Ed Christian's World

Finding Peace in the Midst of Struggle

Good morning,

Let’s reflect today on a powerful promise that has sustained people through countless challenges:

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.   Exodus 14:14

Life often feels like an overwhelming struggle, pushing us against what seems like an insurmountable barrier. Just like the Israelites trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, we can feel cornered. But God’s message to them resonates with us today: be still, for He is fighting for you.

This isn’t just a story from the past; it’s a timeless truth for our present lives. The same God who parted the Red Sea is actively working in your life right now.

“Being still” isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about shifting our focus from our own efforts to God’s power. It means surrendering our need to control every situation and trusting that God will move in ways we can’t even imagine. It’s a courageous act of faith, creating space for miracles to unfold.

Where in your life do you need to let go and truly allow God to take control?

Dear Heavenly Father, I approach You with a heart full of thanks. Even when I feel weak, I know You are my strength. Even when the path ahead is unclear, I know You are my guide. Help me quiet the worries and fears that try to steal my peace. Replace my striving with a deep trust in Your perfect plan. Let me find rest in knowing that You are fighting for me, working all things for good, even when I can’t see it. Fill me with Your joy that rises above my circumstances and a hope that anchors me through every storm. May I walk confidently today, knowing that Your love surrounds me, Your power works within me, and Your victory is certain. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
True peace isn’t the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ.

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

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Believers Privilege…

The believer’s true wealth lies in unwavering expectations from God. To seek fulfillment from the fleeting allurements of the world is a hollow pursuit, a mere shadow of genuine hope. But to place our trust in God, the source of all provision, both earthly and spiritual, is to tap into an inexhaustible reservoir of grace.

My expectation is from him. Psalm 62:5

We are privileged to draw upon the limitless resources of God’s love, a bank of faith where our needs are met with divine abundance. I would far sooner entrust my welfare to God’s providence than to any earthly fortune.

His promises are inviolable, and when presented at his throne, they return laden with blessings. Therefore, I shall wait patiently at his door, knowing that his hand will open in generous grace.

Our expectations extend beyond the temporal realm. Even as we face the inevitable transition of death, our hope remains anchored in him. We anticipate his comforting presence in our final hours, envisioning angels escorting us to his embrace. We believe that as our earthly life fades, gentle messengers will beckon us to eternal rest.

As we approach the gates of heaven, we yearn for the welcoming words, “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.” We anticipate the celestial symphony of harps and the radiant crowns of glory.

We long to join the countless hosts before his throne, to finally behold our Lord in his full glory and be transformed into his likeness, for “we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).

Therefore, let our lives be a testament to our unwavering trust in God, a reflection of our gratitude for his boundless grace. Let every action, every thought, every desire be dedicated to glorifying him, the source of our salvation, and our eternal hope.

Heavenly Father, in the midst of life’s uncertainties, we place our unwavering trust in you. You are our refuge, our provider, and our everlasting hope. Grant us the strength to cast aside the fleeting allurements of the world and to fix our gaze upon your eternal promises. Help us to draw daily from the bank of faith, knowing that your love and grace are sufficient for all our needs. As we journey towards our eternal home, fill us with the assurance of your presence and the anticipation of your glorious kingdom. May our lives be a living testimony to your faithfulness, and may all glory and honor be yours forever. 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 Flame Of Courage…

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates a profound act of courage. In the second century B.C., Antiochus Epiphanes, the Greek-Syrian ruler, desecrated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, installing a statue of Zeus and demanding the Jewish people abandon their faith. Faced with persecution and the threat of extinction, many faltered. But a small band, led by Judah Maccabee and his sons, ignited a spark of resistance.

Against overwhelming odds, they dared to defy the might of the Syrian Empire. Their faith, a burning ember in the darkness, fueled their courage. Miraculously, they prevailed. The Temple was cleansed, the sacred Menorah relit, and the flame of Jewish faith was rekindled. This victory, a testament to unwavering courage, paved the way for a future where the “Light of the World,” Jesus, would be born in Bethlehem.

Hanukkah is a celebration of freedom, a freedom won through extraordinary courage. This courage, born of unwavering faith, is a gift from God.

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 22:11

Today, let us draw inspiration from the Maccabees. Let us confront the fears that hold us captive. Let us take that step, however small, to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way. Let us walk in faith, embrace courage, and experience the true freedom that God offers.

Heavenly Father, Light of the World, we thank you for the story of Hanukkah, a story of courage and unwavering faith. We thank you for the Maccabees, who dared to stand against tyranny and defend your name. Lord, we acknowledge the fears that bind us, the doubts that cloud our vision. Grant us the courage to step out in faith, to trust in your strength, and to overcome the challenges that lie before us. Like the Maccabees, may we be filled with your spirit, empowering us to face our fears and embrace the freedom you offer. Help us to remember that you are our strength and our peace. Just as you restored the Temple in Jerusalem, restore our hearts and minds. Fill us with your light, that we may shine as beacons of hope and courage in a world that needs your love. May we walk in faith, knowing that you are with us, and may we experience the true freedom that comes from knowing you. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.

Today, be courageous. Take a step to overcome that fear.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Change And God’s Steadfastness…

The Israelites’ journey through the wilderness was a constant state of flux. Their existence was defined by impermanence. The moment they erected their tents, the signal for departure might sound, forcing them to dismantle their temporary homes and follow the guiding pillar of cloud and fire through unforgiving terrain. Rest was fleeting, comfort elusive.

Thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation.  Psalms 91:9

Even the allure of refreshing wells and sheltering palm trees couldn’t hold them back. They were perpetually on the move, driven by the divine imperative to reach Canaan.

Yet, amidst this ceaseless change, they possessed an unwavering anchor: God. His presence, symbolized by the pillar of cloud and fire, provided shelter and warmth, a constant reminder of their true home.

As Moses declared, “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place throughout all generations.” This truth echoes for us today.

The Christian life, too, is marked by change. Fortune shift, health fluctuates, and joy can turn to sorrow in an instant. But our relationship with God remains steadfast. His love is an unyielding constant, a refuge that transcends the uncertainties of life.

We may be pilgrims in this world, but in God, we find our true and lasting home. He is our “strong habitation whereunto I can continually resort.” Though earthly prospects may fade and hopes may crumble, our inheritance in God remains secure. We wander the earth, but we dwell in God’s quiet, unchanging presence.

Heavenly Father, in the midst of life’s ever-shifting sands, we seek Your unwavering presence. Just as You were the dwelling place for the Israelites in the wilderness, be our refuge and strength today. When change overwhelms us, and uncertainty clouds our path, remind us that Your love is constant and Your faithfulness endures. Help us to find our true home in You, to rest in Your unchanging nature, and to trust in Your perfect plan. Grant us the grace to say with confidence, “Thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation.” Amen.

Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Source of Life…

Good morning, Today, let’s discover the freedom of staying connected to our true source of life.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. John 15:5

Have you ever felt like you were running on empty? Pushing forward, striving, trying to hold everything together—but deep down, you know you’re drained? Jesus never intended for us to live that way.

In John 15:5, He reminds us that apart from Him, we can do nothing. Not “less.” Not “a little.” Nothing. A branch can’t produce fruit unless it stays connected to the vine. In the same way, we can’t grow, thrive, or bear lasting fruit unless we remain in Christ.

To abide in Jesus is to make Him your home—not a guest you visit when you have time. It’s choosing daily dependence over occasional check-ins. It’s trusting Him in both the abundance and the drought.

The good news? You don’t have to force growth—just stay connected. When you remain in Him, He fills the empty places. He strengthens, He sustains, He produces fruit in you—love, joy, peace, patience—far beyond your own ability.

So today, take a breath. Let go of striving. Stay close to Him. That’s where life is.

Heavenly Father, I come to You weary from striving, from trying to carry what was never mine to hold. You are my source, my strength, my very life. Yet so often, I try to do things on my own, only to find myself empty. Draw me back, Lord. Teach me to abide—not just in moments of need but in every breath. Fill the hollow places in my heart with Your presence. Let Your love steady me, Your peace quiet me, and Your joy overflow in me. I don’t want to just get through the day—I want to walk with You in it. Apart from You, I can do nothing, but in You, I have all I need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine… Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Word As Ruler…

Carpentry teaches us a simple but true lesson. If you want to build something the right way, you need a straight measure. That’s true for woodworking and for life.

You might not know anything about wood, but you are still a builder – you are building a life. In the same way, you can’t build a stable life without a straight measure to keep you straight.

The straight measure of your life is the Word of God. Measure everything you do by that measure. Plan all you do with it. In school, you used to call that straight measure your ruler.
The Word of God is your straight measure for life, but it only works if it’s your ruler. Let it rule you. Start with the Word and take it straight for what it is.

Then, get your life straight with it. How? By lining up your life with your supernatural straight edge… the Word of God. Do this, and your life will be blessed and straight. For that’s the truth, pure, and straight.

Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. Proverbs 15:21

Is there anything in your life that doesn’t line up with the Word of God? Today, line it up.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Word, a true and unwavering measure for our lives. We confess that at times, we stray from your path, allowing other influences to guide us. Lord, we ask for your forgiveness and your strength to align our thoughts, actions, and desires with your perfect will. Help us to see where we fall short and grant us the courage to make the necessary changes. Let your Word be our constant guide, shaping us into the people you created us to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Source of Salvation…

Salvation is entirely God’s work. He breathes life into our dead souls and sustains our spiritual journey. He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega. As Jonah declared, “Salvation is of the Lord.”

Salvation is of the Lord.  Jonah 2:9

Every aspect of our spiritual life originates from God. Our prayers, graces, and perseverance are all gifts from Him. We contribute nothing to our own salvation except our sin.

Every good deed is a result of God’s power working within us. When we overcome temptation, it is His strength that empowers us. A consecrated life is not our own doing, but Christ living through us.

Sanctification, separation from the world, and spiritual growth are all products of God’s Spirit and His loving discipline.

In God, we find everything we need, while in ourselves, we find only sin and weakness. He is our rock and our salvation. The Word of God nourishes us only because He makes it living bread. The manna from heaven is Christ Himself, whose body and blood sustain us.

Our strength comes from Him alone. Without Jesus, we can do nothing. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, neither can we live apart from Him. Let us, like Jonah in the depths, affirm: “Salvation is of the Lord.”

Lord God, I stand before you in humble recognition of my complete dependence on you. I confess that my salvation, my spiritual growth, and every good thing in my life are gifts from your gracious hand. Forgive me for any illusion of self-sufficiency. Help me to constantly remember and live by the truth that Salvation is of the Lord. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may live a life that reflects your glory. Strengthen me to abide in you, to feed on your Word, and to trust in your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The degree to which you see your need for God is the degree to which God can use you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Living For Christ’s Return…

Good morning, everyone.

Today, let’s turn our hearts toward the profound promise of Jesus’s return, not as a distant event, but as a living reality that shapes our present.

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.  Matthew 24:44

We are creatures of anticipation, aren’t we? We meticulously plan for milestones, eagerly await celebrations, and find comfort in the rhythm of countdowns. Yet, the return of Christ defies our human need for predictability. There’s no calendar marked, no cosmic alarm set. Instead, we are left with a divine invitation: to live in a state of perpetual readiness.

This isn’t about fostering a sense of anxiety or fear, but rather  cultivating a deep, abiding awareness of God’s presence. It’s about recognizing that every moment is sacred, every interaction significant, and every opportunity a chance to reflect His love.

Think of it this way: if you knew a beloved friend was arriving unexpectedly, you wouldn’t scramble to create a facade of perfection. You’d simply open your heart, ensure your home was a place of welcome, and prepare to share genuine joy.

Similarly, Christ’s return calls us to a state of inner readiness – a heart cleansed by grace, a spirit attuned to His voice, and a life marked by authentic love.

This readiness isn’t a passive state. It’s an active, ongoing process of:
* Deepening our intimacy with God: Moving beyond surface-level religion to a vibrant, personal relationship with our Creator.
* Investing in eternal values: Focusing on relationships, service, and spiritual growth rather than fleeting material pursuits.
* Living with radical love: Extending compassion, forgiveness, and grace to those around us, mirroring Christ’s own love.
* Recognizing the urgency of the Gospel: Understanding that time is precious and using every opportunity to share the hope we have in Christ.

The question then becomes: What would truly shift in our hearts and actions if we lived each day as if it were our last, or Christ’s return was imminent? Would we hold grudges? Would we prioritize trivial matters? Or would we embrace each moment as a precious gift, filled with purpose and meaning?

Let us not merely wait for His return, but actively participate in His kingdom here and now. Let our lives be a living testimony to His love  so that those who encounter us might encounter Him.

Father, we acknowledge your sovereign timing, knowing that Jesus will return according to your perfect plan. Help us to live with a sense of holy urgency, not driven by fear, but fueled by love. Grant us the wisdom to discern your will, the courage to follow your guidance, and the compassion to love as you love. May our lives be a reflection of your glory, drawing others into your embrace. Help us to live everyday ready, and to be a light to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let your life be so intertwined with God’s that your very presence becomes an invitation to encounter Him.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Drive Through Christisnity…

Today, the drive-thru has become a modern cultural phenomenon used by banks, restaurants, coffee shops, convenient stores, car washes, and even zoos. We’re able to get what we want, when we want it without taking much time or having a real interaction with real people.

Even in Christianity, there are many teachings that treat God as if He was a drive-thru, a machine that exists to serve you. Just say the right words or formula and you’ll get what you ask for.

This is not the way to approach God, trying to get what you want from Him instead of having a relationship with Him. It’s about seeing His face.

Have you gotten more into your desires, requests, and petitions to God, then God Himself; coming to Him more to get your order filled than to relate to Him, driving past his presence instead of coming in?

It’s time to get out of your spiritual car, forget your demands and come into His presence. Because the Lord is a lot more than a burger and your relationship with Him is not a drive-thru.

You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek'”.    Psalm 27:8

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve approached you as drive-thru, seeking only to satisfy my own desires and needs. I confess that I have often focused more on what you can do for me than on who you are. I have rushed through my time with you, treating you like a means to an end, rather than the end itself. Lord, open my eyes to see your true beauty and majesty. Help me to desire your presence above all else. Teach me to linger in your love, to listen to your voice, and to truly know you. I long to seek your face, as Psalm 27:8 reminds me. Help me to set aside my demands and distraction  and to come into your presence with a heart of humility and adoration. Remove the spiritual barriers that prevent me from experiencing a genuine relationship with you. Help me to understand that you are not a vending machine but a loving Father who desires intimacy with me. Grant me the grace to step out of my “spiritual car” and to truly encounter you. May my prayers become conversations of love and devotion rather than mere requests. Thank you, Lord, for your patience and your unwavering love. I surrender my desires and my agenda to you, and I ask that you fill me with your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today, don’t seek God for what He can do for you – but seek God for God, seek His face.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

The Gift of Peace…

Good morning!! Today, let’s explore what it means to receive Christ’s perfect peace.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.   John 14:27

Have you ever noticed how quickly peace can slip through our fingers? One phone call, one news headline, one unexpected change—and suddenly our hearts are racing, our minds spinning with worry.

The world offers its version of peace—financial security, comfortable circumstances, and absence of conflict. But these are fragile foundations, easily shaken by life’s inevitable storms.

Jesus offers something radically different. In the hours before His arrest and crucifixion—when He had every human reason to be troubled—He promised His disciples a peace that defies circumstances. Not temporary relief, but His very own peace.

This isn’t just positive thinking; it’s supernatural tranquility rooted in who God is and what He’s promised. It’s the calm assurance that whatever happens, we are held. That beyond our understanding, beyond our control, beyond our fears—there is a loving Father working all things for good.

Jesus doesn’t just wish us peace—He gives it as a gift. And unlike the world’s fleeting comfort, His peace remains even when everything else is shaken.

Heavenly Father, when my heart feels troubled by circumstances beyond my control, help me receive the peace Jesus promised. Thank You that Your peace isn’t dependent on perfect situations but on Your perfect love. When worries crowd my mind, quiet my spirit with the truth that You hold all things in Your hands. Today, I choose to rest in Your peace that surpasses understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God can not give us happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼