Ed Christian's World

Seeking God’s Promise – Discernment…

O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.  Psalm 119:169, NLT

It’s beautiful how the psalmist pours out their heart, not just asking for any kind of understanding, but for the “discerning mind you promised.” This isn’t a generic plea for wisdom; it’s a confident claim on a divine commitment.

It speaks volumes about the psalmist’s faith – a belief that God has indeed pledged to equip His people with the ability to see beyond the surface, to judge rightly, and to navigate life with spiritual clarity.

Think about what a discerning mind truly entails. It’s more than just intellectual prowess. It’s the capacity to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, the significant and the trivial. It’s the sensitivity to the subtle whispers of the Spirit, the ability to perceive God’s hand at work in the everyday, and the wisdom to make choices that align with His will.

This kind of discernment isn’t something we can conjure up on our own; it’s a gift, a divine endowment promised to those who seek it.

The psalmist’s cry also underscores our dependence on God. We can strive for knowledge and understanding, but true discernment, the kind that penetrates the heart of matters and aligns with God’s purposes, comes from Him.

It’s a reminder that our spiritual growth and our ability to live effectively in this world are intrinsically linked to our reliance on God’s promises.

Heavenly Father, like the psalmist of old, we lift our voices to you, longing for the discerning mind you have promised. We confess that our own understanding is often clouded, our judgment flawed. We ask, Lord, that you would illuminate our hearts and minds with your wisdom. Grant us the ability to see as you see, to understand your ways, and to make choices that honor you. Help us to distinguish truth from error, good from evil, and to walk in the path of righteousness. We hold fast to your promise, trusting in your faithfulness to equip us for the journey ahead. Amen.

Discernment is not simply knowing the difference between right and wrong; it is knowing the difference between right and almost right.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God Makes Things Grow…

Think about it: we often get caught up in the doing, in the effort we put in. We meticulously plant the seeds of our endeavors, whether it’s a new project at work, nurturing a relationship, or even trying to cultivate a new habit.

So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.  1 Corinthians 3:7

We diligently water these efforts with our time, energy, and resources. And yet, the verse reminds us that all our planting and watering, in and of themselves, amount to nothing in terms of ultimate growth and fruition.

It’s not that our actions are meaningless. The planting and watering are necessary steps. The farmer must till the soil and sow the seed; the gardener must provide nourishment. Our efforts are a demonstration of our faith and our willingness to participate in the process.

However, the crucial element, the one that truly brings life and increase, is beyond our control. It is God who provides the sunshine, the rain, the fertile ground – the very essence of growth.

This understanding can be both humbling and liberating. It humbles us by acknowledging our limited power and dependence on a higher power. We are not the ultimate source of success.

It liberates us from the burden of feeling solely responsible for the outcome. We can pour our hearts into our work, knowing that the final result rests in God’s hands.

This doesn’t mean we become passive. Instead, it encourages us to work with diligence and dedication, while simultaneously releasing our grip on the need for a specific outcome.

We trust that God, in His wisdom and timing, will bring about the growth that is meant to be. Our role is to be faithful in the planting and watering, trusting the Gardener for the harvest.

Our business is to do our duty; the rest is God’s.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this gentle reminder that our efforts are part of a larger plan. Help us to be diligent in our planting and watering, to invest our time and energy wisely in the tasks You have given us. But more importantly, grant us the wisdom to recognize that true growth comes from Your hand. Release us from the anxiety of trying to control outcomes and fill us with a deep trust in Your provision. May we always acknowledge You as the source of all life and increase. Amen.

God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Solitude, God, and the Holy of Holies…

The virtual journey through the Temple Mount, culminating in that inaccessible Holy of Holies with a friend, serves as a potent reminder.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

The Holy of Holies, that innermost sanctuary, speaks to a profound truth: the deepest intimacy with God is often a solitary pilgrimage. Just as the High Priest entered alone into that sacred space, so too must we individually draw near to experience the fullness of His presence.

It is in the quiet chamber of our hearts, away from the clamor of the world and the presence of others, that we can truly unveil ourselves before Him, offering our unvarnished selves and receiving His boundless grace in return.

This isn’t to say that communal worship isn’t vital, but rather that the most profound encounters with the Divine often blossom in the fertile ground of personal devotion.

It is in these singular moments that the noise fades, distractions dissipate, and the gentle whisper of God’s love can be heard most clearly.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the invitation to draw near, to step into the Holy of Holies of Your presence. Grant us the discipline and desire to cultivate those sacred moments of solitude where we can truly connect with You, heart to heart. Help us to recognize the power and intimacy found in these personal encounters, where we can receive Your mercy, find Your grace, and experience the fullness of Your love. May these quiet times strengthen us, guide us, and draw us ever closer to You. Amen.

Solitude is not simply being alone. It is rather an inner state in which no one’s presence or absence affects what you are doing. Solitude is being and remaining free to choose your own thoughts and feelings.

May we all find the courage and the peace to enter into that inner sanctuary, just us and God, and discover the transformative power of His presence.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Promise of Rescue…

They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.    Jeremiah 1:19

This is a powerful verse from Jeremiah. Let’s delve a little deeper into its meaning and application for us today.

In Jeremiah 1, we find the Lord commissioning a young and hesitant Jeremiah as a prophet to the nations. God’s message was often one of warning and judgment, a message that would undoubtedly stir opposition.

Imagine the courage it would take for a young man to stand before kings, priests, and the people, delivering words that would challenge their very way of life. It’s in this context of impending conflict that God offers this profound reassurance: “They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord (Jeremiah 1:19).

This promise wasn’t a guarantee of an easy path. God didn’t say there would be no battles, no opposition, no moments of fear or doubt. Instead, He acknowledged the reality of the struggle: “They will fight against you.” This tells us that resistance is often a natural consequence of standing for truth and living out our faith.

Whether it’s facing societal pressures, navigating difficult relationships, or battling internal struggles, we will encounter opposition in various forms.

However, the core of this verse lies in the powerful assurance that follows: “but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you.” This isn’t a promise based on Jeremiah’s strength or eloquence, but solely on God’s presence and power.

The phrase “I am with you” is a cornerstone of God’s covenant relationship with His people. It echoes throughout scripture, reminding us that we are never truly alone, especially in the face of adversity.

The promise to “rescue you” speaks to God’s active involvement in our lives. It suggests that even when we feel overwhelmed by the forces against us, God will intervene. This rescue might not always look the way we expect.

It might not mean the absence of hardship, but rather the strength to endure, the wisdom to navigate, or the provision of unexpected support. Ultimately, it assures us that the enemy, whatever form it takes, will not have the final victory.

This verse isn’t just for prophets of old; it’s a powerful encouragement for us today. As we strive to live lives of integrity and faith, we will inevitably face opposition. But we can hold onto this same divine promise. God is with us.

He sees our struggles, and He promises to be our rescuer. Our strength doesn’t lie in our ability to avoid conflict, but in our unwavering trust in the One who walks alongside us through it.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the powerful reassurance found in your Word. We acknowledge that living a life that honors you may bring opposition and challenge. When we feel overwhelmed by the battles we face, remind us of your promise to Jeremiah: that though others may fight against us, they will not overcome us because you are with us. Grant us the courage to stand firm in our faith, knowing that your presence is our greatest strength and your rescue is our ultimate hope. Help us to trust in your timing and your ways, even when we cannot see the path ahead. We pray for your guidance, your peace, and your unwavering presence in our lives. Amen.

The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests. This highlights the idea that challenges can reveal strength and lead to greater understanding, a concept that aligns with the deeper meaning of Jeremiah 1:19.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Holiness – Not Just a Nown, But A Verb…

We think of holiness as a noun. Holiness is a state of being holy. It’s true. But in Hebrew, there’s much more to it. In Hebrew, the word Holy is ‘Kodesh.’ It’s a noun or adjective. But it comes in another form – in the word ‘Kadash.’ Kadash is Holy as a verb

For by one offering, he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 11:14

That’s a beautiful and insightful understanding of the Hebrew word “Kodesh” and its verb form “Kadash”! It truly highlights the dynamic and active nature of holiness. It’s not just a static state but a process of being set apart and made holy through intentional action.

Let’s delve a bit deeper into this concept. The idea that holiness isn’t inherent but conferred through dedication resonates powerfully. Just as Aaron and the Tabernacle vessels were sanctified for a specific divine purpose, so too can we, regardless of our backgrounds, be transformed into holy vessels through our commitment.

This act of “kadash” involves a deliberate turning away from that which is contrary to God’s purposes and a wholehearted consecration to Him. It’s a continuous process of aligning our lives, our actions, and our very beings with the divine will.

The passage from Hebrews 10:14 beautifully underscores this ongoing sanctification made possible through Christ’s sacrifice.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing to us the active nature of holiness. We acknowledge that we are not inherently holy, but we desire to be made holy through our commitment to You. We choose to turn away from all that does not align with Your purposes and to dedicate our lives and everything we possess to You. Empower us, Lord, to continually perform the act of “kadash,” to be set apart for Your glory, and to live in a way that reflects Your holiness. Transform us into Your holy vessels, fit for Your service. Amen.

Holiness is not the luxury of a few, but a simple duty for all; a duty that is made feasible and attractive by the grace of God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Plans, Purpose, and Devine Guidance

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.  Proverbs 19:21

This verse from Proverbs really makes you pause and think about all the things we strive for, the goals we set, and the paths we envision for ourselves. Our hearts are constantly buzzing with ideas, dreams, and ambitions. We map out our futures, make detailed plans, and work diligently to bring them to fruition.

But then comes that gentle, yet firm, reminder: “…it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” It’s not about our plans being insignificant or our efforts being in vain. Instead, it speaks to a larger perspective, a divine orchestration that ultimately guides our lives.

Think of it like a river flowing towards the sea. We might try to divert its course with dams or channels, but the river’s ultimate destination is already set.

This truth can be both humbling and incredibly comforting. Humbling because it reminds us that we are not the ultimate authority in our lives.

There’s wisdom and a plan far greater than our own understanding. Comforting because it assures us that even when our carefully laid plans crumble or take unexpected turns, there’s a purpose at work, a guiding hand that sees the bigger picture.

It encourages us to hold our plans loosely, to pursue our goals with diligence but also with an open heart and a willingness to surrender to a higher will. It invites us to trust that even in the midst of uncertainty, there is a steadfast purpose that will ultimately lead us where we need to be.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the desires you plant within our hearts and the drive to create and achieve. We acknowledge that our understanding is limited and that your wisdom surpasses our own. Help us to be faithful in our efforts, yet open to your guidance. Grant us the discernment to recognize your hand at work in our lives, even when our plans differ from the path you set before us. May we find peace and strength in knowing that your purpose is perfect and that your love surrounds us always. Amen.

Our wills and fates do so contrary run, That our devices fail, and our intents crack.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Wait and be Strong…

In the midst of life’s storms and uncertainties, when the path ahead seems shrouded in mist and our strength wavers. This isn’t a passive waiting, a mere resignation to fate. Instead, it’s an active posture of hopeful expectation and courageous endurance.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.. Psalm 27:14

The repetition of “wait for the Lord” emphasizes its paramount importance. It suggests that our primary focus should be on God, trusting in His timing and His wisdom. The call to “be strong and take heart” isn’t a suggestion to conjure up some superficial resilience. Rather, it flows directly from the act of waiting on the Lord.

As we place our trust in Him, He becomes our strength, infusing us with the courage we need to face our challenges.

Think of a soldier standing firm in their position, not knowing exactly when the reinforcements will arrive, but holding fast because they trust in the plan and the power of their commander. Similarly, we are called to stand firm in our faith, drawing strength and courage from our unwavering trust in God.

This waiting is not idleness; it’s a period of growth, of deepening our reliance on Him, and of allowing His purposes to unfold in His perfect time. It’s in this patient expectation that our hearts find true and lasting courage.

Heavenly Father, in moments of uncertainty and when my strength feels fleeting, I turn to Your Word and find solace in the call to wait for You. Grant me the patience to trust in Your perfect timing and the courage to stand firm in my faith. Infuse me with Your strength, Lord, so that I may take heart and not be discouraged. Help me to actively wait, seeking You and allowing Your purposes to unfold in my life. May my hope be steadfast in You alone. Amen.

Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Spiritual Awakening: A Call To Zeal…

Ah, the poignant story of “Awakenings” beautifully mirrors our spiritual journey, doesn’t it? That image of lives lived in a decades-long slumber, only to briefly taste the vibrant air of consciousness before drifting back, resonates deeply with the ebb and flow of our faith.

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  Romams 13:11

That initial, miraculous awakening to God, the dawning of a new reality in Christ, can sometimes fade into a spiritual drowsiness. The world, with its subtle allurements and persistent demands, can gently lull us away from that initial fervor, that breathtaking wonder of our salvation.

Like those patients, we might not even realize the slow descent into spiritual slumber until we find ourselves far from the vibrant life we once knew.
But the good news, the powerful truth that echoes through the ages, is that this drift is not inevitable.

The call to “Wake up, sleeper!” in Ephesians 5:14 is not just a gentle suggestion; it’s a resounding alarm, a loving plea to stir ourselves from any hint of spiritual apathy.

As Romans 13:11 reminds us, understanding the urgency of our times should ignite within us a renewed sense of purpose and passion, for our ultimate deliverance draws ever closer.

Let us not allow the precious gift of our awakening to dim. Let us actively cultivate the soil of our hearts, tending to the seeds of faith with intentionality, gratitude, and a persistent seeking of God’s presence.

May we daily choose to rekindle the flames of our first love, remembering the sheer grace that pulled us from darkness into light.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the miraculous awakening You have brought into our lives through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We remember the joy, the wonder, the overwhelming gratitude that flooded our souls when we first understood the depth of Your love and the freedom found in You. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have allowed the cares of this world, the distractions of life, or the weariness of the journey to dim that initial spark. Awaken within us anew, we pray, a burning zeal for You, a passionate desire to know You more intimately, and a vibrant love that permeates every aspect of our being. Grant us the strength and the awareness to resist the subtle pull of spiritual slumber, and empower us to live each day with hearts fully awake and fully alive in You. May Your light shine brightly through us as we walk in the reality of our salvation. Amen.

Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him. May this be our constant aim, our daily awakening.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Eagle: Guidance and Growth…

There’s a beautiful and evocative image from Deuteronomy! It paints a powerful picture of God’s care and guidance for His people.

He was like an eagle hovering over its nest, overshadowing its young, Then spreading its wings, lifting them into the air, teaching them to fly.  Deuteronomy 32:11, MSG

Think about that eagle for a moment. It doesn’t just passively watch over its young. It actively engages in their growth. First, there’s that sense of protection, the overshadowing presence offering security and safety. Just like God’s constant presence shields us from harm and worry.

But the eagle’s love doesn’t stop at mere protection. It knows that true flourishing comes from learning to soar. So, it stirs up the nest, making it uncomfortable enough for the young to want to leave. Then comes the incredible act of lifting them into the air. Imagine the vulnerability of those young eaglets, suddenly suspended above the ground! Yet, they are held securely by the strength of their parent’s wings.

This is so much like our journey with God. He provides comfort and security, but He also gently pushes us out of our comfort zones. He challenges us to grow, to step out in faith, knowing that He will be there to support us, just like the eagle beneath its young. The initial moments might feel scary and uncertain.

We might feel like we’re flailing, unsure of our own abilities. But it’s in that very act of being lifted and guided that we learn to use our own wings to discover the strength and potential God has placed within us. He teaches us to navigate the currents of life, to rise above challenges, and to experience the freedom of flying.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your constant presence in our lives, a shadow of protection and a source of unwavering strength. We acknowledge that Your love doesn’t always look like ease and comfort, but rather a guiding hand that pushes us towards growth. Give us the courage to trust Your leading, even when it feels unsettling. Help us to embrace the challenges that come our way, knowing that You are beneath us, supporting us as we learn to soar. May we always remember that it is in Your strength that we find our wings. Amen.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Remembrance, Sacrifice, and Unity…

“This do in remembrance of me.” These simple yet profound words, spoken by Jesus during the Last Supper, echo through the centuries, inviting us into a sacred act of remembrance. But what does it truly mean to “do this in remembrance”? It’s more than just a ritual; it’s an invitation to engage our entire being in recalling the sacrifice and love of our Savior.

This do in remembrance of me. — 1 Corinthians 11:24

When we partake in communion, we aren’t merely going through the motions. We are stepping into a living memorial. The bread, broken and shared, becomes a tangible reminder of Jesus’ body, broken for us on the cross. The cup, filled and offered, symbolizes the new covenant established by his blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins.

This act of remembrance calls us to more than just intellectual recall. It invites us to a heartfelt connection with the events of the Passion. We are asked to reflect on the immense love that compelled Jesus to endure suffering and death.

We are invited to consider the weight of our sins that necessitated such a sacrifice. In this remembrance, gratitude and humility intertwine. Furthermore, “do this” is an active command. It’s not a passive reflection but an ongoing practice.

It calls us to live our lives in a way that honors the sacrifice made for us. It challenges us to extend the love and forgiveness we have received to others. Our daily actions, our interactions, and our very beings can become an ongoing testament to the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice.

This act of remembrance also fosters unity within the body of Christ. As we partake of the one bread and the one cup, we are reminded that we are all partakers of the same grace, bound together by the love of our Lord. It’s a shared experience that transcends individual differences and strengthens the bonds of our faith community.

Let us not approach this sacred meal lightly. Let us come with hearts open to remembrance, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to live lives worthy of the sacrifice made for us.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of remembrance, for the opportunity to continually draw near to the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ. As we partake in this sacred meal, open our hearts to a deeper understanding of his love and the cost of our redemption. Help us not only to remember the events of the past but to live in the light of that sacrifice, extending your love and grace to those around us. Strengthen our unity as your body, and empower us to live lives that truly honor the memory of our Savior. Amen.

Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼