesus, I discovered what being a priest was all about. In I Peter 2:9 it says, “You are a royal priesthood.”

That means that if you’re born again, you’re actually a priest – for real. It means you’re called to minister in the Holy Place; to offer up the offerings and sacrifices of God, to mediate and bring reconciliation between sinners and God, and to dwell in the presence of the Living God.

So rise up to the high calling on your life. Live holy, walk holy, and rejoice in the presence of God because you, too, were born to be a priest.

For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.  Malachi 2:7


Today, walk holy in the opportunities that God sets before you. Minister as the priest of God, and perform your priestly duties.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Because Of

13 Sep

Because Of…

Good morning,

Today, let’s unlock the power of faith and watch as Jesus turns our “I can’t” into “I can.”

Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘Because of your faith, it will happen.’
Matthew 9:29

Have you ever felt like your faith was too small to matter? Maybe you’ve prayed for something, hoping against hope, but wondering if it really makes a difference. In Matthew 9:29, Jesus offers us a life-changing truth: “Because of your faith, it will happen.”

Imagine that moment. Two blind men, living in a world of darkness, dared to believe Jesus could change everything. They didn’t have perfect lives or unshakeable faith. They simply trusted that Jesus was who He said He was.

And that’s the beautiful simplicity of faith. It’s not about having all the answers or never doubting. It’s about bringing our mustard seed of trust to Jesus and watching Him work wonders.

This verse invites us to examine our own hearts. Have we allowed past disappointments to dim our expectations of what God can do? Have we settled for a comfortable faith instead of one that transforms?

Today, let’s dare to believe again. Bring your hopes, your hurts, your seemingly impossible situations to Jesus. Your faith, however small, is precious to God. It’s the key that unlocks His power in your life.

Remember, Jesus isn’t looking for perfection; He’s looking for trust. And He’s ready to meet your faith, right where you are, with His miraculous love.

What situation in your life needs a touch of faith today?

How can you trust God more, even when you can’t see the outcome?

Dear God, Thank You for loving me, even when my faith feels weak or uncertain. There are times when I feel overwhelmed and unsure, wondering if my simple prayers even make a difference. But You remind me that it’s not about having it all together—it’s about trusting You with every tiny bit of faith I have. Today, help me bring my worries, my hopes, and my dreams to You. Give me the courage to trust that You are at work, even when I can’t see it. Let my heart rest in the truth that You’re with me and that every step of faith I take matters to You. Thank You for loving me, even in my doubts. I’m so grateful You’re always here. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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The Lady In The Temple

13 Sep

The Lady In The Temple…

On the coast of Israel north of Haifa is the exotic seaport city of Akko. Tourists come from all over to see its exotic buildings and streets. But the importance of Akko is found in the book of Judges.

It was given to the tribe of Asher. But the tribe of Asher never took the city. They never entered the inheritance that God had given them. Akko remained, for most of its history, a non-Jewish seaport.

You see, God can give you an inheritance, and you can fail to inherit it. God promises you the best and most glorious life… and He gives it to you. So if the best life isn’t the life you’re living, it’s not because it isn’t there for you. It’s your inheritance.

Nobody else will inherit it for you. A life of victory and joy is yours, but you have to fight for it. Paul told Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”

All you’ve ever needed, God has given you. Stop missing your inheritance. It’s there, waiting to be taken. Take it!

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.  Ephesians 1:11

What has God promised or called for you to walk in? Today, start taking hold of it.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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A Shower of Blessings

12 Sep

A Shower of Blessings…

Good morning,

Let’s start this day with gratitude, mindful of the countless gifts woven into our lives. May our hearts be attuned to the everyday blessings that surround us, fostering a spirit of thankfulness and hope.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

When life throws curveballs, it’s tempting to focus on what’s missing or the challenges ahead. Yet, James 1:17 shines a light on a powerful truth: amidst life’s many ups and downs, God showers us with blessings. Each new day, each answered prayer, each act of kindness – these are all gifts from our loving Father.

Today is an invitation to savor these moments of grace. Don’t just rush past them; take a breath and find genuine joy in the laughter of a loved one, the unexpected kindness of a stranger, or a quiet moment of peace amidst life’s chaos. These blessings remind us that God is not simply a distant giver but an active presence in our lives.

As we seek Him with open hearts, we discover an abundance of reasons to be grateful. These moments of gratitude are not naïve optimism; they’re steppingstones of faith, allowing us to walk with hope through whatever life brings because we know the Source of every good gift is with us on this journey.

Father, Thank You for being the source of every good thing in my life. Sometimes, I get so focused on what’s missing or what’s challenging that I forget to see the blessings right in front of me. Today, help me slow down and notice the little moments of grace—whether it’s a kind word, a peaceful pause, or the smile of someone I love. Remind me that You are an active presence in my life, always giving, always loving. Fill my heart with gratitude and help me to treasure the simple gifts that come from You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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The Grand Rabbi

12 Sep

The Grand Rabbi…

A rabbi is the spiritual leader of the community, the teacher of God’s ways. When a rabbi is so esteemed and revered that he becomes the leader of other rabbis, he can acquire the title of grand rabbi.

In Israel today, there is a grand rabbi for the Ashkenazi or Eastern European Jews, and another for the Sephardic or Mediterranean Jews.

If you’re born again, you’ve got your own Rabbi. But He’s not just a rabbi, He’s the Rabbi of rabbis. He’s the Grand Rabbi of the universe; the spiritual leader of all existence, Yeshua, Jesus, the Rabbi of rabbis.

What an honor you have to be able to follow Him, to learn from Him, and to be called as His disciple. Do you want to live a great life? Then follow the way of the Great Rabbi.

Listen to His voice. He’s the Grand Rabbi, and when you let Him lead and do it His way, your life will be grand as well.

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.  Luke 6:40

Today, seek out the teachings of your Grand Rabbi and follow His leading.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Gratitude

11 Sep

Gratitude…

Good morning,

Today, we’ll explore a verse that unveils the depth of devotion God desires from us.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Mark 12:30

In our pursuit of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we may find ourselves wondering where to begin. The answer lies in a simple yet transformative practice: gratitude.

Gratitude is the spark that ignites a deep, abiding love for God. It’s the lens through which we begin to see His hand in every aspect of our lives. When we cultivate a grateful heart, we train our eyes to see the countless ways God is moving, providing, and caring for us.

Each whispered “thank You” becomes a seed of love, planted in the fertile soil of our hearts. As we water these seeds with consistent acknowledgment of God’s goodness, they grow into a lush garden of adoration and devotion.

Through the practice of gratitude, we discover that loving God with our entire being isn’t a distant, abstract concept. It’s a natural outpouring of a heart that recognizes the depth and breadth of His love for us.

Today, embrace gratitude as your pathway to a deeper, more intimate love for God. Let each thankful thought and word draw you closer to the heart of the One who loves you beyond measure.

Heavenly Father, In my journey to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, guide me to start with a heart of gratitude. Let me see Your hand in the small and grand moments of my life, acknowledging each as a gift from You. As I express my thanks, deepen my love for You, allowing it to flourish and encompass every part of my being. Help me to recognize and cherish Your constant presence, finding new reasons to be grateful each day, and drawing closer to You in every grateful thought and word. Thank You for Your love that never fails, a love so grand that it compels me to love You in return with all that I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely… He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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The Father’s Beggar

11 Sep

The Father’s Beggar…

A homeless man got off the train at the Pennsylvania depot. For years, he lived as a beggar on the streets. He touched a man on the shoulder and said, “Mister, can you please spare a dime?” The man turned around and the beggar recognized him as his father. “Father,” he said, “don’t you know me?”

The father threw his arms around him and cried out, “I found you! All I have is yours!” The former beggar later gave his testimony at an evangelistic meeting and said, “Think of it. I, as a tramp, stood begging my father for 10 cents when for 18 years he’d been looking for me to give me all he had.”

Most people spend their lives begging for scraps of love, approval, success, attention, recognition, joy, and purpose. And all the time your heavenly Father is waiting to give you not scraps, but more love, acceptance, and joy than you could ever dream of.

God didn’t create you to beg. God made you to be His child. Your Father is God. Turn to Him, and He’ll give you abundant life.

Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?  Matthew 6:26

Today, don’t beg, live desperately, or be a victim. Look to your Father in heaven to provide for your needs for abundant life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼