Ed Christian's World

Self Reflect…

Good morning,

Today, let’s embrace the truth that God values our hearts above all else.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7

Have you ever felt overlooked or underestimated? In our world of polished resumes and Instagram filters, it’s easy to believe that appearance and achievements are everything. But God’s perspective is refreshingly different.

When Samuel was choosing Israel’s next king, he was drawn to Eliab’s impressive stature. Yet God bypassed the tall, strong sons for David, the young shepherd boy. Why? Because God looks at the heart.

This isn’t just a feel-good message—it’s a call to self-reflection. While we often focus on outward things like job titles, bank balances, or social media followers, God is interested in our character, our motivations, our love for others.

Imagine the freedom in knowing that the Creator of the universe values you for who you truly are, not for how you appear or what you’ve achieved. He sees your kindness, your struggles, your quiet acts of faith. The prayers whispered in the night, the patience shown in frustration, the love offered without recognition—these are what catch God’s attention.

Today, let’s shift our focus. Instead of polishing our image, let’s cultivate hearts that seek God. Let’s value in others what He values in us. For in His eyes, that’s what truly matters.

Dear God, Sometimes, I get caught up in trying to look good on the outside, forgetting You see what’s inside. Help me remember that You care more about my heart than how I appear to others. When I feel overlooked or not good enough, remind me that You see me – all of me – and love me just as I am. Help me to see others the way You do, looking past appearances to the person within. Guide me to be kind, loving, and faithful, even when no one’s watching. Thank You for noticing the little things – my quiet prayers, my struggles, my attempts to do right. Lord, help me grow a heart that makes You smile. Thank You for loving the real me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God sees us as we are, loves us as we are, and accepts us as we are. But by His grace, He does not leave us as we are.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Pocket Full of Blessings…

The story is told of a man with two pockets. One pocket has a hole that he never repairs. The other pocket has no holes, and if a hole develops, he gets it sown up immediately.

Throughout the day, whenever he experiences something negative, he puts it in the pocket with a hole. But every good thing he experiences, he places in the pocket without the hole. Every evening, he empties out his pocket, and all he has are blessings.

Too many of us put all the good in our lives in the pocket with holes. We take them for granted, forget them, and don’t treasure them.

Yet, all the negative things we deal with – our problems, frustrations, and worries – we place in the pocket with no holes.Then, at the end of the day, we empty our pockets and find all sorts of problems and no blessings.

Learn to let go of all the bad and hold fast to all the good so that, at the end of the day and the end of your life, you’ll find yourself with no worries- just a pocket full of blessings.

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, it shouldn’t be that way. James 3:10

Today, see, notice, dwell on, treasure, and give thanks for all the blessings and let go of what is not.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

His Timing…

Today, let’s take a deep breath. Let’s begin this day by placing all our worries in God’s hands and trust in His perfect timing. Remember, His plans for you are beautiful!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God
Philippians 4:6

We all know that moment—when worry wraps around our hearts and squeezes tight. Maybe it’s a health concern that keeps you awake, a relationship that’s breaking, or a future that feels uncertain. Sometimes, it’s not even one big thing, but a thousand little worries that pile up until we can barely breathe.

Into these anxious moments, God speaks through Paul with reassuring confidence: bring it all to Me. Not just the big troubles we think are ‘prayer-worthy,’ but every racing thought, every whispered fear, every burden we carry.

And here’s the unexpected gift: He asks us to come with Thanksgiving. Not because we’re grateful for the struggles, but because remembering His past faithfulness gives us hope for the present.

Today, you don’t have to pretend you’re not worried. Instead, your Father invites you to bring every concern to Him, knowing He cares about everything that concerns you.

Dear Heavenly Father, as I start this day, I’m trying to hold onto Your words about not worrying. I know it’s what You want for me, but sometimes my mind just won’t stop spinning with all these concerns. When those anxious thoughts creep in, help me turn them into prayers instead. Thank You for all the times You’ve carried me through, even when I didn’t realize it was You. When things get tough today, remind me of Your faithfulness. Fill my heart with that peace that only You can give – the kind that doesn’t make sense to the world but means everything to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith. The beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Be Ye Imperfect…

My uncle Jack was losing his memory. During our conversation at a family gathering, he said to me, “Who are you?” I replied, “Your nephew. You don’t know me?” He said, “No.” I felt a bit discouraged.

But then he turned to me and said, “It’s alright. I don’t have to remember you. I like you anyway. You’re a good person.” There was no memory, but there was love. So it is with God. He knows everything, but in Isaiah 43:25 He says, “I will not remember your sins.”

When it comes to our sins covered by Jesus’s blood, God has chosen to have a poor memory. God is perfect. Therefore part of being perfected is developing a poor memory for sin. When it comes to what others did to you, or your past sins, be perfect as God is perfect.

If He forgets your past sins, then by His grace do the same. Forget the sins of others and your own as well. Blessings, freedom, and joy are waiting to come into your life. It all begins when you start developing a lousy memory.

Remember, ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Isaiah 43:18

Today, practice the art of a lousy memory. Don’t remember the sins of others and forget your own.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Darkness Into Light…

Today, let’s find comfort in God’s light! Remember, even in our darkest moments, God’s love and presence shine through, turning our darkness into light.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
Psalms 139:11-12

In our darkest moments, when life’s shadows stretch long, it’s easy to feel alone and unseen, even hidden from the eyes of God. Yet, Psalm 139:11-12 offers a beacon of hope, reminding us that no darkness can extinguish God’s love.

To our Heavenly Father, even the darkest night shines bright as day. No corner of our hearts, no struggle, and no unspoken hurt escapes His loving gaze. Even when we feel lost or broken, God sees us clearly and welcomes us into His embrace.

This truth is both comforting and challenging. Comforting, because we are never truly alone, never beyond God’s unfailing love. Challenging, because it calls us to live authentically, trusting that He loves us wholeheartedly, just as we are.

So today, whatever darkness you face, hold onto the promise: you are fully seen, deeply known, and unconditionally loved by your Heavenly Father. Let His light displace the shadows, and find the courage to be fully known and loved. In His light, no darkness can prevail. You are His, now and forever.

Dear Heavenly Father, In the depths of my struggles, when shadows stretch long, it can be hard to feel Your nearness. Yet, your love shines as a beacon of hope, piercing even the darkest night. Help me to remember Your unwavering presence. Grant me courage to bring my shadowed places into Your light. Guide me, embrace me, and remind me that I am always seen, deeply known, and eternally loved by You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Darkness can not drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate can not drive out hate; only love can do that.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Room Of Nails…

An imprisoned Christian in communist Bulgaria was put into a tiny cell with nails inside that pressed into him at the slightest movement. When his captors closed the door, he prayed, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.

The warden, not knowing what he meant, ordered the door open and asked the prisoner. When the commanding officer returned, he found the prisoner and the warden kneeling before God in worship. The warden turned to the officer and said, “I’m no longer under your orders. I belong to Jesus.”

He too was put in prison. Whatever you’re going through, chances are it’s not worse than being tortured in a cell covered with nails in a communist prison. Yet this believer managed to love and pray for his enemies.

The result was his enemy was saved. Jesus tells you to forgive your trespassers, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. Start forgiving, praying, and blessing them with an act of love.

Because the love and grace of God in Messiah is the strongest force on earth that turns even the worst of your problems into victory.

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  Matthew 5:44

Today, pray for your enemies, and even bless them with an act of love.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Embody Justice…

Today, let’s be inspired by the bold vision of justice in Amos 5:24.

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
Amos 5:24

Imagine a world where fairness and kindness pour through the streets like a mighty river, refreshing every corner. That’s the beautiful image prophet Amos presents in Amos 5:24.

He doesn’t paint a picture of empty rituals or religious obligations. Instead, he calls for a life where our faith overflows into action, where justice becomes the rhythm of our days, and righteousness the guiding light on our path.

This might seem overwhelming, but the good news is that true change starts within. When we surrender our hearts to God, a love for justice becomes a natural extension of that love. We begin to see the world through his eyes, understanding that in his Kingdom, all individuals hold inherent dignity and deserve respect.

Let’s strive to create small ripples—acts of kindness, fair treatment, advocacy—that eventually combine into a powerful river of justice flowing from our hearts to our world.

What’s one step, however small, you can take today to promote fairness, kindness, or advocate for those in need?

Heavenly Father, Guide my steps to embody the justice and kindness Your Word teaches. Help me see others through Your eyes—valuing each person’s dignity and worth. Infuse my daily actions with Your spirit of justice, so that I can contribute to a world where love flows freely like a mighty river. Grant me the resolve to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Wearing The Old Self…

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to go through the day wearing yesterday’s dirty clothes? It feels as though you’re breaking some sort of clothing law – not a great feeling.

The New Testament speaks of putting away the old self and putting on the new. In the original language, it speaks in terms of clothing. It’s natural to see your old self as your true identity.

The key is to see it in a new way – as clothes – not who you are, but simply what you have worn – no longer you – and not just clothes, but old clothes. If you’re born again, you’re no longer that old person.

It’s simply a case of wearing yesterday clothes. The Bible says you are now a beloved child. It’s a new day of new beginnings, salvations, and miracles. You just forgot to take off yesterday’s clothes.

That person you used to be isn’t you anymore. It’s just a set of old dirty clothes. So by faith and in God’s Spirit, start taking off those old clothes today. It’s never a good thing to wear yesterday’s clothes.

Knowing this, our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.  Romans 6:6

Are you wearing the clothes of yesterday? Put off the old self and put on the new.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Renewing Grace…

Good morning,

As you face today’s challenges, remember that God is shaping you into something stronger and more beautiful. Trust His unseen work in your life.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Today’s verses from Paul’s letter give us a powerful perspective on our daily struggles. Paul is like a coach, reminding us to keep our eyes on the prize. Even though we might face challenges that wear us down physically or emotionally, inside, we’re getting stronger and more resilient every day because of God’s work in us.

It’s like working out. When you exercise, you feel tired at first, but over time, you get stronger. Paul is saying our spirits are getting a workout through life’s tough times. And these challenges? They’re not just random hard times; they’re preparing us for something way better – a beautiful, everlasting life with God that’s so much greater than any problem we face now.

So, as we go through today, let’s remember this: the tough stuff is temporary, but what we’re gaining from it lasts forever. Every challenge is a chance to grow stronger in our faith and get ready for the amazing future God has for us.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your renewing grace and the strength You provide as I face the challenges of life. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, knowing that my earthly struggles are temporary, and You are preparing me for an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Grant me the courage and perseverance to endure hardships, leaning on Your love and guidance. May I find comfort in the knowledge that You are renewing my spirit day by day and that Your presence in my life is an unending source of strength and hope. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Everyday Blessings

Today, let’s embrace the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 8:15 and find joy in the simple, everyday blessings God has given us. May this verse inspire us to appreciate the beauty of the present moment and the gifts we often overlook.

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 8:15

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the next big thing. We often think that joy will come with that promotion, that relationship, that achievement. But Ecclesiastes 8:15 offers a refreshingly different perspective.

The author, known for his wisdom, had experienced all that life had to offer – wealth, success, and pleasure. Yet, he concludes that true joy is found not in these grand pursuits but in the simple, everyday gifts that God has given us.

This isn’t a call to a life of complacency or mediocrity. Rather, it’s an invitation to find contentment and purpose in the present moment to appreciate the beauty and blessings that are right in front of us.

It’s about finding joy in a shared meal, a heartfelt conversation, a quiet moment of reflection. It’s about recognizing that these seemingly small things are actually the big things, the stuff that life is made of.

Today, let’s choose to embrace the simple joys that God has placed in our lives. Let’s eat, drink, and be glad, knowing that each moment is a gift from our Heavenly Father. And let’s trust that as we find our delight in Him, He will give us the strength and purpose for all our days under the sun.

Father, life moves so fast, and I often forget to pause and appreciate the simple joys You give me each day. Help me to slow down and truly see Your blessings all around me. When things get tough, remind me that You’re right here with me, guiding and providing. Fill my heart with gratitude and joy, even in the little things. Give me the strength to embrace both the good times and the tough ones, knowing that neither is permanent on this side of heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. True happiness doesn’t come from the quantity of possessions one has, but rather from the appreciation and enjoyment of what we have, no matter how small it might be.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼