Ed Christian's World

Walking By Faith, Not Sight…

Walking by faith, as 2 Corinthians 5:7 declares, isn’t a passive concept; it’s an active surrender. It’s not about being blind to reality but rather about seeing reality through the lens of God’s sovereign power and unfailing love.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.  2 Corinthians 5:7

When the path ahead is obscured by doubt or fear, our natural inclination is to rely on what we can see, what we can control, and what we can predict. Yet, faith beckons us to higher ground, to a place where divine wisdom supersedes human understanding.

Faith is not mere belief; it is the act of putting God in the place of everything else you would naturally trust.

This isn’t easy, especially when our circumstances scream otherwise. It requires a deliberate choice to release our grip on our own limited perspectives and to embrace the vast, infinite wisdom of God. When we choose to trust in Him, we unlock a deeper peace and strength that transcends our own capabilities.

It’s in those moments of vulnerability, when we admit we don’t have all the answers, that God’s guidance becomes most clear, leading us not necessarily to the easiest path, but always to the most purposeful.

What’s one step of faith God is calling you to take today?

Perhaps it’s releasing a worry you’ve been carrying, forgiving someone who has wronged you, or stepping out of your comfort zone to pursue a dream you believe God has placed in your heart.

How can you cultivate a heart of trust, even when the path ahead is unclear?

Cultivating trust is a daily practice. It involves consistent prayer, immersing ourselves in God’s Word, and intentionally recalling past instances of His faithfulness. When uncertainty looms, remind yourself of His character: He is good, He is faithful, and He is for you.

Heavenly Father, We come before you today with hearts that long to walk by faith and not by sight. We confess our human tendency to rely on our own understanding and to fear the unknown. Strengthen us, Lord, to surrender our need for control and to lean wholeheartedly into your perfect plan. When the path ahead seems unclear, remind us of your unwavering presence and your unfailing love. Help us to cultivate a spirit of trust, knowing that you are our compass and our guide. Equip us to take the steps of faith you are calling us to, confident that you will lead us to a purposeful destination filled with your unexpected blessings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Living Heaven’s Reality On Earth…

The prayer “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10) is more than just a petition; it’s a blueprint for victorious living. The secret lies in aligning our earthly experience with the divine reality of heaven.

Many believers inadvertently live an “on earth as it is on earth” existence. This means our peace, joy, and well-being are dictated by our circumstances: troubles lead to distress, setbacks to discouragement, and offenses to bitterness. We become prisoners of our situations and emotions, rising and falling with every earthly tide.
But what if we shifted our perspective?

What if we chose to live “on earth as it is in heaven”? In heaven, God’s Word is forever settled (Psalm 119:89). In heaven, there is no lack, no sickness, no defeat—only blessing, peace, and abundance.

When we anchor our lives in this heavenly reality, our circumstances no longer define us. We can experience blessing even amidst earthly challenges, find peace in the face of chaos, and maintain joy despite difficulties.

Heavenly Father, We thank You that Your will is perfect and settled in heaven. We desire to live our lives on earth as it is in heaven. Forgive us for the times we have allowed earthly circumstances to dictate our peace and joy. Help us to fix our eyes on Your eternal truth, to embrace Your perspective, and to walk in the fullness of the blessings You have prepared for us. May our lives be a reflection of Your glory, here on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.

Stop living an ‘on earth as it is on earth’ life, and start living an ‘on earth as it is in heaven’ life. In heaven, it’s blessed. And your life will be just as blessed when you start living on earth as it is in heaven.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Unfailing Presence, A Prayer….

Our lives, no matter how devout or secure they may seem, are utterly dependent on God’s unwavering presence. Just as a child, learning to walk needs constant support or a ship without its pilot drifts off course. We, too, are lost without divine guidance. The plea, “Forsake me not, O Lord,” isn’t reserved for moments of crisis; it’s a prayer for every breath we take.

Forsake me not, O Lord. — Psalms 38:21

We need this prayer in joy, lest our hearts become consumed by earthly delights. We need it in sorrow to prevent murmuring against His will. In repentance, we pray it so hope isn’t lost to despair. And even in our strongest faith, we must utter it to safeguard against presumption. Without God, we are weak; with Him, we are strong. Our path is fraught with danger and snares, making His constant guidance indispensable.

Just as a hen covers her brood, we seek refuge under His wings. “Be not far from me, O Lord, for trouble is near, for there is none to help.” Our ultimate salvation lies in His unfailing presence.

Heavenly Father, I humble myself before You, acknowledging my utter dependence on Your unfailing love and constant presence. Forsake me not, O Lord, in the quiet moments of my daily life, nor in the roaring storms that may come. Hold me close, lest I stumble and fall. In my joys, anchor my heart in Your grace, preventing it from straying. In my sorrows, be my solace, shielding me from bitterness and despair. Strengthen my faith, Lord, that it may never waver into pride or presumption. Guide my steps on this treacherous path, for without Your wisdom, I am lost. Cover me with Your wings, O Divine Protector, that I may always find refuge in Your embrace. Amen.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. — Psalm 46:1

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Shepherds Care…

Psalm 23 truly resonates as a balm for the soul, reminding us of the unwavering care of our Divine Shepherd. The opening verse, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing,” is a profound declaration of trust, affirming that with God as our guide, all our needs are met.

This doesn’t promise a life devoid of challenges, but rather an assurance that amidst every trial, our Shepherd leads us to serene pastures and tranquil waters, revitalizing our spirits and guiding us along righteous paths. Even when we walk through the darkest valleys, there’s no need for fear, for our Shepherd is ever-present, offering comfort and protection.

Therefore, whatever your current circumstances, cling to this truth: you are profoundly cherished by a Shepherd who knows you intimately, sees you completely, and remains perpetually by your side. In His tender care, you will discover rest, renewed strength, and the steadfast assurance that you genuinely lack nothing.

Am I truly allowing God to shepherd every aspect of my life? Are there areas where I still try to maintain control, perhaps out of fear or a desire for self-sufficiency?

Where might I be subtly resisting His guidance, and what practical steps can I take to surrender those areas more fully to Him? This might involve letting go of anxieties about the future, releasing control over relationships, or trusting His timing in career decisions.

Heavenly Father, my Shepherd, I thank You for Your unfailing love and constant care. You are my provider, my guide, and my protector. Forgive me for the times I have strayed, for the moments I have tried to navigate life on my own. I surrender to You now all that I hold dear – my fears, my ambitions, my uncertainties. Lead me, Lord, in Your righteousness, and help me to truly believe that in You, I lack nothing. Amen.

The will of God is not a terrifying chasm into which we might fall, but rather a safe and green pasture in which we are invited to rest.

This powerfully echoes the essence of Psalm 23, reminding us that surrendering to God’s will isn’t a loss of control but an embrace of ultimate safety and peace.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Imperfect Prayers, Boundless Grace…

It’s truly a profound thought, isn’t it? When we honestly examine our prayer lives, a sense of awe—and perhaps a touch of shame—can wash over us. We might, in moments of self-delusion, imagine our prayers to be fervent and worthy, much like the Pharisee in the parable.

Yet, with a more enlightened perspective, the sincere Christian often finds themselves weeping over their own half-hearted petitions, wishing they had poured out their souls with greater earnestness.

Consider, dear Christian, the inherent coldness of your prayers. When you entered your private space, did you truly wrestle with God as Jacob did at Peniel? Or were your requests timid, few, and utterly lacking the humble, unwavering persistence that cries, “I will not let You go unless You bless me”?

And yet, in a display of divine grace that defies all human logic, God has not only heard these lukewarm prayers but has actually answered them.

Remarkably, despite our propensity to cease praying once our needs are met, God does not cease to bless. When we neglect the mercy seat, He does not abandon it; the radiant light of His presence, the Shekinah, remains ever visible. It’s astonishing that the Lord pays heed to our sporadic bursts of importunity, those cries that ebb and flow with our immediate necessities. What an extraordinary God, to hear the prayers of those who approach Him out of urgent need but then neglect Him once the mercy is received. We come when forced, but almost forget Him when blessings abound and sorrows are few.

Surely, His boundless kindness in hearing such imperfect prayers should stir our hearts. It should move us to a deeper, more consistent communion, inspiring us to be found “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” This isn’t about earning His favor, but about responding to a love that freely gives even when we are undeserving. It’s about recognizing that His faithfulness transcends our fleeting devotion.

Oh, Merciful God, we stand in awe of Your patient grace. Forgive us for the coldness of our prayers, for the times we have sought You only in distress, and for our swift forgetfulness when Your blessings abound. Ignite within us a persistent fire, a spirit of constant supplication that delights in Your presence, not just in our need. May Your boundless kindness in answering our feeble cries draw us ever closer, transforming our sporadic petitions into a ceaseless offering of gratitude and dependence. Amen.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.— 2 Peter 3:9

How does reflecting on God’s unwavering faithfulness, despite our wavering commitment, reshape your understanding of His character?

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Enduring Through the Unseen Seasons…

That stretch between planting and harvest, the “middle season,” often feels like a test of faith. We’ve poured our energy into doing good—raising children, serving our communities, standing firm in our convictions, or persisting in prayer—and yet, the immediate evidence of impact can be frustratingly absent.

This isn’t just physical tiredness, but a deep heart fatigue, a soul-weariness that whispers doubts: Did it even matter? Were the seeds bad? Was the effort wasted?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Galatians 6:9

Paul understood that faithfulness often demands enduring periods where nothing outwardly seems to change. Our acts of goodness, like seeds, disappear into the soil, with no instant gratification of growth.

God’s promise, delivered through Paul, is a farmer’s assurance: the harvest will come, not on our impatient timeline, but “at the proper time.” This is the perfect season orchestrated by the Master Gardener. Our role isn’t to force the harvest; that’s divine work. Our calling is simpler, yet profoundly challenging: to not give up.

Today, whatever good you are diligently cultivating, even if it feels unnoticed or unappreciated, remember this truth. Your consistent, faithful planting—your enduring through the unseen—is not in vain. A harvest awaits, one that will ultimately validate every moment of waiting and make the effort worthwhile.

Heavenly Father, we come before You in moments of weariness when the seeds of our efforts seem hidden beneath the soil. Strengthen our hearts, Lord, against the whispers of doubt and the fatigue of unseen progress. Grant us the grace to persevere in doing good, knowing that You are the Master Gardener who brings forth fruit in Your perfect timing. Help us to trust in Your promise of a harvest, even when the wait is long. May our faith remain steadfast, our hope unwavering, and our love abounding as we continue to plant in faith. Amen.

Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing but to turn it into glory.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Devine Confidence  – Trusting God’s Perfection…

Our confidence must never rest on our own abilities, but solely on the Lord’s unfailing power.

The Psalmist wisely declared, “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me” (Psalms 138:8).

This isn’t a declaration of self-reliance but a profound trust in God’s faithfulness. Any confidence not rooted in the Rock of Ages is a perilous illusion, destined to crumble and leave us in despair.

Human efforts, however sincere, are like threads that time will unravel. Our righteousness, if even a single stitch depended on us, would be incomplete. But herein lies our unwavering hope: it is the Lord who began the good work within us, it is He who sustains it, and it is He alone who will bring it to completion. He has done it all, He must do it all, and He will do it all.

When faced with the daunting reality of our own weaknesses, the temptations of the world, and the deceitfulness of our hearts, unbelief may whisper, “You will surely fall.” And indeed, if left to our own strength, we would surely perish, our frail vessels lost in a tumultuous sea.

But thanks be to God, He will perfect what concerns us and bring us safely to our desired haven. We can never be too confident when our trust is solely in Him, and never too earnest in cultivating such a trust.

Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging our utter dependence on Your grace. Forgive us for the times we have leaned on our own understanding or placed our hope in fleeting things. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may always find our confidence in You alone. Perfect what concerns us, guide us through life’s storms, and bring us safely to Your eternal embrace. Amen.

Our faith is not a mountain we climb, but a hand we hold, as God leads us to the summit.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Daily Bread – Daily Peace In God…

Let’s delve a little deeper into this profound truth.

Give us today our daily bread.   Matthew 6:11

Isn’t it remarkable how our relationship with time profoundly influences our inner peace? We often find ourselves entangled in a world relentlessly pursuing “more” and “later”—savings accounts earmarked for the distant future, pantries overflowing for the coming months, and minds constantly racing toward tomorrow’s anxieties.

Yet, within the simple elegance of Matthew 6:11, Jesus unveils the secret to authentic peace: “Give us today our daily bread.”

Observe that He doesn’t instruct us to pray, “Grant me abundance for next month,” or “Prepare everything I will ever require.” Instead, He invites us into a far more intimate exchange—a daily dialogue, a daily act of trust, a daily revelation of God’s unwavering provision. Each sunrise heralds fresh mercy; each fleeting moment carries renewed grace.

This isn’t an endorsement of recklessness or an abandonment of prudent planning. Rather, it’s an invitation to discover liberation in the profound assurance that the same God who orchestrates the cosmos also tenderly holds your every need in His hands. Today’s formidable challenges are met with today’s divinely endowed strength. Today’s gnawing hunger is satisfied with today’s divinely supplied bread.

When we truly internalize this truth, a transformative shift occurs within our being. Our shoulders are unburdened from carrying worries intended for another day. Our hearts settle into the steady rhythm of God’s ceaseless care, discovering that His daily provision is infinitely sweeter than the anxieties of tomorrow.

Pray, and let God worry. This powerful assertion underscores the liberating power of relinquishing our anxieties to the One who knows no limits.

Oh, Abba Father, we come before You, laying bare every concern that weighs upon our hearts—the fears we voice and the silent burdens we carry within. When the path ahead seems shrouded in overwhelming uncertainty, and we are tempted to shoulder more than this day’s allotment, gently redirect our gaze to Your steadfast care that knows no end. Imbue us with the unwavering trust that each new dawn ushers in fresh grace, flowing freely from Your bountiful hand. Where we perceive only ambiguity, illuminate for us the tangible evidence of Your unfailing provision. Where the tendrils of fear seek to entangle us, saturate our souls with Your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding. We offer You our deepest gratitude for Your meticulous attention to every facet of our lives, and for meeting us precisely in this present moment. In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.

God may allow us at times to hit rock bottom, not to abandon us, but to show us that He is, unequivocally, the Rock—firm and steadfast—at the very bottom.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Heavenly Treasures – Give It All…

That ancient fable of the desert merchants offers us a profound truth about our lives. They gathered what they thought were mere stones in the darkness, only to discover them to be precious jewels in the light of morning. Their joy, however, was tinged with regret—they wished they had gathered more.

This story mirrors our journey with God. We are called to invest all we have—our time, talents, resources, and even our very selves—into His purposes and for His glory. In this life, these acts of obedience may seem like simple “stones,” their true value not immediately apparent. But just as the merchants’ stones transformed into jewels, our earthly offerings will become heavenly treasures, far exceeding anything we can imagine.

The wisdom here is simple yet transformative: live with eternal perspective. Don’t wait to give, to serve, to love as God commands. Every act done for Him, no matter how small, is a seed sown for an eternal harvest.

Jeremiah 17:10 reminds us, “I, the Lord, search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” God sees our hearts and intentions, and His reward is perfectly aligned with our faithfulness.

Consider the heart of the merchants. In the moment, they acted on faith, even if a bit hesitantly. Their regret stemmed from a lack of foresight, a failure to fully grasp the potential of the voice’s instruction. For us, the challenge is similar. Do we truly believe God’s promise of heavenly treasures? Do we genuinely trust that surrendering our earthly possessions and desires to Him is the path to ultimate fulfillment?

When we grapple with these questions, we begin to understand the depth of our commitment and where we might be holding back. It’s not just about what we give, but the spirit in which we give it—a heart fully surrendered, eager to honor God above all else.

Heavenly Father, We come before You today with open hearts, ready to embrace Your truth. Just as the merchants were called to gather, You call us to use all we have for Your purposes and glory. Forgive us for the times we’ve held back, for the moments we’ve prioritized earthly comforts over eternal treasures. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may see beyond the present and understand the profound joy awaiting us in Your presence. Ignite within us a passion to live every moment, use every talent, and share every resource for Your kingdom. May our lives be a testament to Your goodness, bringing You honor in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today, let this truth resonate deeply within you: Every single thing you possess—your time, your talents, your finances, your influence—is an opportunity to invest in eternity. Stop living as if this life is all there is. Open your hands, open your heart, and pour out your all for the purposes and glory of God.

Do not be like the merchants who regretted not gathering more. Instead, live with such audacious generosity and unwavering devotion that when the morning light of eternity dawns, you will experience only gladness and absolutely no sorrow, because you will have stored up treasures beyond measure in heaven. Start now. Give it all.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Word – A Guiding Light…

Good morning! What a powerful reflection on the unwavering guidance of God’s Word. It’s so true that in life’s swirling currents, the Bible acts as our steadfast compass, constantly orienting us toward God’s truth.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.   Psalm 119:105

Let’s dig a little deeper into that profound imagery of Scripture as a lamp and a light. It’s not just about seeing the next step but about understanding the entire terrain of our lives in the context of God’s perfect plan.

The Holy Spirit then becomes the living, breathing wind in our sails, adjusting our course, refining our intentions, and gently, yet powerfully, transforming us from the inside out. He doesn’t just show us the path; He helps us walk it with hearts aligned to God’s.

In the relentless surge of life’s demands, we often find ourselves searching for a stable footing, a clear direction. Yet, a profound promise resonates: God’s Word isn’t just a map. It’s a dynamic lamp that illuminates every twist and turn, every shadow and ascent on our journey. It’s the unwavering light that banishes confusion and charts our course toward divine purposes.

As believers, we’re not merely handed a static guide; we’re indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God, who breathes life into those ancient words, translating them into present wisdom and nudging our hearts into alignment with His will. When we falter, He is there, not to condemn, but to lovingly redirect, refine, and renew us from the depths of our being.

Heavenly Father, In the midst of life’s beautiful chaos, I confess my need for Your steady hand. Thank You for Your living Word, a radiant lamp for my feet, and an enduring light for my path. I’m profoundly grateful for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who doesn’t just show me the way but walks with me, making Your truth real in my heart and guiding my every step. Today, as I turn to Your Scripture, strip away all distractions. Ignite in me a hungry anticipation to receive Your wisdom and a bold willingness to obey Your promptings. Transform me, not just in my actions, but in the very core of my being, drawing me ever closer to Your secure and loving presence. You are my unfailing compass, my unwavering guide, and my eternal sanctuary. May my life be a testament to Your leading. Amen.

Either the lamp of God’s Word will keep your feet from wandering into sin, or the darkness of sin will keep your eyes from seeking the illumination of His Word.

How might embracing God’s Word as this ever-present light truly change the way you navigate a challenging decision this week?

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼