Ed Christian's World

Unshakeable Love….

Today, let’s reflect on what it means to truly find satisfaction—not in circumstances, but in the unshakable love of God.

Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.  Psalm 90:14

Have you ever started your day feeling empty, searching for something to fill you up—whether it’s success, affirmation, or just a sense of peace? We chase after so many things, but true satisfaction doesn’t come from what we achieve or acquire. It comes from God alone.

Moses, who wrote Psalm 90, understood this. After years in the wilderness, he didn’t ask for riches, comfort, or an easier life. He prayed for something deeper—for God’s love to satisfy him. Because when our hearts are filled with His love, joy overflows no matter what the day holds.

God’s love is unwavering, present in every sunrise, every breath, and every moment of grace. When we start our day by soaking in His presence, our perspective shifts. Instead of being consumed by stress or striving, we’re anchored in joy.

So today, pause. Let His love fill the empty places in your heart. And as you rest in Him, you’ll find that joy isn’t something you chase—it’s something you receive.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love that satisfies my soul in ways nothing else can. So often, I seek fulfillment in achievements, approval, or circumstances, but only You bring true and lasting joy. Help me to start each day resting in Your presence, trusting that Your love is more than enough. Fill the empty places in my heart, Lord, and let my joy overflow—not because of what I have, but because I have You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The world looks for happiness through self-assertion. The Christian knows that joy is found in self-abandonment. ‘If a man will let himself be lost for My sake,’ Jesus said, ‘he will find his true self.’

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Clouds of Compromise….

In the Temple’s era, God’s radiant glory was veiled within the Holy of Holies. The High Priest, entering only annually, used incense to create a concealing cloud, shielding his eyes from the overwhelming divine presence. This “cloud of incense,” the Anon Ha-Ketoret, was a divinely ordained practice.

However, through Jesus’ sacrifice, the New Covenant grants us direct access to God’s presence without any obscuring veil. We are invited to enter the Holy Place boldly, with clear vision.

Yet, many believers create their own “clouds,” obscuring God’s Word with compromise and doubt. They soften its sharp edges, claiming it’s not literal, outdated, or inapplicable.

Are you creating such a cloud? This self-imposed obscurity hinders a full experience of the glorious life God intends for you. When His Word is clouded, your life becomes similarly obscured, lacking the promised radiance.

Pray without ceasing.  1 Thessalonians 5:17

Heavenly Father, I come before you today seeking clarity. I confess that at times, I have allowed doubt and compromise to cloud your Word, obscuring your truth and hindering my walk with you. I ask for your forgiveness for any way I have diminished or distorted your clear instructions. Lord, remove the clouds of uncertainty and confusion from my heart and mind. Shine your light on the areas where I have compromised, and grant me the courage to embrace your Word fully and without reservation. Help me to see your truth with clarity, to apply it with conviction, and to experience the fullness of your glorious presence. I want to live a life that reflects your glory, a life without any self-made clouds. Thank you for your unwavering love and for the direct access you have given me through Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, Amen.

To live a truly glorious life, embrace God’s Word with unwavering faith. Accept it as it is, apply it fully, and witness the transformative power of unclouded truth.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Worth Trusting…

Today, let’s embrace the truth that God’s plans are always worth trusting—even when they’re hard to see.

Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’  John 13:7

Have you ever walked through a season where nothing makes sense? You pray for healing, but the pain persists. You plead for direction, but the road ahead remains foggy. You knock on doors, but they stay firmly shut. In those moments, it’s easy to wonder, God, where are You? What are You doing?

The disciples must have felt the same confusion when Jesus knelt to wash their feet. This wasn’t the mighty, conquering King they expected. But Jesus, full of wisdom and love, reassured them: “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but later you will.”

Isn’t that the essence of faith? Trusting that God’s hand is at work, even when we can’t see it. Believing that the delays, detours, and disappointments are not dead ends but divine setups.

We may not have all the answers, but we have the Answer—Jesus. Every trial is refining us, every waiting season is shaping us, and every heartbreak is being woven into a greater story of redemption.

So if you find yourself in the in-between, hold fast to His promises. Lean into His presence. One day, in the fullness of His glory, you’ll look back and see—He was working all along.

How have past seasons of confusion revealed God’s wisdom in hindsight?

Heavenly Father, There are so many moments when I don’t understand what You’re doing. The waiting feels long, the road ahead seems uncertain, and my heart longs for answers. But even in the unknown, I choose to trust You—not because I see the full picture, but because I know You do. Thank You for Your presence in every season, for working in ways I can’t yet see. Remind me that every delay has a purpose, every trial is shaping me, and nothing is ever wasted in Your hands. Strengthen my faith, Lord. Help me to rest in Your timing, knowing that one day, I’ll look back and see—You were guiding me all along. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Your Greatest Battle…

David, a mighty warrior, faced countless battles. Yet, his most profound struggle began after his sin with Bathsheba. When the prophet Nathan revealed his transgressions, David’s heart broke, and his true battle commenced.

This wasn’t a clash of swords but a war within. He had to confront his guilt, confess his sins, and genuinely repent. Then, the hardest part: accepting God’s forgiveness, embracing His grace, and believing in His unwavering love despite his own failings. This internal conflict defined David’s remaining days.

Similarly, your most significant battle isn’t against external foes but within your own heart. It’s about maintaining a close connection with God, truly receiving His grace, and trusting in His love. It’s about believing that His forgiveness is more powerful than your mistakes.

We know David ultimately triumphed, for Scripture calls him a man after God’s own heart. May you also prevail, fighting the good fight of faith, clinging to His love, and believing in His grace, even when you feel unworthy. Like David, trust in God’s love, and you will find victory.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

Today, meditate on the boundless grace of God that covers all your sins and redeems every mistake. You are truly free.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your immeasurable grace and forgiveness. Help us to face our inner battles with the same humility and repentance as David. Grant us the strength to confess our sins, to believe in Your love, and to accept Your forgiveness. Remind us that Your grace is sufficient and that You remove our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. Help us to truly grasp the freedom found in Your love and to walk in the light of Your forgiveness. May we, like David, strive to be people after Your own heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Transformation…

Good morning! Today, let’s reflect on what it means to truly seek God’s guidance—not just for answers, but for transformation.

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Psalm 25:4

Life is a series of choices, a winding path filled with twists and turns. Maybe you’re facing a decision that weighs heavy on your heart, or perhaps it’s just the quiet whisper of “what now?” That keeps you awake at night. In these moments of uncertainty, David’s prayer in Psalm 25:4 becomes our own: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.”

This isn’t just a prayer for major life decisions—it’s an invitation to walk with God in every step. When we pray these words, we’re acknowledging that His wisdom far surpasses our own. We’re choosing to trust the One who sees the path from beginning to end.

The beautiful truth is that God’s paths aren’t just directions—they’re invitations into a deeper relationship with Him. Every step becomes an opportunity to know His heart, to experience His faithfulness, to discover His perfect love. Though His ways may sometimes seem mysterious, they always lead to life in all its fullness. Our steps become less about control and more about trust, less about our plans, and more about His purpose.

So today, whatever crossroads you face, remember: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. He’s not just pointing the way—He’s walking with you every step of the journey.

What decision in your life needs God’s guidance right now?

How might your paths look different if you truly followed God’s ways?

Heavenly Father, sometimes, I feel so lost, so unsure of which way to go. But I know that Your wisdom is perfect, Your ways are good. So today, I echo David’s prayer: show me Your way, Lord. Teach me your paths. Give me the courage to follow Your lead, even when the road is unclear. I trust that as I walk in obedience, you’ll guide me to a place far better than I could find on my own. Thank You for being a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The will of God will not take us where the grace of God can not sustain us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Finding Your Calling…

My journey to ministry was a winding one.  While studying environmental physiology, I received a clear call to serve.  After graduation, I searched for the right path, but nothing seemed to fit. 

Finally, I prayed, “Lord, give me a job You would do.”  Surprisingly, I found myself working with children with disabilities.  Although I knew this wasn’t my ultimate calling, I spent a few years teaching Bible studies and ministering to the homeless, yet the ministry I envisioned remained elusive. 

Then, seemingly overnight, I was entrusted with the leadership of a Bible Study Class, and I started writing devotionals.  It appeared to happen suddenly, but in reality, God had been faithfully preparing me for all those years, teaching me faithfulness in the small things. This is my calling.

Perhaps your life feels confusing, or you feel forgotten by God.  Take heart.  He hasn’t forgotten you. He’s with you now, working behind the scenes for your good. Trust in Him completely. Find joy in His love, and He will fulfill the desires He’s placed in your heart. 

As it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”

Today, rest in His presence and the knowledge that He holds your future in His loving hands.

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness, even when I don’t see it.  Thank you for the winding paths and the lessons learned in the waiting.  Help me to trust in your timing and to delight in your love.  Show me the desires you’ve placed in my heart and guide me towards the future you have planned for me.  I trust in your promise that you will surely bring it to pass. Amen.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Exercising The Golden Rule….

Good morning! Today, let’s explore how living out the Golden Rule can transform our world, one interaction at a time.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.  Matthew 7:12

Have you ever wished someone would see your struggle without you having to say a word? That they’d extend patience when you were overwhelmed, grace when you fell short, kindness when you least deserved it?

Now imagine if, instead of waiting for that kind of love, you gave it first.

That’s the radical beauty of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:12: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.”

This isn’t just a feel-good suggestion—it’s a call to live like Jesus. It means choosing love when indifference is easier. Offering forgiveness when revenge feels justified. Seeing people not as they are in their worst moments, but as God sees them—broken, yet beloved.

And isn’t that exactly what Christ did for us? He didn’t wait for us to be worthy. He loved first. He forgave first. He served first. He sacrificed first.

The Golden Rule isn’t just about treating people well; it’s about mirroring the very heart of God. When we love first, we break the cycle of selfishness. When we serve first, we bring heaven to earth. When we choose grace, we reveal Jesus in a world starving for Him.

So today, don’t wait for kindness—initiate it. Don’t hold back grace—lavish it. Love, not because it’s earned, but because it’s who Jesus is. And when you do, you won’t just be following a rule—you’ll be fulfilling the Gospel itself.

• In what situation today could you take the initiative to show love first?
• How might your relationships change if you treated others not as they deserve, but as you wish to be treated?

Loving Father, Thank You for showing me what true love looks like through Jesus. When loving others feels hard, remind me of the patient, relentless love You’ve shown me. When I want to wait for someone else to take the first step, help me remember that You always moved first. Give me the courage to choose kindness over judgment, grace over resentment, and love over indifference. Let my life reflect the love You so freely pour out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To love another person is to see the face of God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Resistance and Surrender…

In the beginning of WWII, the French defensive lines collapsed. A war hero from WWI, Marshall Pétain, became Prime Minister, surrendered to the Nazis, and led a collaborationist government.

Convinced that Germany had won the war, the government saw its mission as that of adapting France towards submission to Hitler. Thus, they began rounding up Jews to be sent to the concentration camps.

The Nazis increasingly drained France of its natural resources and its people. By November of 1942, the Vichy government was nothing but a puppet regime of the Nazis. When the war was over, the collaborators were put to shame.

The judgment of their nation and their history fell against them. Pétain, once a national hero, was put in prison where he died. This is a powerful lesson: there is no compromise or collaborating with the enemy no matter what it looks like or how hopeless it seems. Resist sin, resist temptation, resist evil, and it will flee.

Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:9

Is there any area of your life where you’re collaborating with the enemy?  Where are you making compromises that chip away at your integrity, your values, or your faith?  Perhaps it’s a small compromise, a seemingly insignificant bending of the rules.  But like the Vichy government, these small compromises can pave the way for larger surrenders. Today choose to resist. 

Choose the difficult path of integrity, even when it seems hopeless.  Remember the words of 1 Peter 5:9: “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” You are not alone in this struggle.

Lord, I confess that there are times when I compromise, when I collaborate with the “enemy” – whether it’s the temptation to cut corners, to gossip, to prioritize my comfort over doing what is right, or to give in to despair.  I see the example of those who resisted even in the face of overwhelming odds, and I ask for the strength to do the same.  Help me to recognize the areas where I am falling short, where I am making excuses for my weakness.  Give me the courage to stand firm in my faith, to resist the temptations that pull me away from you.  Help me to fight the good fight, knowing that with you, victory is assured.  Amen.

Fight the good fight, and you will win in the end. Viva la resistance!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Cultivation of Contentment…

The saying “Ill weeds grow apace” aptly illustrates that contentment is not inherent to human nature.  Covetousness, discontent, and murmuring spring forth as readily as thorns from the soil.  They are, unfortunately, our natural inclination. 

This aligns with the wisdom found in Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” 

The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:11, declares, “I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.”  This statement reveals that contentment is not an innate quality but a learned skill, a cultivated virtue.  Just as thistles and brambles grow without cultivation, complaints arise effortlessly. 

However, the “precious things,” like contentment, require deliberate effort.  They are akin to the flowers of heaven, needing careful tending and nurturing to blossom within us.  It is the new nature, born of faith, that can truly produce this grace, and even then, constant vigilance is required.

Paul’s own words, “I have learned…to be content,” suggest a journey, a process of growth and understanding.  He implies a time when he lacked this contentment, a struggle to grasp this profound truth.  It likely involved moments of perceived mastery followed by setbacks. 

His ultimate declaration of contentment came late in life, as an aged prisoner confined to Nero’s harsh dungeon in Rome.  This context underscores the depth and power of his statement.  It wasn’t born of ease or comfort, but of hardship and trial.

We should not deceive ourselves into thinking contentment comes easily, either through mere intellectual understanding or without disciplined practice.  It is not a natural ability but an acquired skill, a science learned gradually through experience. 

Therefore, we must actively resist the natural inclination to murmur and complain.  We must strive to be diligent students in the “College of Content,” constantly learning and growing in this essential grace.

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge my natural tendency towards discontent and murmuring. I confess that true contentment is a gift, a fruit of the Spirit, and a skill I must learn.  Help me to cultivate this virtue within myself.  Grant me the patience and discipline to learn from your Word and from the example of Paul, who learned contentment even in the midst of hardship.  Quiet the complaining voice within me and replace it with gratitude and trust in your provision.  May I, like Paul, learn in whatever state I am, to be content, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Power of Loving Grace…

Good morning,

As we begin this new day, let’s focus on the powerful, life-changing love that God calls us to share.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Peter’s message is clear: love isn’t just a feeling. It’s a conscious choice.  Deep love means loving beyond imperfections and errors, forgiving and healing.  It’s a strong love that doesn’t excuse sin but rather graciously forgives, just as God forgives us.

Every day presents us with choices in how we interact with others—family, friends, or even strangers. We can choose to focus on faults, or we can choose to cover them with love.  It’s about offering support instead of judgment, building connections instead of creating divisions.

Today, let’s commit to this incredible love. Let’s choose to see the good in others and offer grace.  By practicing this transformative love, we’ll not only impact the world around us, but we’ll also become a reflection of God’s unconditional love—a love that changes lives and truly covers a multitude of sins.

Does your love reflect God’s grace, offering hope and transformation to those you encounter?

Dear God, Help me to embrace Your call to deep love, seeing beyond the obvious flaws and mistakes we all make.  Give me a generous heart that sees the potential in others, just as you see it in me.  Empower me to offer kindness instead of criticism and to build bridges instead of walls. As I live this day, let me be a peacemaker in a world that’s often divided, reflecting Your transformative love in every interaction.  May my actions not only heal others but also transform my own heart to be more like Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The source of our deepest wounds is often love.  Love, despite its power, can cause immense pain when it’s obstructed.  In these moments, we face a critical decision:  Do we extinguish the love to end the pain, thereby losing a part of ourselves? Or do we seek divine intervention, trusting that God can open a new pathway for that love to heal and grow?

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼