Ed Christian's World

Swimming Upstream…

Like salmon, instinctively driven to return to their birthplace, we as believers are called to swim against the current.  We’re meant to navigate the flow of the world, the flesh, the pull of sin, hate, discouragement, and darkness. 

We have the potential for a miraculous life, empowered to journey upstream.  Just as salmon face obstacles, the enemy will try to divert us, to trap our potential, our blessings, our ministry, our joy, our victory – to put us in a “can,” so to speak, preventing us from reaching our God-given destination. 

But God’s Word remains true, and His power is ever-present.  We have the power of the Holy Spirit within us to overcome, to break free from those “cans” and swim against the flow, realizing our full potential.  Our calling is to journey upward, always taking the higher step.

Lord, thank you for the power of your Holy Spirit that dwells within me.  I recognize the currents of this world that seek to pull me away from your purpose.  I acknowledge the enemy’s attempts to confine my potential and steal the blessings you have prepared for me.  I choose today to swim against the flow, to resist the temptations of the flesh and the darkness that surrounds me.  Empower me, Lord, to take the higher step, to journey upward, and to fulfill the miraculous potential you have placed within me.  Help me to break free from any “cans” that hold me back and to reach the destination you have ordained for my life.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s choose today to set our hearts on that upward path.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Created For Purpose

As we begin this day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible world God has woven for us.  Look around you – the intricate details of a flower, the vastness of the sky, the simple act of breathing – all are testaments to His creative power.

Colossians 1:16 beautifully articulates this truth: “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.” 

This verse isn’t just about the grand cosmic scale; it’s profoundly personal. It means you were created by God, through Him, and for Him.

In a world that often makes us feel insignificant or lost, this is a radical truth.  We can easily get caught up in the daily grind, the pressures, and the uncertainties, and we lose sight of our inherent value. 

But Colossians reminds us that we are not accidents or afterthoughts.  We are deliberately crafted, each with a unique purpose that only we can fulfill.  Think about that for a moment.  Out of all the possibilities, God chose to create you.

When life feels overwhelming, when we question our worth or our path, we can anchor ourselves in this divine truth.  Our value isn’t determined by our achievements, our circumstances, or the opinions of others.  It’s rooted in the very fact that we are God’s creation.  He sees us, He knows us, and He loves us unconditionally.

This understanding should empower us.  It should give us the courage to live authentically, to embrace our gifts, and to pursue the purpose God has placed within our hearts.  We are not just cogs in a machine; we are integral parts of a magnificent story – God’s story.  And within that grand narrative, our lives have profound meaning.

Dear God, thank you for the breathtaking world you have created and for the even more breathtaking truth that I am a part of it.  Forgive me for the times I forget my worth, for the moments I feel lost or insignificant.  Your Word reminds me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, created with intention and love.  Help me to see myself as you see me, to recognize the unique purpose you have placed within me.  Guide me to walk in that purpose, to use my gifts for your glory, and to live a life that reflects your love.  In moments of doubt, remind me of your unwavering presence and your deep affection.  Thank you for being my Creator, my Redeemer, and my constant companion.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense. Let that truth resonate within you today and every day.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Anointing Meets Appointing…

Like David, who was anointed king but then returned to tending sheep, your preparation is just as important as your calling.  God plants the dream within you, but the actual appointment often follows a period of growth and development. 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Don’t underestimate the significance of where you are now.  Even if it seems small or insignificant, faithfulness and a positive attitude are key.  Continue doing what’s right, even when you don’t see immediate results.  You are growing, becoming stronger, and building character. 

Each test you pass brings you closer to the moment your anointing meets your appointing.  Just as David was propelled into his destiny after proving himself, God will propel you too.  It may happen faster than you anticipate.  Don’t lose heart if the journey feels long.  Your time is coming.

When preparation meets opportunity, supernatural things happen—supernatural increase, supernatural growth, and supernatural favor. God can redeem lost time and propel you beyond your own abilities.

Father, thank You for the anointing and the appointing You have placed in my life. Thank You for the process of preparation that leads to my appointed time. I believe You have amazing things in store for me, things that will overwhelm me with their goodness and propel me forward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

To Him Be The Glory…

Heaven will be full of the ceaseless praises of Jesus. Eternity! thine unnumbered years shall speed their everlasting course, but forever and forever, “to him be glory.”

To him be glory both now and forever.” — 2 Peter 3:18

Is he not a “priest forever after the order of Melchizedek”? “To him be glory.” Is he not king ever?-King of kings and Lord of lords, the everlasting Father? “To him be glory forever.”

Never shall his praises cease. That which was bought with blood deserves to last while immortality endures. The glory of the cross must never be eclipsed; the luster of the grave and of the resurrection must never be dimmed. O Jesus! thou shalt be praised forever.

Long as immortal spirits live-long as the Father’s throne endures-for ever, forever, unto thee shall be glory. Believer, you are anticipating the time when you shall join the saints above in ascribing all glory to Jesus; but are you glorifying him now?

The apostle’s words are, “To him be glory both now and forever.” Will you not this day make it your prayer?

Lord, help me to glorify thee; I am poor, help me to glorify thee by contentment; I am sick, help me to give thee honour by patience; I have talents, help me to extol thee by spending them for thee; I have time, Lord, help me to redeem it, that I may serve thee; I have a heart to feel, Lord, let that heart feel no love but thine, and glow with no flame but affection for thee; I have a head to think, Lord, help me to think of thee and for thee; thou hast put me in this world for something, Lord, show me what that is, and help me to work out my life-purpose: I cannot do much, but as the widow put in her two mites, which were all her living, so, Lord, I cast my time and eternity too into thy treasury; I am all thine; take me, and ! enable me to glorify thee now, in all that I say, in all that I do, and with all that I have.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

In All We Do…

As we begin this day, let’s turn our hearts to the wise words of Ecclesiastes 5:2. May this verse guide our thoughts, our words, and our actions as we seek to honor God in all we do.

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so let your words be few.  Ecclesiastes 5:2

In our world that often celebrates quick wit and clever comebacks, Ecclesiastes 5:2 offers a counter-cultural invitation: to approach God with reverence, to speak with intention, and to listen with humility.

This reminds us that when we come before God, we are stepping into the presence of the Almighty, the One who dwells in heavenly places. In light of His majesty, our posture should be one of awe and reverence, not hasty speech or impulsive promises.

This call to let our words be few is not a command to remain silent, but rather an invitation to weigh our words carefully, to speak from a place of sincerity and truth. It’s a reminder that God is more interested in the condition of our hearts than the eloquence of our speech.

As we navigate the joys and challenges of this day, let’s approach God with a heart that is quick to listen, slow to speak, and eager to honor Him in all we say and do. Let’s remember that in the presence of the King of Kings, our words matter, but our hearts matter even more.

In what areas of your life do you need to practice speaking less and listening more?

How can you cultivate a heart that approaches God with reverence and sincerity?

Dear Heavenly Father, as I come before You today, filled with awe and reverence, I ask for forgiveness for times I’ve spoken hastily or carelessly in Your presence. Teach me to approach You with humility, weighing my words and speaking from a place of sincerity and truth. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and always eager to honor You. May my words be few, but deeply felt, and may my heart always reflect Your grace and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Before you speak, it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Zip Up The Negative…

When Gabriel announced to Zechariah that he and his wife, Elizabeth, were destined to have a baby named John, Zechariah questioned how it was possible. They had prayed for a child for years, but Elizabeth was barren and too old. It’s easy to settle for who you are instead of believing for who you can become.

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words. Luke 1:19–20

Too often we get comfortable with what is when God has more for us. For nine months, Zechariah was silenced. God knew if he went around saying, “It’s never going to happen,” the promise would not come to pass.

You can talk yourself out of your blessing. When you hear your destiny calling, you may not see how it can happen, but do yourself a favor and zip that up. Don’t go around talking about how it’s not going to work out.

If you stay in agreement with God, all the forces of darkness cannot stop it from happening. God will open doors that no man can shut.

He’ll turn situations around that look impossible. He is saying you can become something greater. Don’t settle where you are.

Father, thank You for the promises You have spoken to my spirit. Thank You that I can speak words of faith that agree with Your promises and give them the right to come to pass. I will zip up my doubts and use my words to invite good things into my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Sonship and Suffering…

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.” Consider who we were, and what we feel ourselves to be even now when corruption is powerful in us, and you will wonder at our adoption. Yet we are called “the sons of God.”

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” — 1 John 3:1,2

What a high relationship is that of a son, and what privileges it brings! What care and tenderness the son expects from his father, and what love the father feels towards the son! But all that, and more than that, we now have through Christ.

As for the temporary drawback of suffering with the elder brother, this we accept as an honour: “Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” We are content to be unknown with him in his humiliation, for we are to be exalted with him. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.”

That is easy to read, but it is not so easy to feel. How is it with your heart this morning? Are you in the lowest depths of sorrow? Does corruption rise within your spirit, and grace seem like a poor spark trampled under foot? Does your faith almost fail you?

Fear not, it is neither your graces nor feelings on which you are to live: you must live simply by faith on Christ. With all these things against us, now-in the very depths of our sorrow, wherever we may be-now, as much in the valley as on the mountain, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” “Ah, but,” you say, “see how I am arrayed! my graces are not bright; my righteousness does not shine with apparent glory.”

But read the next: “It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him.” The Holy Spirit shall purify our minds, and divine power shall refine our bodies, then shall we see him as he is.

O Lord, how astonishing is Your love!  It surpasses all understanding, that You, the Creator of the universe, would call us, flawed and struggling as we are, Your children.  We marvel at this adoption, this incredible privilege of being sons and daughters of God.  Forgive us for the times when we forget this truth, when we allow our circumstances or our internal struggles to cloud our vision of Your boundless grace.  Help us to live in the reality of this relationship, drawing strength and comfort from Your unwavering love.  Even in the depths of sorrow, when corruption seems to overwhelm us, remind us that “now are we the sons of God.”  We cling to this promise, not in our own strength, but by faith in Jesus Christ.  We look forward to the day when we shall be like Him, transformed by Your glorious power.  Thank you, Father, for this unspeakable gift.  Amen.

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Expressing Gratitude…

Today, let us unwrap the gift of gratitude—an attitude that God instructs us to maintain not just in seasons of abundance but in every season of life.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Gratitude can feel impossible when life feels loud—when the to-do list never ends, relationships strain, or the weight of the world presses down. Yet here’s the quiet miracle of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 : God isn’t asking us to fake thankfulness. He’s inviting us to find it, like wildflowers blooming through cracked pavement.

Think about Paul—he wrote these words not from comfort, but amid persecution, shipwrecks, and prison cells. His gratitude wasn’t rooted in his circumstances; it was anchored in who God is. He thanked Him for the breath in his lungs, the friends who stayed loyal, and the hope that refused to fade. Gratitude, for Paul, wasn’t a fleeting feeling—it was a choice to see God’s faithfulness even in chaos.

Today, your “thank You” might look simple: whispering it over burnt toast because you have food, naming one good thing before bed after a hard day, or thanking God for the person who challenges you—they’re teaching you grace. Gratitude doesn’t erase pain, but it shifts our focus. It opens our eyes to see God working, even in the mess. And in that posture of trust, we discover His presence is enough.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your daily gifts—the breath in my lungs, the love of family and friends, Your endless grace that finds me every morning. In seasons of abundance and in times of need, help me see Your goodness woven through each moment. Plant gratitude so deep in my heart that it transforms how I see everything, drawing me closer to Your loving heart with every “thank you.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Is it so hard if you used one to say ‘thank you’?

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Ruining Living Funerals…

We often think of special occasions as sacred, times that should be protected from anything that might spoil them.  We’re taught that ruining these moments is wrong. But is that truly a Biblical perspective?

Consider the story of Jesus and the funeral.  Everyone had prepared, dressed in their best, brought food, and created a somber atmosphere.  It was a significant occasion, a time of mourning.  And then Jesus arrived and, in a sense, “ruined” it.

Jesus is in the business of disrupting funerals.  He challenges the finality of death and offers hope beyond the grave.  If we follow Him, we should also be in the business of disrupting “living funerals.” 

These are the funerals people hold for themselves throughout their lives – funerals of self-pity, bitterness, anger, sorrow, and loss.
Our mission, as followers of Christ, is to disrupt these living funerals.  How? 

Just as Jesus did: through compassion, through prayer, through miracles (both big and small), by touching lives with God’s love, through healing, and through the promise of resurrection.  There are likely “funerals” happening all around us, even now. 

We are called to act.  Empowered by Jesus, we can bring life where there is death, hope where there is despair. We can ruin those funerals with the transformative power of God’s love.

We are Easter people living in a Good Friday world.

Lord Jesus, we thank you for the power you have over death, both physical and spiritual.  We ask that you open our eyes to the “living funerals” happening around us.  Give us the courage and compassion to disrupt them, to bring your light and love into those places of darkness. Empower us to offer hope, healing, and the promise of resurrection, just as you did.  Help us to be agents of your love, transforming lives, and “ruining” despair.  Amen.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in.  John 11:25-26

Today, ruin some funerals and subvert the enemy’s plans to destroy someone by sharing the love of Jesus with them.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Handling Grief…

Today, let’s discover how God meets us in our deepest sorrows.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

Grief can feel like an unwelcome guest—heavy, disorienting, and isolating. Maybe you’re mourning a devastating loss, carrying a shattered dream, or just feeling worn down by the ache of a broken world. But in the midst of that pain, Jesus speaks words that seem almost contradictory: ‘Blessed are those who mourn.’ Blessed? How?

Because God meets us right there—in the rawness of our sorrow. He isn’t distant or waiting for us to get it together. He weeps with us (John 11:35). He holds us. When mourning cracks us open, it makes room for His comfort, deeper than words, steadier than the sunrise.

Your tears are not a sign of weak faith—they’re an invitation into God’s heart. Mourning isn’t failure; it’s sacred ground where God works His most tender miracles. In the depths of our grief, He whispers, ‘I’m here. I see you. Let Me hold you.’

Today, if your heart feels heavy, know this: You’re not forgotten. You’re not abandoned. You’re being held by the One who turns every tear into a testimony of His love. And in His embrace, even your deepest sorrow becomes a doorway to hope and restoration.

Reflect on these questions as you ponder what you just read:

What sorrows have I been trying to run from rather than bringing to God?
How might God be offering His comfort in the very places that hurt the most?

Precious Father, there’s such comfort in knowing You draw closest when our hearts are most broken. Thank You for catching every tear, for sitting with me in the raw moments when words fail and pain feels overwhelming. When grief weighs heavy, help me remember You’re not waiting for me to “be strong”—You’re already here, holding every piece of my shattered heart. Thank You that I can come to You exactly as I am, with all my questions and aches. Wrap me in Your tender comfort, whisper Your love into my deepest hurts. Transform these tears into testimony, not by rushing past the pain but by walking through it with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sometimes, when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼