Ed Christian's World

Transform Your Heart…

Good morning,

As we step into the light of a new day, let’s remember God’s promise to transform our hearts. Let us draw close to His Word, embracing the journey ahead with hope and grace.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26

Have you ever felt like your heart was just not in the right place? Hardened by life’s challenges, closed off, or unresponsive to God’s leading? We’ve all been there at times. But here’s the amazing thing: God doesn’t want to leave us in that state. In Ezekiel 36:26, He makes a breathtaking promise – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.”

Think about that! God offers us a complete heart transformation – not just a fix, but a fresh start. He wants to take our hearts, worn down by struggles, and replace them with hearts that are soft, responsive, and vibrantly alive to His touch.

This is the core of the gospel message. It’s about God working within us, changing us in ways we never could on our own. He offers a new heart, a new beginning, and empowers us to love and live for Him with renewed passion.

So today, wherever you find yourself, know that God’s offer still stands. He’s ready to transform your heart. All you have to do is ask.

Dear Father, sometimes my heart feels heavy, burdened by worries, and tangled with past hurts. Yet, even in this state, Your promise of a new heart draws me near. Help me surrender my struggles and soften the hardened places within me. Transform my weariness into a heart vibrant with Your presence. Create in me a spirit open to Your love, overflowing for You and others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God’s promises are like the stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Falling Mantle…

The Bible records two ascensions in detail. One focuses on the prophet Elijah. He was standing with his apprentice Elisha when he was taken into heaven. Elisha was left with the prophet’s mantle which he took as his own.

The anointing and ministry of Elijah now rested on him. Then there was Jesus. He ascended to heaven also in the presence of His disciples. So where was the mantle? The mantle was the Spirit that would come upon all His disciples. He told His disciples to go and do greater things.

Jesus’s mantle has been left for you to pick up and wear. You are called to minister in His anointing, heal in His power, set captives free, give good news to the oppressed, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked.

The mantle of Jesus isn’t for one, but for many. So if you belong to Jesus, it’s time to pick up the mantle and rise to the calling He’s got on your life. Because you, too, have been called and given nothing less than the very mantle of Jesus.

But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you.  1 John 2:27

Today, pick up Jesus’s mantle and live in a manner worthy of the calling He has given for your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Hand Of Grace…

Good morning,

Today, let’s extend a hand of grace to those wrestling with doubt, reflecting the heart of Jesus.

Be merciful to those who doubt;
Jude 1:22

In a world full of certainties, doubt can feel like a shameful secret. But Jude 1:22 reminds us that doubt isn’t a sin – it’s a human experience that calls for compassion.

Think about Thomas, who needed to see to believe. Jesus didn’t scold him; He met him where he was. That’s our call too – to be merciful to those wrestling with faith questions.

Maybe you’ve been there yourself, feeling lost in a fog of uncertainty. Or perhaps you know someone struggling to believe. This verse is a gentle nudge to approach doubt with kindness, not judgment.

Being merciful doesn’t mean having all the answers. It’s about listening without lecturing, supporting without suffocating. It’s creating a safe space where questions are welcome and grace abounds.

Today, let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus to those grappling with doubt. Your compassion might be the very thing that helps someone take a step closer to faith.

Remember, a faith that’s wrestled with is often stronger than one that’s never been challenged.

Who can you reach who’s struggling with their faith?

How can you lovingly guide them to the truths of Scripture?

Dear God, I know I’m not always good at showing mercy to those who doubt. I often try to hide my own uncertainties or rush to give answers. But Your Word reminds me that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. It’s in our moments of doubt that Your grace shines brightest. Today, I surrender my need to fix everything. The discomfort I feel with others’ questions, the urge to lecture instead of listen—I lay it all at Your feet. Fill those spaces with Your compassion, Lord. Help me to see others’ doubts not as problems  but as opportunities to show Your incredible love. Let my life be a testament to Your patience and mercy, a living proof that in our uncertainty, Your remains is strong. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Perseverance…

Good morning,

As we step into the light of a new day, let’s pause together and open our hearts to His Word. May it guide us on our journey with hope and grace.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12

James 1:12 speaks to the heart of what it means to walk in faith. It acknowledges the reality of trials and difficulties in our lives, yet it reframes these challenges as opportunities for growth and blessing. This verse calls us not to simply endure hardships but to persevere with purpose and hope, knowing that our trials have a meaningful role in our spiritual journey.

In our perseverance, we don’t just passively withstand; we actively engage in a process of transformation. Each trial becomes a forge in which our faith is tested and strengthened, molding us into individuals who reflect Christ more clearly. The crown of life promised by the Lord is not just a future reward; it’s a present assurance that our faithfulness is seen, valued, and will be honored by God.

Today, let’s embrace our trials as part of our faith narrative. Let’s recognize that in every challenge, there is potential for growth and a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness. As we persevere, we’re not just moving towards a reward; we’re growing closer to the One who promises it.

Heavenly Father, As I journey through today’s challenges, I seek Your enduring strength and wisdom. Help me to face each trial with steadfast faith, knowing that these moments refine and strengthen my walk with You. In Your loving arms, I find the courage to persevere, trusting that every test is a step closer to the profound promise You have for those who love You. Fill my heart with peace and joy, even amidst difficulties, as a testament to Your sustaining grace. May my perseverance shine as a beacon of Your faithfulness, inspiring others to seek Your comfort and hope in their own trials. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

God does not give us overcoming life—He gives us life as we overcome.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Tectonic Moment…

On March 1, 1950, choir practice was scheduled for 7:20 at the West Side Baptist Church in Beatrice, Nebraska. Most of the choir members normally arrived around 7:15.

The pastor, about to head to church with his wife, discovered that his daughter’s dress needed changing. A man named Harry Ahl was going to take his two boys to practice, but got lost in a conversation, forgetting the time.

One high school girl needed to finish her homework. Two sisters were ready, but their car wouldn’t start. The pianist Marilyn Paul fell asleep and so she and her mother both arrived much later than usual. Joyce Black, just feeling lazy, waited until the last minute. All 15 members of the choir were hindered from being on time.

At 7:25pm, due to a gas leak, there was an explosion and the church was destroyed. The choir members would’ve been killed, except that they were all strangely late.

Therefore, rejoice today and thank God in faith for those problems and obstacles you’ve been frustrated about. Because who knows that you won’t find out someday that they were the very things that saved your life.

Because you are my help, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:7

Today, when you face an obstacle, a challenge, or a hindrance you’ve been frustrated about, do something new – rejoice!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Mystery of Love…

I knew a man who was put in prison for preaching the gospel under Communist rule. He was kept in a cell with no windows, isolated in chains to prevent him from sharing the gospel. All he could see for years were four walls of his prison cell.

Now, what would you do in a situation like this? He started tapping the gospel in Morse code. Simply by tapping on the walls, he led other prisoners to salvation. Now, there are a lot of prison cells in life, most of them of our own making.

Right now, you may be sitting in the middle of a problem; all around you, you see the four walls of that problem. In every situation, every prison cell, every problem and circumstance no matter how bleak, there’s always a way for you to glorify God and have victory.

Don’t wait for the walls to come down. Stop cursing your walls and start tapping the gospel because nothing on earth can stop you from living a victorious life in God if you don’t stop praising Him. You don’t even have to know Morse code.

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 1 Peter 4:16

Today, don’t wait for the walls to come down. Praise Him, glorify Him, and serve Him with the wall – in every circumstance.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Light – End Of The Tunnel…

Good morning,

Today, let’s take a moment to focus on the promise of future glory that awaits us. Amidst the trials and challenges, hold on to the hope that shines brightly at the end of the tunnel.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  Romans 8:18

In our journey of faith, we are no strangers to difficult times. Every one of us has our own set of battles – illness, loss, uncertainty. Yet, today’s verse offers us an incredible assurance: our present difficulties pale in comparison with the amazing future that God has prepared for us.

It’s a transformational truth – the pain we endure now is fleeting, but the glory to come is eternal and incomparably beautiful. God is meticulously crafting our character and destiny through every hardship we face.

As we walk through today, let’s cling to this divine promise. Allow it to elevate our perspective, grant us strength, and spark a bright hope within us that looks forward to what is yet to be revealed.

Lord of all seasons, In the light of Your promises, I face the day with renewed hope and a heart full of faith. Thank you for the assurance that the troubles I may face today can’t hold a candle to the glory that lies ahead. Strengthen me, Father, as I walk through periods of testing. Guide me with Your wise hand as I navigate both the peaks and the valleys. In every circumstance, help me to remember the eternal weight of glory that You are preparing for me. I am grateful, Lord, for the gift of this day and for the steadfast hope of the future. May my spirit sing with joy, even in the face of life’s temporary trials, knowing the ultimate victory is secured in You. Amen.

God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

His Perfect Timing…

Good morning,

Today, let’s find encouragement in the enduring truth of God’s faithfulness and the promise of His perfect timing.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9

In the marathon of faith, there are moments when we hit the wall—when the challenges seem too steep, the race too hard. It’s in these times that Paul’s words in Galatians 6:9 become our spiritual fuel, replenishing our souls with encouragement.

“Let us not become weary in doing good,” he exhorts. It’s a call to keep running the race, even when we’re exhausted. It’s a reminder that every act of kindness, every choice to love—even when it’s hard—is seen and celebrated by our Heavenly Father.

Paul reminds us that we’re not running aimlessly. There’s a finish line, a harvest of righteousness waiting for us. But to get there, we can’t give up. We must keep sowing seeds of goodness, even when the world around us seems barren.

The beautiful truth is this: we’re not running alone. The same God who calls us to do good is running alongside us, providing the strength we need to keep going. He will carry us across the finish line.

So today, if you’re feeling weary in doing good, remember: your acts of faith are making an eternal difference. Keep running with perseverance, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.

Dear God, Sometimes, I hit a wall in this marathon of faith. My legs get heavy, my spirit grows weary, and the finish line seems so far away. But I know I’m not running alone. You’re right beside me, every step of the way. When I feel like giving up, remind me that every act of kindness, every choice to love, matters eternally. Give me the strength to keep going, to keep sowing seeds of goodness, even when the harvest seems far off. Carry me when I can’t take another step. Renew my hope with Your presence. I’ll keep running with endurance, trusting in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Your Biblical Surname…

In the Bible, nobody has a last name. Even people you think have last names really don’t; not the way we have them today. Mary Magdalene really means Miriam of Magdala. Magdala was the place she came from.

Other biblical people were given second names to communicate their character and life. For instance, Simon Peter or Shimon Kayfah, means Simon the Rock – so he would become like a rock. Simon the Zealot was zealous. James the Just was righteous. These were their biblical surnames.

So what’s your biblical surname? What surname would those who really know you give you? What surname will God give you when your life is over; with what name will you enter eternity?

What will your biblical surname be? Will it be John the Discontented or John the Joyful? Susan the Selfish or Susan the Loving? Karen the Complainer or Karen the Encourager? Robert the Bitter or Robert the Gracious? It’s up to you.

You still have time to change it, not by virtue of a judge, but by virtue of a changed life. What do you want your biblical surname to be? You decide.

God said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel.  Genesis 35:10

Today, act in the manner that you want to be remembered for. Act in accordance with the Biblical surname you want in heaven.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Strength In Our Weakness…

Good morning,

Today, let’s embrace the paradox of strength found in weakness, where God’s power shines brightest in our imperfections.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  2 Corinthians 12:9

In a world that glorifies strength and success, 2 Corinthians 12:9 offers a revolutionary perspective. Paul’s words challenge our instinct to hide our weaknesses, inviting us instead to see them as gateways to God’s power.

Imagine viewing your struggles not as roadblocks, but as opportunities for divine intervention. It’s counterintuitive, isn’t it? We often strive for perfection, yet here’s Paul, boasting about his weaknesses. Why? Because he’s discovered a profound truth: our limitations create space for God’s limitless grace.

This isn’t about passively accepting defeat. Rather, it’s about reframing our perspective. When we’re at our lowest, we’re most receptive to God’s strength. Our vulnerabilities become channels for His power to flow through us.

Consider the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, making it more beautiful than before. Similarly, God’s grace doesn’t just patch up our weaknesses—it transforms them into our most compelling testimony.

Today, embrace your imperfections. They’re not flaws to be hidden, but opportunities for God’s power to be displayed. In your weakness, His strength shines brightest.

Father, I know I’m not perfect, and I often try to hide my weaknesses and put on a brave face. But Your Word reminds me that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s in my brokenness that Your power shines brightest. Today, I surrender my struggles to You. The things I’m afraid to show others, the insecurities I try to hide—I lay them all at Your feet. Fill those empty spaces with Your grace, Lord. Help me to see my weaknesses not as failure  but as opportunities to experience Your incredible strength. Let my life be a testament to Your transforming power, a living proof that, in my weakness, You are strong. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

If you want God to bless you and use you greatly, you must be willing to walk with a limp the rest of your life because God uses weak people.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼