Ed Christian's World

Knowledge Is Not Wisdom…

Good morning!

In a world overflowing with knowledge, it’s easy to feel like we should have all the answers. But today, let’s remind ourselves that true wisdom isn’t about figuring everything out—it’s about knowing the One who already has.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

In our age of endless information, we’re drowning in knowledge but starving for wisdom. You’ve felt it—scrolling through opinions, researching decisions endlessly, lying awake, wondering if you’re getting it right. Everyone has answers, but whose can you trust?

Proverbs 9:10 cuts through the noise with striking clarity: wisdom starts with fearing the Lord. It’s not a cowering fear, but a breathtaking awe that changes everything. It’s standing before the God who orchestrates galaxies and guides sparrows, who knows your deepest thoughts, and saying, “You are God, and I am not.”

When this reverence takes root, everything shifts. Decisions become less about calculating outcomes and more about honoring Him. Questions transform from “What should I do?” to “What would glorify God?” You find peace not in controlling circumstances, but in knowing who controls them.

This, Scripture says, is just the beginning of wisdom—the foundation upon which all true understanding is built. Real wisdom isn’t found in knowing everything. It’s found in knowing the One who does, and letting that relationship transform how you live.

Dear Father, I’ve spent so much time searching for answers, trying to figure everything out on my own. But today, I pause. True wisdom doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from knowing and trusting You. When uncertainty fills my heart, remind me that I don’t have to figure it all out—because You already have. Teach me to rely on Your wisdom over my own. Shift my focus from seeking control to seeking You. Draw me closer, Lord, and fill me with awe and trust. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal and are all the greater fools for it. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Dead Sea Scrolls and Jesus…

Many Jewish people do not recognize Yeshua, Jesus, as the Messiah, primarily due to differing interpretations of scripture and the concept of atonement.

And again, another Scripture says, ‘They will look on him whom they have pierced’  John 19:37

However, the discovery of Dead Sea Scroll fragments, such as 4Q285, has sparked debate. Some scholars suggest these texts, along with Isaiah 53, may point to a pre-existing Jewish understanding of a suffering, even pierced, messianic figure.

While interpretations vary, these discoveries prompt us to consider the possibility that the concept of a messiah who would be killed was present within some Jewish circles.

If you believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of these prophecies, then his sacrifice demands a response: a life lived in gratitude and devotion.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice. Help me to live a life worthy of your love and grace. May my actions reflect the gratitude I feel for your gift of salvation. Guide me to walk in your ways and to glorify your name in all that I do. Amen.

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. 

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Pain – Is Not The End Of The Story…

Today, let’s lift our eyes beyond the struggles of today and focus on the unshakable hope we have in Christ. No matter what you’re facing, know this—your pain is not the end of your story.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  Romans 8:18

Some pain feels unbearable. There are seasons where you wonder if the suffering will ever end—when the waiting feels endless, the prayers seem unanswered, and the weight of life presses in from all sides.

But God sees you.

Paul, who endured beatings, imprisonment, and loss, knew suffering well. Yet, he boldly declares that our present struggles are nothing compared to the glory God is preparing. Not because suffering isn’t real—it is—but because it isn’t final.

Pain isn’t the last chapter of your story—glory is.

Think about that. The things breaking you today? One day, they will only magnify the beauty of what God has done in you. Every trial, every tear, every silent prayer is being woven into something greater than you can imagine.

And here’s the most incredible part: God isn’t just preparing something amazing for you—He’s preparing you for something amazing. Like gold refined in fire, your struggles are shaping you for a glory beyond compare.

So hold on. Keep trusting. One day, you’ll see that every moment of pain was worth it.

Father, some days feel so heavy. The waiting is hard, the pain is real, and sometimes I wonder if things will ever change. But I know You see me. You hear every prayer, You catch every tear, and You are working—even when I don’t understand. Give me the strength to hold on, the faith to believe You are shaping me through this, and the peace to trust that this pain is temporary, but Your glory is forever. I trust You, Lord. Even in the waiting. Even in the suffering. Because I know the story isn’t over. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Crucible of Grace…

Were the lives of God’s faithful perpetually free from hardship and want, the depth and breadth of divine grace would remain largely unknown. It is in the stark contrast of human frailty and divine strength that the true glory of God’s provision shines.

When we encounter the homeless wanderer, steadfastly clinging to the promise of God; when we witness the impoverished, subsisting on meager sustenance, yet exulting in Jesus; when we observe the grieving widow, engulfed in sorrow, yet unwavering in her faith in Christ—it is then that the power of the Gospel is most profoundly revealed.

My grace is sufficient for thee. 2 Corinthians 12:9

This sufficiency is not merely a comforting platitude but a living reality, demonstrated most vividly in the trials of believers. God’s grace is magnified in the midst of adversity. Saints endure, trusting that all things, even those that appear calamitous, are woven into a tapestry of good, ultimately culminating in blessing. They believe that God will either swiftly deliver them or, if it serves His purpose, sustain them through the storm.

The endurance of these saints is a testament to the power of divine grace. Like a lighthouse, whose strength is only truly known when battered by the tempest, the work of the Spirit is revealed in the face of trials. Were it not for the storms of life, we would never fully appreciate the solidity and security of God’s work within us.

The masterpieces of God are those individuals who stand firm amidst adversity, “Calm mid the bewildering cry, / Confident of victory.”

To truly glorify God is to embrace the inevitability of trials. No one can attain true spiritual greatness without navigating the crucible of conflict. Therefore, if your path is fraught with challenges, rejoice! For you are being granted the opportunity to showcase the all-sufficient grace of God. Never doubt His faithfulness. The God who has sustained you thus far will assuredly uphold you to the end.

Heavenly Father, we come before you acknowledging that your grace is the foundation of our strength. In the midst of our trials, we ask that you would manifest your power through us, that others may see your glory. Grant us the unwavering faith to trust in your sufficiency, even when the storms of life rage around us. Help us to stand firm, like lighthouses in the night, reflecting your light to a world in darkness. May our lives be a testament to your faithfulness, and may we bring honor and glory to your name. Amen.

As the gem cannot be polished without friction, nor can man perfected without trials.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Key of Thanksgiving  – Unlocks Joy…

It is written, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” These words contain a profound secret and a powerful key. To truly enter the gates of the Lord, you must unlock them with the keys He provides. And that key, the Scripture reveals, is thanksgiving. “The only way you will truly enter the gates of the Lord is with thanksgiving.”

Giving thanks is the master key that unlocks the very presence of God. It dismantles the barriers that hold us back. It doesn’t matter what obstacles loom before you; when you lift your heart in genuine thanksgiving, you begin to step into His realm.

Think about it: when you give thanks, gloom and worry are banished. Condemnation loses its grip. Unhappiness withers away. You are enveloped by His joy and His peace. And from that place of gratitude, worship naturally springs forth. Do you yearn to enter the gates of the Lord, the gates of joy, peace, and uninhibited worship? The key is in your hands. Begin now. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34

Today, you possess the key. Discover the transformative secret of entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.

Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart filled with gratitude. Thank you for the gift of this day, for your unwavering love, and for the key of thanksgiving that unlocks your presence. I confess that I often allow worry and negativity to cloud my vision. Help me to cultivate a heart of constant gratitude, to see your hand in every circumstance, and to enter your gates with joy. I pray that my life will be a testament to your goodness and that my worship will be a sweet offering to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity… It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Seeking Strength From Above…

Good morning. Today, let’s fix our gaze on the One who never falters, the One who is eternally vigilant. I know the source of my strength, but I urge you, where does your unwavering support originate?

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:1-2

These potent verses, etched into my soul, are a testament to His unwavering presence through my most arduous trials. Let us confront the reality of our lives: we are besieged by seemingly insurmountable mountains. In these moments of desperate need, it is human to frantically search for any lifeline. However, the psalmist offers a radical shift in perspective – ascend to the divine.

These verses are not mere platitudes; they are a declaration of the ultimate source of our deliverance. When we elevate our gaze to God, we acknowledge His omnipotence and boundless love. He is not a mere bystander; He is the architect of existence, the sustainer of all creation.

Reflect on this: the very God who sculpted mountains and ignited stars is intimately invested in your struggles. Whether you are grappling with debilitating health issues, fractured relationships, or a profound sense of disorientation, your salvation is rooted in the Lord. He is not distant or indifferent. He is actively engaged, poised to intervene, guide, and console.

Today, regardless of the formidable challenges that confront you, remember to elevate your perspective. Your deliverance is not merely imminent; it is actively present, embodied in a loving Father who commands the forces of heaven and earth on your behalf.

What “mountains” are you facing that demand absolute surrender to God’s sovereignty?
How can you cultivate a habit of immediate and unwavering reliance on God in the face of adversity?

These questions illuminate the undeniable truth: our strength is rooted in His unwavering love and the immeasurable blessings He bestows upon us.

Sovereign Lord, we acknowledge our vulnerability in the face of life’s overwhelming trials. These mountains, looming like titans, threaten to consume us. Yet, we choose to fix our eyes on You, the supreme architect of the universe. You are infinitely greater than our afflictions, more powerful than our fears, and more compassionate than we can possibly comprehend. Thank you for being our impregnable refuge, our unwavering fortress, our ever-present source of strength. Infuse us with Your divine peace and grant us the unwavering courage to confront any challenge, knowing that our salvation is rooted in Your unwavering presence. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

The reason many are defeated in battle is because they delay their preparation until the moment of conflict. The reason others triumph is because they have secured their victory on their knees, long before the battle ensues. Anticipate your trials; wage war on your knees before temptation strikes, and you will emerge victorious every time.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Finding Comfort In Trials…

Let your heart find peace, weary soul, knowing this: God declares, “I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.”

These words, drawn from Isaiah 48:10, descend like a gentle rain, calming the storm of your pain. They form a shield of impenetrable strength, against which the fires of adversity have no power.

Let trials arrive – God has chosen me. Poverty, you may enter my dwelling, but God’s presence fills this home, and He has chosen me. Sickness, you may invade, but I possess a healing balm – God has chosen me.

Whatever hardships I face in this sorrowful world, I am secure in the knowledge that He has “chosen” me. And if your spirit craves further solace, dear believer, recall that the Son of Man walks with you through the flames.

In your quiet room, He sits beside you, unseen yet deeply loved. Often, when you are unaware, He tends to your needs, making your bed of affliction comfortable.

You may be impoverished, but in your humble dwelling, the Lord of life and glory is a frequent guest. He delights in visiting those in desolate places, to offer His comfort.

Your truest friend remains close. Though invisible, you can feel the touch of His hands. Do you not hear His voice? Even in the valley of death’s shadow, He whispers, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”

Remember the bold declaration of Caesar: “Fear not, you carry Caesar and all his fortune.” Fear not, Christian; Jesus is with you. In every fiery trial, His presence is both your comfort and your protection.

O Lord, our refuge and strength, we come before you in the midst of our trials. We thank you for the comforting words of your promise that you have chosen us in the furnace of affliction. When the flames of hardship threaten to consume us, remind us of your unwavering presence. Help us to feel the touch of your hand, to hear the sound of your voice, and to know that you are making our bed of suffering a place of comfort. Grant us the strength to endure, the faith to trust, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The gem can not be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Word As Song…

The role of the Cantor, a dedicated singer of Scripture, underscores a profound truth: knowing God’s Word is vital, but experiencing its fullness requires it to be sung. For centuries, Cantors have poured their lives into mastering the melodic recitation of Hebrew Scriptures, understanding that the Word is not merely information, but an overflowing expression of divine beauty.

This principle extends to every believer. Ephesians encourages us to “make melody in your heart to the Lord,” recognizing that God’s Word, like His Spirit, is meant to resonate within us, becoming the very music of our souls. It’s not about vocal perfection but about the heart’s sincere expression.

My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.  Psalm 119:172

The children of Israel understood this, weaving Scripture into the fabric of their lives through song. Today, we can reclaim this ancient wisdom.  the Word of God becomes the melody of your spirit, a constant, heartfelt expression of faith. Regardless of your circumstances, let your heart sing.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word, a treasure beyond measure. We ask that You ignite within us a passion to not only know Your Word but to sing it. Help us to understand the power of melody in expressing our love and devotion to You. May Your Spirit guide our hearts, transforming Your Word into the music of our souls. We pray that our songs, however imperfect, will rise to You as a sweet offering, a testament to Your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To sing the Lord’s song is to live the Lord’s life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

The Depth of Gods Love…

Good morning! Today, let’s delve into the profound and immeasurable love of God, a love that transcends the boundaries of our comprehension.

Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. Psalm 63:3

David’s declaration in Psalm 63:3 isn’t merely a poetic sentiment; it’s a profound revelation. He understood that the love of God is not a fleeting emotion or a conditional reward, but a foundational truth, a reality that surpasses the very essence of existence.

To say it’s “better than life” means it eclipses all earthly pursuits, all transient joys, and all perceived necessities.

Consider this: life, as we know it, is a tapestry woven with fleeting moments of joy, interspersed with inevitable trials and sorrows. Yet, God’s love remains an unwavering constant, a bedrock upon which we can build our lives.

It’s a love that penetrates the deepest recesses of our being, illuminating the shadows of our imperfections and embracing us with an unconditional grace. It’s a love that doesn’t merely tolerate our flaws but transforms them, molding us into reflections of His divine nature.

For God’s love to be “better than life” means life can often feel aimless, a series of events without a cohesive narrative. God’s love provides a divine purpose, a calling that transcends our temporal existence.

We often chase after material possessions, relationships, and achievements, hoping to find fulfillment. God’s love is the only true source of lasting satisfaction, quenching the deepest thirst of our souls.

Life is temporary, but God’s love is eternal. It is the core of reality and more real than any other experience.

Dear God, in the midst of life’s complexities and uncertainties, I seek refuge in the unwavering embrace of Your love. Even when my heart is burdened and my spirit is weary, I am reminded that Your love for me is an enduring flame, a beacon of hope in the darkness. Thank you for Your unconditional love, a love that transcends my imperfections and embraces me in my entirety. Help me to fully comprehend the depth and breadth of Your love, to allow it to permeate every aspect of my being, and to reflect it in my interactions with others. Like David, I yearn to seek You with all my heart, to find solace and strength in Your presence. Be my constant guide, my unwavering support, and my eternal source of hope. Let Your unfailing love illuminate my path and empower me to walk in Your truth, through every season of life. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, Amen.

The Creator of the cosmos, the architect of galaxies, willingly chose to sacrifice His own life for yours. He deemed your existence so valuable, so irreplaceable, that He would rather endure the agony of the cross than spend eternity without you. This is not a mere theological concept; it’s a profound, undeniable truth.

Therefore, let your boast be in the magnitude of His love, a love that defies all logic and surpasses all understanding. Let it be the foundation of your identity, the source of your strength, and the reason for your unwavering hope.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Overcoming Self Doubt

The insidious whisper slithers in: “You’re insignificant. A speck in the vastness, one among billions, utterly unremarkable.” That’s the lie. But truth, ancient and unwavering, thunders in response.

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. (Ephesians 1:4–5, NLT)

You are not a random occurrence. You are a deliberate creation, chosen, loved, and assigned a purpose. Your life is not a footnote; it’s a headline in God’s grand narrative. Embrace the destiny He has meticulously crafted for you. Feel the weight of His pleasure as He gifts you with purpose.

Challenges will arise. Mountains will loom. Storms will rage. Moments of doubt will attempt to drown your faith. But remember, the architect of the cosmos is not only present but actively working on your behalf, weaving generations of preparation into your present moment.

God breathed life into you because He had an extraordinary future planned. Rest in that assurance. Sleep peacefully, knowing you are not alone. You are a vital piece of a divine design, a legacy stretching across time. Remain faithfully, and you will witness the unfolding of God’s generational masterpiece.

Father, in a world rife with insecurity, I anchor myself in the unshakeable truth that You chose me before time began. Thank You for the profound purpose woven into my existence. I believe, wholeheartedly, that You delight in granting me an amazing future. Grant me the strength to be useful, honorable, and compassionate. May my life reflect Your love, making a difference in the world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼