Ed Christian's World

God’s Guidance and Unwavering Love…

Let’s start this day with the assurance that our plans, hopes, and dreams are tenderly held in God’s wise hands.

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.  Proverbs 16:9

In our human nature, we crave control. We devise plans, set goals, and plot our course, seeking to shape our future with our hands. But Proverbs 16:9 offers a gentle reminder that while we have the freedom to make plans, it’s God who directs our steps.

This verse isn’t about abandoning our dreams or goals; rather, it’s a call to align our intentions with God’s will. It’s about recognizing that our knowledge is limited, our view is partial, but God sees the bigger picture. He knows the best path for us and leads us there, often in ways we didn’t foresee.

As you go about your day, allow this verse to sink into your heart. Make your plans, set your goals, but do so with a spirit of surrender, inviting God into your planning. Trust in His guidance, for He sees the whole journey and promises to lead you where you need to be.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

We all recognise this verse as Hebrews 11:1, and I bring it out here because when I look at some of the comments and some that aren’t there when they should be, I see we all are showing a sign of lack of faith.

As most of you know, I have my Masters degree in psychology and tend to read between the lines with people.  So my hope is today to remind everyone that our steps are guided by God through our faith and His Grace.

Dear Heavenly Father, as I map out my day, I pause to submit my plans to You, acknowledging that while my perspective is narrow, Yours is boundless. Guide my thoughts and actions, ensuring they align with Your divine will. When my desires stray from Your path, gently steer me back, granting me the humility to accept Your better way. I place my trust in Your wisdom and love, confident that You are guiding me towards a future filled with hope and purpose. May my heart remain open to Your leading, every step of today and beyond. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Stillness of Death vs. the Commotion of Life

We instinctively crave peace, tranquility, and the familiar comfort of routine. We shy away from disruption, trouble, and change, yearning for a life devoid of commotion. Indeed, the only place truly free of disturbance is the cemetery, where stillness reigns supreme. But that stillness is the stillness of death.

The very essence of life, especially divine life, is disruptive. Light piercing darkness inevitably causes a stir. When Jesus entered the world, His presence ignited a firestorm, challenging the status quo and shaking the foundations of established order. God’s presence, by its very nature, is a catalyst for change. If the living God has truly entered your life, expect a similar upheaval.

Therefore, resist the temptation to seek a tranquil, uneventful existence. A life devoid of divine commotion is a life slowly withering, a living cemetery. Instead, embrace the stirring, the turning over, the divine interruption.

Allow God to disrupt your comfortable routines, to shake you from your complacency. Fix your gaze on Him, not on the predictable patterns of your life.

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die” because their deeds are not yet complete in God’s sight.  Revelation 3:2

Heavenly Father, I confess that I often cling to comfort and routine, fearing the disruption of Your presence. Forgive me for seeking a life of undisturbed tranquility, a life that ultimately leads to spiritual stagnation. I invite You, Lord, to interrupt my day, to shake me from my complacency, and to ignite a holy commotion within me. Breathe life into the dormant areas of my heart, and empower me to embrace the change You desire to bring. Help me to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die. I surrender my plans and routines to You, trusting that Your interruptions are for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It can not be changed without changing our thinking.

Break free from the rut, abandon the routine. Invite the fresh, dynamic presence of God to permeate your life, to ignite a holy commotion within you. Stir up the embers of your faith, for God desires to resurrect the dormant, lifeless areas of your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Finding Strength in God’s Unchanging Embrace

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4

These words aren’t just comforting; they’re a bedrock of unwavering truth. In a world obsessed with fleeting youth, God’s promise stands as a timeless beacon. He embraces us through every phase of life, from the dawn of our existence to the twilight of our years. He is not a seasonal companion but an eternal anchor.

Think of each gray hair not as a mark of decline but as a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness. Each wrinkle tells a story of His sustaining grace, a narrative woven with His unwavering support.

Our worth isn’t measured by societal standards of productivity or beauty but by our intrinsic value as His beloved creation. He is the potter, and we are His masterpiece, continually being shaped and refined.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. This resonates deeply with Isaiah’s promise. God’s commitment to us doesn’t diminish with age; rather, He empowers us to discover new depths of His love and purpose. Each day is an opportunity to experience His faithfulness in fresh, profound ways.

How does God’s constant presence manifest in your life today?
Where can you find renewed strength in His promise right now?

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your boundless love that transcends time and circumstance. Thank You for Your promise to carry and sustain me, even as I journey through the seasons of life. Help me to see the beauty in every stage, to recognize each gray hair as a symbol of Your faithfulness. Fill me with the courage to embrace each day as a new adventure with You, knowing that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Remind me that Your purpose for me is eternal and that You are continually shaping me for Your glory. Help me to find new goals and dream new dreams, knowing You are with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God has not promised skies, always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God has not promised the sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Call to Salvation and Witness…

Dear friend, this small book was crafted primarily to strengthen the faith of those who already believe. However, if you are not yet a follower of Christ, our hearts ache for you, and we desperately wish to offer words that might bring you to salvation.

Why sit we here until we die?  2 Kings 7:3

Please open your Bible and read the story of the lepers in 2 Kings 7. Observe their plight, which mirrors your own. If you remain where you are, spiritual death is certain. If you turn to Jesus, you can only find life, even if you fear the journey. As the old saying goes, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” and in your case, the risk is minimal compared to the eternal reward.

If you choose to remain in despair, no one can fault the consequences that befall you. But if you die seeking mercy, even if it were hypothetically unsuccessful, you would be met with universal compassion.

No one who rejects Jesus escapes spiritual death. Yet, you know that many have found salvation through faith in Him, perhaps even people you know personally. So, why not you? Remember the Ninevites who asked, “Who can tell?”—and found mercy.

Act on that same hope and test the Lord’s compassion. The prospect of eternal separation from God is so terrifying that even the smallest chance of salvation should compel you to reach out.

We have addressed you from your perspective of doubt. Now, we assure you, as messengers of the Lord, that if you seek Him, He will be found. Jesus rejects no one who comes to Him.

You will not perish if you trust in Him. Instead, you will discover treasures far greater than the lepers found in the abandoned Syrian camp. May the Holy Spirit embolden you to come to Him now, and you will not believe in vain.

Once you are saved, share this good news with others. Do not remain silent. Begin with your own household, and join them in fellowship. Inform your spiritual leaders, and then proclaim the message of salvation everywhere. May the Lord save you before this day ends.

Heavenly Father, we lift up to you, the reader of these words. We ask that your Holy Spirit would open their eyes to the truth of your love and grace. Remove any doubt and fear that holds them back from accepting Jesus as their Savior. Grant them the courage to take that step of faith and fill them with the joy and peace that comes from knowing you. We pray that they will become bold witnesses of your saving power, sharing the good news with everyone they meet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The greatest proof of Christianity is not the existence of God but the resurrection of Christ. The second greatest proof is not the Bible, but the transformed lives of those who believe.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

The Unclaimed Inheritance: Learning to Receive God’s Blessings

Esau held the birthright, the intended blessing, yet it was Jacob who grasped it. This ancient story serves as a profound metaphor for our own lives. God’s will is to bless us abundantly.

Therefore, we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

However, the mere presence of a blessing doesn’t guarantee its manifestation in our lives. The critical factor is our ability to receive it.

Many believers live with a sense of lack despite being surrounded by God’s promises. They carry the potential for abundance but fail to access it.

Just as Jacob wrestled for his blessing, we must actively pursue and receive the blessings God has already made available. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), a fresh wellspring of grace waiting to be drawn from.

Learning to receive involves:
* Awareness: Recognizing the blessings promised in God’s Word.
* Faith: Believing that these blessings are for you.
* Action: Taking steps to align your life with God’s will.
* Gratitude: Acknowledging and appreciating the blessings you receive.

It’s not enough to know God desires to bless you; you must actively engage with Him to experience those blessings. Start today!

Explore the Scriptures, identify the promises that resonate with your needs, and claim them in faith.

Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging Your desire to bless me. Forgive me for the times I’ve lived in a state of lack, failing to receive the abundance You’ve offered. Open my eyes to the blessings You’ve already bestowed upon me. Grant me the faith to believe Your promises and the wisdom to align my life with Your will. Teach me to receive Your mercies anew each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faith does not believe that God can, but knowing that God will.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Live Your Faith…

Good morning!  Today, let’s explore what it means to put our faith into practice.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to hear God’s truth on Sunday but struggle to live it out by Monday? We highlight verses, feel inspired by sermons, and genuinely desire to grow—yet life’s pressures often cause those intentions to fade. Paul understood this deeply, urging believers not just to learn the truth but to live it.

Real transformation happens when God’s Word moves from our heads to our hearts and finally into our hands. It’s forgiving when bitterness feels easier, praying when anxiety rises, and loving even when it costs something. Every step of faith moves God’s presence from a comforting idea into our daily reality.

And here’s the promise: when we live what we believe, the God of peace Himself walks with us. Not just peace—but His personal presence.

Today, don’t just hear the Word—live it. Take a step of faith, trust in action, and experience the peace of the God who meets you there.

Heavenly Father, I don’t want to just listen to Your truth—I want to live it. But I confess, it’s not always easy. Life gets busy, fear creeps in, and I fall short. Yet, You are patient with me, always calling me deeper. Help me to trust You enough to put my faith into action. Give me the strength to forgive, the courage to love boldly, and the grace to walk in obedience. Let my life be a reflection of You. I surrender this day to You—lead me, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

One step in obedience is worth years of study and will take us into the center of God’s will for us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Divine Pattern of Completion

In the tapestry of creation, God established a profound rhythm: work culminating on the sixth day, followed by the sacred rest of the seventh, the Sabbath. This pattern echoes powerfully in the life of Jesus. Just as creation was finished on the sixth day, so too was His redemptive work.

On a Friday afternoon, as the sun dipped below the horizon, marking the end of the sixth day on the Hebrew calendar, Jesus declared, “It is finished.” He completed the ultimate labor, the sacrifice that would bridge the chasm between humanity and God.

This wasn’t mere coincidence; it was divine orchestration. The sixth day, the day of completion, witnessed the final act of love. Jesus bore the weight of our incompleteness, our striving, our perpetual sense of “not enough.” He took upon Himself the unfinished business of our souls, offering us the gift of wholeness.

Most of us live in a state of perpetual striving, a restless pursuit of fulfillment that always seems just beyond our grasp. We chase after fleeting moments of satisfaction, only to find ourselves empty once more. But Jesus offers a different path, a path to true completion.

He invites us to bring our fragmented lives, our unresolved wounds, and our lingering regrets to the foot of the cross. There, in the shadow of His sacrifice, we can declare, “It is finished.”

Just as Jesus entered into the rest of the seventh day, so can we find our rest in His finished work. We can cease our striving, release our burdens, and embrace the peace that comes from knowing we are complete in Him.

As Revelation 21:6 declares, “He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty, I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.'”

Heavenly Father, we come before you today, weary from the weight of our incompleteness. We confess our striving, our endless pursuit of fulfillment in things that ultimately fail to satisfy. We thank you for the perfect sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, who bore our burdens and completed the work of redemption. Lord, we bring to you the unfinished areas of our lives—our broken relationships, our lingering regrets, our persistent anxieties. We lay them at the foot of the cross, trusting in the power of your finished work. Grant us the grace to cease striving and to find our rest in you. Help us to embrace the peace that comes from knowing we are complete in Christ. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

You do not need to achieve completion, for it has already been achieved for you. You only need to receive it.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Ashes to Beauty – Deeper Faith…

The landscape of our lives is often marked by the charred remnants of experiences – the ashes of shattered expectations, the cold dust of lost relationships, the lingering smoke of unfulfilled dreams. These ashes, the tangible evidence of our brokenness, can seem to define us, a constant reminder of what was lost. Yet, within these very ashes lies the potential for a profound and miraculous transformation.

And provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  Isaiah 61:3

Isaiah 61:3 is not merely a poetic promise; it’s a declaration of God’s redemptive artistry. He doesn’t just clear away the debris; He engages with it, meticulously crafting something breathtaking from the very substance of our pain.

Picture a skilled artisan, not discarding the shards of a broken vessel, but carefully piecing them together with gold, creating a masterpiece of kintsugi – where the cracks become a testament to resilience and beauty. This is the divine alchemy God performs in our lives.

The “crown of beauty” is not a superficial adornment. It symbolizes a deep, inner transformation, a reclaiming of our inherent worth and dignity. It’s the recognition that our scars, far from being marks of shame, are badges of honor, testaments to our journey through fire and our emergence stronger and more beautiful.

The “oil of joy” is more than fleeting happiness. It’s a profound sense of peace and contentment, a deep-seated assurance that even in the midst of sorrow, God’s presence brings an abiding joy. It’s the kind of joy that springs from knowing we are not alone in our suffering, that our pain has purpose, and that a brighter future awaits.

The “garment of praise” is not just an outward expression of gratitude. It’s a fundamental shift in our perspective, a recognition of God’s faithfulness even in the darkest of times. It’s the ability to see His hand at work, to find glimmers of hope amidst despair, and to offer praise as a testament to His enduring love.

The “oaks of righteousness” are not just symbols of strength. They represent a life firmly rooted in God’s character, a life that bears witness to His transformative power. We become living testimonies, displaying His splendor through our resilience and grace. We are not merely survivors but vibrant, flourishing examples of His ability to restore and renew.

To surrender our ashes is to relinquish control, to acknowledge our limitations, and to place our trust wholly in God’s hands. It’s a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment act of faith. It’s saying, “Lord, I don’t understand this pain, but I trust that You do. I don’t see a way out, but I trust that You will make a way.”

Heavenly Father, You are the Master Artist, the Divine Alchemist, the One who breathes life into dry bones and transforms ashes into beauty. I bring to You the deepest, most hidden ashes of my heart – the regrets that haunt me, the fears that paralyze me, the wounds that refuse to heal. I surrender them all to You, trusting in Your promise to exchange them for a crown of beauty, the oil of joy, and a garment of praise. Lord, help me to see my brokenness not as a curse but as an invitation to Your transforming grace. Teach me to embrace the kintsugi of my life, to see the beauty in my scars, and to recognize the strength that comes from vulnerability. Grant me the courage to trust You even when I cannot see the path ahead. Fill me with Your peace, Your joy, and Your unwavering love. May I become a living testament to Your faithfulness, an oak of righteousness, rooted in Your love and radiating Your glory.Thank You for Your promise of restoration, for Your unwavering presence in my pain, and for Your power to make all things new. I place my life in Your hands, trusting in Your perfect plan. In the name of Jesus, my Redeemer and my Hope, Amen.

To trust in His promise is to believe that even when our circumstances seem hopeless, God is working behind the scenes, weaving together a tapestry of redemption and grace. It’s to believe that our pain is not wasted, that our suffering has purpose, and that our brokenness can be a conduit for His glory.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Purify Faith, Avoid Mixed Gods…

The ancient struggle between the worship of Baal and the devotion to Yahweh reveals a profound truth: the most insidious threat to faith is not outright rejection, but subtle compromise.

Archaeological discoveries of pottery in Israel, indicating the merging of these deities, serve as a stark reminder that the human heart is prone to mixing loyalties.

This historical lesson resonates powerfully today. Many who begin with a genuine desire to serve God find themselves entangled with other “gods”—success, wealth, power, or status. Ministries intended to fulfill the Great Commission can become consumed by the pursuit of financial prosperity.

The danger lies in conflating God with these worldly aspirations, creating a hybrid faith that ultimately dilutes true devotion.

Jesus’s words in Luke 11:36 illuminate this struggle: “If your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” This calls for a radical purification of our hearts and motives. We must diligently examine our goals, ensuring they align solely with God’s will and purposes.

Heavenly Father, we come before you with humbled hearts, acknowledging our tendency to stray from your pure light. We confess the times we have allowed other “gods”—success, wealth, power, and status—to infiltrate our devotion to you. Forgive us for mixing our loyalties and compromising our faith. Lord, shine your light into the deepest corners of our hearts, revealing any hidden darkness or mixed motives. Help us to discern where we have subtly merged you with worldly aspirations. Grant us the courage to break free from these entanglements and return to the pure worship of your holy name. We ask for the grace to purify our goals, motives, and hearts so that we may live wholly for you. Help us to see clearly, act with integrity, and move in accordance with your will and purposes. Strengthen us to resist the temptations of a diluted faith and to remain steadfast in our devotion to you alone. May our lives be a reflection of your pure light, illuminating the path for others to find you. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.

The temptation to merge Yahweh with Baal, or to serve a mixed god disguised as success or prosperity, is a constant threat. We must break free from these entanglements and return to the pure, unadulterated worship of the God of our salvation. Our spiritual journey is too precious to be squandered on diluted allegiances.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Deep, Unwavering Comfort…

Good morning, Today, let’s delve into the profound comfort God extends, a sanctuary of love that transcends our fleeting emotions and mirrors the tender embrace of a nurturing parent.

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.
Isaiah 66:13

We all experience those moments when the weight of the world presses down, when the heart aches with an unspoken sorrow. God, in His infinite wisdom, understands these depths of human experience.

In Isaiah 66:13, He speaks to a people marked by loss and displacement, offering not just solace but a restoration of their very being.

This isn’t a superficial consolation; it’s a deep, abiding connection with the Creator who intimately formed us. It’s an affirmation that He sees beyond our outward struggles, witnessing the silent tears and unspoken vulnerabilities.

This comfort is a divine embrace, a tangible sense of being held by the One who knows every intricate detail of our hearts.

Imagine the unwavering love of a mother, the instinctive urge to soothe and protect her child. God offers this same level of tender care. He invites us to surrender our burdens, to find refuge in His presence. It’s a space where we can release our fears and doubts, knowing that we are held in a love that is both powerful and gentle.

This comfort isn’t dependent on our circumstances or our emotional state. It’s a constant, unwavering presence, a bedrock of love that remains steadfast even when our feelings waver. It’s a reminder that our worth is not determined by our achievements or our struggles, but by our inherent value as children of God.

Let us, therefore, move beyond the surface of our emotions and anchor ourselves in the depth of God’s love. Let us recognize that His comfort is not a temporary reprieve but a transformative force that heals, restores, and strengthens.

Dear Lord, In the depths of my being, I seek Your comforting presence. Life’s trials often leave me feeling vulnerable and adrift. I thank You that You are not a distant observer, but an intimate companion who understands my deepest needs. I ask that You enfold me in Your loving arms, allowing me to feel the warmth of Your embrace. Let Your whispers of hope penetrate the layers of my doubt and fear, reminding me that I am never truly alone. Help me to grasp the truth that Your love transcends my fleeting emotions, that it is a constant, unwavering force that sustains me. In the midst of life’s storms, let me find my anchor in Your steadfast love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The profound truth is that while our emotions are transient, God’s love is eternal and unchanging. It’s a love that transcends our understanding, a love that holds us secure in the midst of life’s uncertainties.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼