Ed Christian's World

Serving With a Grateful Heart…

This verse is a powerful reminder that our service to others should stem from a heart of devotion to God. It’s not about seeking recognition or praise from people but about honoring God through our actions. When we serve with this mindset, our service becomes an act of worship, and we can trust that God will reward us for our faithfulness.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. – Ephesians 6:7-8

But how can we cultivate this heart of service? How can we ensure that our efforts are truly motivated by love for God and others? Here are a few reflections to consider:

Start with Self-Care: It may seem counterintuitive, but taking care of ourselves is essential for effective service. When we are physically, emotionally, and spiritually depleted, we have little to offer others. Make sure you are prioritizing your own well-being so that you can serve from a place of abundance, not depletion.

Cultivate Humility: True service is rooted in humility. It’s about recognizing that we are all equal in God’s eyes and that we are called to serve one another, regardless of our status or position. Let go of pride and embrace a servant’s heart, willing to do whatever is needed to help others.

Serve with Joy: Service should not be a burden but a joy. When we serve with a cheerful attitude, it not only blesses those we serve but also fills our own hearts with joy. Remember that serving others is a privilege, not an obligation.

Focus on the Heart: Ultimately, serving others is about the heart. It’s about genuinely caring for others and wanting to make a positive impact on their lives. Let your service flow from a place of love and compassion, and trust that God will use your efforts to bless others.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of serving others. Help me to cultivate a heart of humility and to serve with joy and sincerity. Show me where you want me to serve and guide me in using my gifts and talents to make a difference. May my service be a reflection of my love for you and a blessing to those I serve. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As we go about our day, let us remember that every act of service, no matter how small, is an opportunity to honor God and make a difference in the lives of others. May our service be a reflection of our love for God and a testament to His grace in our lives.

We too often love things and use people when we should be using things and loving people.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Walking With Angels: A Deeper Embrace

Good morning,

As we step into this new day, let us be mindful of the profound truth: the God who fashioned the universe has dispatched His heavenly host to accompany us on our journey. His protection isn’t a distant concept; it’s a deeply personal, ever-present promise woven into the fabric of our lives.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.  Psalm 91:11

David, the shepherd king, penned these words not from abstract theology but from the crucible of lived experience.  He knew the chilling roar of the lion seeking his flock, the daunting shadow of Goliath, and the suffocating fear of pursuit in the wilderness.  David understood what it meant to cling to God’s unwavering protection.

Consider this: the very same celestial beings who illuminated the night sky with joyous announcements at Christ’s birth, who with divine power rolled back the stone of His tomb – these are the warriors commissioned to watch over you. 

They are heaven’s elite guard, dispatched by the King of Kings Himself to safeguard your path, each and every step of the way.

This divine guardianship doesn’t insulate us from life’s storms. Trials will inevitably arise, as they did for David.  But within those turbulent valleys, amidst the fiercest battles, we possess an unshakeable assurance: we are never, truly, alone. 

Let this profound truth resonate within the depths of your soul today: you are shielded by the mightiest of heaven’s forces, at the behest of a Father whose love for you transcends all comprehension.

Divine Father, There are days when the conflicts surrounding me seem overwhelming, and my own strength feels utterly inadequate. Yet, I am anchored by the knowledge that I do not face these challenges alone. I thank You for the presence of Your powerful angels – those who sang at the dawn of Christ’s arrival and stood as sentinels at His glorious resurrection. When fear threatens to engulf me, remind me that I am cradled in Your unwavering love, protected by the might of heaven. May this awareness bring tranquility to my heart and infuse me with courage, knowing that with You, no challenge is insurmountable, because Your love for me is boundless. In the sacred name of Jesus, Amen.

The same eternal Father who tenderly cares for you today will extend that same unwavering care tomorrow, and every day thereafter.  He will either shield you from the pain of suffering, or He will bestow upon you the indomitable strength to endure it.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Limitations…

In Daniel 3, when three Hebrew teenagers refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol, he was so furious that he had their hands and feet bound with ropes and had them thrown into a fiery furnace.

They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. Daniel 3:27

But the only things that were burned in the fire were the ropes that bound them. The fire was meant to stop them, but all it did was separate them from their limitations. It didn’t scar them or destroy them; it made them better.

They came out with a new confidence, with a greater trust in God, and with far greater influence.  Sometimes God will take you into a fiery furnace to refine you, to make you stronger, to burn off your limitations and prepare you for a new level of your destiny.

As the Hebrew teenagers did, when you’re in the fire, you can stay in peace, knowing that God is with you and He will make you fireproof. The fire of disappointment is not the end. The loss, the sickness, or the breakup is not how your story concludes. You’re going to come out better.

“Father, thank You for Your promise to be with me through the fire and flames. Even when life doesn’t make sense, I choose to trust in You and believe that You are working behind the scenes for my good. I believe that You are burning off whatever is limiting me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

The fire you’re going through isn’t meant to destroy you, it’s meant to refine you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Daily Provision…

Good morning. Today, let’s discover the profound peace found in God’s daily provision.

Give us today our daily bread.  Matthew 6:11

Isn’t it fascinating how our relationship with time shapes our peace? We live in a world obsessed with “more” and “later”—savings accounts for next year, pantries stocked for next month, minds racing toward tomorrow. Yet here, in Matthew 6:11, Jesus offers us the secret to true peace: “Give us today our daily bread.”

Notice He doesn’t teach us to pray, “Give me enough for next month,” or “Prepare everything I’ll ever need.” Instead, He invites us into something far more intimate—a daily conversation, a daily trust, a daily discovery of God’s provision. Each sunrise brings fresh mercy; each moment carries new grace.

This isn’t about neglecting wisdom or abandoning planning—it’s about finding freedom in knowing that the same God who holds the stars in place also holds your needs in His hands. Today’s challenges are met with today’s strength. Today’s hunger is satisfied with today’s bread.

When we embrace this truth, something shifts inside us. Our shoulders lighten from carrying burdens meant for another day. Our hearts settle into the rhythm of God’s care, discovering that His daily provision is far sweeter than tomorrow’s worries.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing every worry in my heart—the ones I speak out loud and the ones I hold inside. When tomorrow feels overwhelming and I’m tempted to carry more than today’s load, remind me of Your faithful care that never fails. Help me trust that each morning brings fresh grace from Your hand. Where I see uncertainty, show me Your provision. Where fear creeps in, fill me with Your peace. Thank You for caring about every detail of my life and meeting me right where I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God may allow us at times to hit rock bottom, to show us He’s the rock-at the bottom.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Steven’s Vision and Our Calling..

In the book of Acts, Stephen’s vision is a powerful testament to the unwavering faith that can sustain us even in the most terrifying moments.  Facing a violent death, he doesn’t see an absent or uncaring God. Instead, he sees Jesus, not seated in serene majesty, but standing. 

This detail is significant. It suggests an active acknowledgment, a rising in honor of Stephen’s steadfastness.  It’s as if Jesus Himself is bearing witness to Stephen’s courageous witness, a witness so powerful it moves the Son of God to stand in solidarity.

This image resonates deeply with our own lives. We all face challenges, moments where our faith is tested.  We may feel alone, abandoned, or even question the presence of God in our struggles. But Stephen’s vision reminds us that even in those dark times, Jesus is present, watching, and, in a very real sense, standing with us. 

He sees our struggles, our faithfulness, and our love.  And just as He honored Stephen, He honors us when we strive to live lives worthy of His calling.

Proverbs 15:33 “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor,” further illuminates this concept.  Stephen’s humility, his willingness to submit to God’s will even unto death, is precisely what earns him this extraordinary honor. 

It’s not about seeking accolades or recognition, but about living a life of faithful obedience, a life rooted in the fear (reverence) of the Lord.  This kind of humble devotion is what truly moves the heart of God.

Let us, like Stephen, strive to live lives of unwavering faith and humble service. Let us live in such a way that our Teacher, Jesus, might be proud of us, that our lives might be a testament to His grace and love.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the powerful example of Stephen’s faithfulness. Thank you for the reassurance that you are always present with us, even in our darkest moments.  Help us to cultivate the same unwavering faith and humility that marked his life.  May we live each day in a way that honors you, that reflects your love and grace, and that would make you proud.  Help us to remember that true honor comes from serving you faithfully, not from seeking worldly recognition.  We ask this in your holy name. Amen.

Live this day in a way worthy of causing your Teacher to be proud of you… even to get out of His seat.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Time To Surrender…

Today, let’s reflect on the truth of Romans 10:9—a promise of salvation that is as simple as it is transformative.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  Romans 10:9

Romans 10:9 is a pivotal verse in Christian theology, outlining the path to salvation. Let’s break it down:

* “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’…” This emphasizes the importance of public confession. It’s not enough to simply believe in your heart; you must also express that belief outwardly. This declaration signifies a recognition of Jesus’ authority and a commitment to follow him.

* “… and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead…” This highlights the core of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Believing in the resurrection is acknowledging Jesus’ victory over death and accepting his divine nature.

* “…you will be saved.” This is the promise of salvation for those who fulfill the two conditions: confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in his resurrection. Salvation implies forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life with God.

In essence, Romans 10:9 teaches that salvation is a gift freely offered to all who acknowledge Jesus as Lord and believe in his resurrection. It’s a call to both inward faith and outward declaration, a complete surrender to Christ, and acceptance of his divine role in our lives.

Have you ever whispered, “Jesus, help me” in a moment of desperation? Or breathed a quiet “Thank You” when grace washed over you? Those raw, unfiltered prayers are glimpses of faith breaking through—and they’re closer to the heart of Romans 10:9 than we might realize.

This verse reveals that salvation isn’t about flawless performance or perfect words. It’s about surrender. When we declare “Jesus is Lord,” we’re joining heaven’s eternal anthem, embracing the power that overcomes our deepest fears and failures. The same force that burst through death’s chains and rolled away the stone now lives within us, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary testimonies.

When genuine belief meets honest declaration, heaven’s power flows through our daily lives, turning every whispered prayer and quiet act of faith into an echo of resurrection victory. This is the revolution of grace—where our salvation rests not on our striving, but on His finished work; not in what we achieve, but in Who we receive.

It’s time to ask yourself:

How can I let my everyday moments become bold declarations of faith?

What small step can I take today to let my genuine “Jesus is Lord” shine?

Life is so short, and we are not promised tomorrow, so how we answer these simple questions just may open our hearts to His light.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing every whisper of my heart—the declarations of faith that sometimes tremble on my lips and the quiet prayers I breathe in the dark. When my voice feels small, remind me that Your power—the very power that burst through death’s chains and conquered the grave—lives within me. Draw my heart deeper into this beautiful truth. Where I hesitate, give me courage; where I doubt, strengthen my faith. Let my life become a living testimony of what happens when simple trust meets Your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If man had his way, the plan of redemption would be an endless and bloody conflict. In reality, salvation was bought not by Jesus’ fist but by His nail-pierced hands; not by muscle but by love; not by vengeance but by forgiveness; not by force but by sacrifice. Jesus Christ, our Lord surrendered in order that He might win; He destroyed His enemies by dying for them and conquered death by allowing death to conquer Him.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Jesus is our Rabbi

The Jewish people revere their spiritual leaders as Rabbis.  It may surprise some, but Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, was also a Rabbi. He, whose crucifixion became the most recognized symbol globally, was a Rabbi. 

We should never hesitate to share the Gospel with Jewish people because Jesus is their Rabbi, first and foremost, and they need Him.

If Jesus, or Yeshua as He is known in Hebrew, is our spiritual leader, what does that make us? Through faith, we are adopted into God’s family and become part of Israel, the Jewish people. The Rabbi of Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, Calvary, and the empty tomb is our Rabbi. 

Jesus, the Rabbi of Rabbis, is our Rabbi.
Therefore, we should share the Good News with Jewish people, receiving the same blessing ourselves. 

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19

As it is written in Isaiah 49:6, “It is too small a thing for you to be merely a servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have preserved. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”  This reminds us of the expansive reach of Jesus’s message and our role in sharing it.

Dear Lord, we thank you for revealing yourself to us through your Son, Jesus, our Rabbi. We recognize His role in the lineage of Jewish teachers and spiritual leaders. We lift up the Jewish people to you, praying that they may recognize Yeshua as their Messiah, their Rabbi, and their Savior. Open their hearts to the truth of the Gospel.  Help us, as believers, to share your love and the message of salvation with them, with sensitivity and understanding.  May they come to know the fullness of your grace and the joy of belonging to your family. We also pray for ourselves that we may live lives worthy of the calling we have received, as members of your household and fellow citizens with the saints. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Let us embrace the truth that Jesus is our Rabbi and that we are part of Israel. Let us pray for the salvation of His chosen people.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

What If…

If you choose not to accept Jesus as your Savior, the Bible teaches that you remain separated from God. This separation is spiritual and eternal, meaning you can not experience the fullness of God’s love and forgiveness, nor can you enter His presence in heaven after death. 

This isn’t God’s desire, but the consequence of our choices.  As Romans 3:23 tells us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and Hebrews 9:27 states, “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”

The Bible describes this separation as a state of darkness and suffering, often referred to as hell. It’s not just a place of punishment but a state of being cut off from the source of all goodness and life. 

Imagine a light switch turned off – the darkness isn’t a thing itself, but the absence of light.  Similarly, hell is the absence of God’s presence, the source of all light and love.

However, it’s crucial to remember that God is a loving and merciful God.  He doesn’t desire for anyone to be separated from Him.  As 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

That’s why He sent Jesus, His Son, to bridge the gap caused by our sins. John 3:16-17 beautifully expresses this: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

By accepting Jesus, you can receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God, experiencing His love and eternal life.  He offers us a way out of the darkness and into His marvelous light.

Lord Jesus, I understand that I am a sinner and separated from you. I believe that you are the Son of God and that you died for my sins and rose again. I turn away from my sin and ask for your forgiveness. I invite you to come into my life and be my Lord and Savior.  Thank you for your love and grace. Help me to live a life that pleases you. Amen.

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.  John 3:36

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Sharing Our Faith…

Good morning!

Today, let’s reflect on the power of the gospel—a message so transformative that it changes lives, including yours.

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  Romans 1:16

We’ve all faced moments when sharing our faith feels daunting—whether it’s a conversation with a coworker, a friend asking tough questions, or simply living out your beliefs in a skeptical world. The fear of rejection, judgment, or saying the “wrong thing” can silence even the boldest among us.

But here’s the truth: the gospel isn’t a script we recite perfectly; it’s the unstoppable power that transformed Saul—a man who hunted Christians—into Paul, a herald of grace. That same explosive power lives in you .

You don’t need all the answers. You just need to point others to the One who does. Boldness doesn’t always mean preaching from a pulpit. Sometimes, it’s as simple as texting a struggling friend, “I’m praying for you—can I share a verse that helped me?” Or posting a story about how He carried you through your darkest season.

Your scars tell a story of redemption. Your joy whispers of His presence. Even your quiet acts of love are echoes of His goodness. The world isn’t waiting for perfect Christians—it’s desperate for real ones. People who aren’t afraid to say, “I’m broken, but I’m loved. And this love? It’s not just for me—it’s for you, too.”

So today, live unashamed. Let your life reflect His grace—not because you’re flawless, but because He is faithful.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gospel—a message so powerful it changes lives, including mine. When fear or doubt tries to silence me, remind me that Your Spirit works through my willingness, not my perfection. Give me courage to live authentically, pointing others to You through both my words and actions. Help me step into today unashamed—not because I’m flawless, but because Your grace is enough. May my life reflect Your love and draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You have one business on earth – to save souls.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Voice Crying In The Wilderness…

Yochanan the Immerser, also known as John the Baptist, never got married. Why? It’s probable that if John had married, he would have missed his calling and his life would have been a disaster. We don’t know.

But Jesus called him the greatest among men. If he had gone after earthly success, comfort, marriage, or business, he probably wouldn’t have been that great at it and he would have missed his true greatness.

Yet, by foregoing these things, he ended up the greatest man ever born before Jesus. Thus, you fulfill God’s will for your life and don’t worry about what others have. For even if you had a billion dollars, your life would be a failure if you didn’t follow God’s calling.

Turn away from whatever is not God’s best for you, whether it’s more money, comfort, people’s affection, fame, marriage, or whatever it is if it’s not God’s will. Just go all out for God.

Seek to fulfill the best that God has for your life and your calling. Because John probably wouldn’t have made a good husband, but he made one great Baptist.

No one born of a woman is greater than John the Baptist, but the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater.  Matthew 11: 11

Choose God’s highest path for your walking today and avoid anything that keeps you from fulfilling God’s purpose.

Lord, help me to discern your will for my life.  Show me the path you have laid out for me, and give me the strength and courage to follow it, even if it means sacrificing my own desires.  Help me to focus on your purpose for my life, rather than chasing after worldly things that will ultimately leave me empty.  I thank you for the example of John the Baptist, and I pray that I may have a similar dedication to your calling. Amen.

The will of God will not take you where the grace of God can not keep you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼