Ed Christian's World

Wandering, Death, and God’s Unwavering…

The passage from Proverbs 21:16, “The man who wanders off from the way of understanding will dwell in the congregation of the dead,” takes on a profound and sobering depth when we consider the linguistic journey of the word “congregation.” From the Hebrew “kahal” to the Greek “ecclesia,” which we understand as “church,” the verse can indeed be rendered, “The man who wanders off from the way of understanding will dwell in the church of the dead.”

This interpretation holds particular resonance in our contemporary spiritual landscape. We are witnessing a disheartening trend where numerous churches and denominations, once pillars of faith, are progressively drifting from the unadulterated truth of God’s Word. They are instead aligning themselves with the shifting sands of worldly ideologies and the transient demands of the age. In this spiritual migration, some have tragically embraced practices and doctrines that the Bible unequivocally condemns as abominations.

It is no mere coincidence that these very denominations, having strayed from the divine compass, are increasingly characterized by spiritual lifelessness. They have, in essence, become “churches of the dead”—bereft of the vibrant Spirit and transformative power that true adherence to God’s Word imparts. This spiritual dormancy is not confined to institutions; it permeates the lives of individuals as well.

Just as Psalm 1:5-6 declares, “Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,” so too will those who wander from God’s understanding find themselves outside the true assembly of the living.

In a day marked by such widespread spiritual wandering and apostasy, the call to unwavering fidelity to God’s Word becomes an urgent mandate. Be that person who, without compromise, clings to every precept and principle of Scripture. This is the path to vibrant spiritual life, a shield against the encroaching shadows of death and decay. To refuse to compromise is to secure your place, not in a church or life of the dead, but in the pulsating heart of God’s living truth.

The “way of understanding” isn’t merely intellectual assent; it’s a lifestyle—a path trod in humble obedience to divine revelation. To wander from it implies a deliberate, albeit perhaps subtle, departure from God’s established order. The “congregation of the dead” is more than a physical location; it signifies a spiritual state. It is a communion with that which is spiritually lifeless, cut off from the source of true vitality. This isn’t just about doctrinal error; it’s about a loss of divine connection, a decaying of spiritual vibrancy, and ultimately, a participation in the realm of the spiritually deceased. The terrifying implication is that one can be within the visible structure of a “church” yet be spiritually dead, dwelling in a “congregation of the dead” because the lifeblood of God’s Word has been forsaken.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts humbled by Your truth. We confess that there are areas in our lives where we have, perhaps unknowingly or even willfully, strayed from Your perfect will and the clear teaching of Your Word. Forgive us for our compromises, for our inclinations to follow the dictates of the world rather than the unwavering truth of Scripture. Lord, we long to be people of no compromise, individuals whose lives are fully surrendered to Your authority. Expose every hidden corner where we are not aligning with Your Word. Grant us the courage to repent, to turn definitively from any path that leads to spiritual death. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live lives of complete obedience, to truly dwell in the “assembly of the righteous,” and to be vibrant, living testimonies to Your unchanging truth. May we never find ourselves in the “church of the dead,” but always in the living, breathing body of Christ. Amen.

Let this truth pierce your very soul! The comfortable slide into compromise, the subtle whispers of cultural relevance, the allure of acceptance over conviction – these are the siren songs that lead to the “church of the dead.” Do not be deceived! Your eternal vitality, your very spiritual existence, hangs in the balance. God’s Word is not a suggestion; it is the absolute, non-negotiable standard by which all life is measured. Anything less is a path to decay. Do you truly believe His Word, or do you merely acknowledge it? Now is the time to choose! Stand firm! Stand unyielding! Let God’s Word be the bedrock of your life, the compass for your every step, the fiery passion that consumes every trace of compromise within you. For only in absolute surrender to His truth will you escape the chilling embrace of the spiritually dead!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Walk Fearlessly In God’s Love…

Today, let’s explore a love so fierce and faithful that nothing in existence can break its hold on us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?Romans 8:35

There’s a moment in every relationship when the heart asks: “Is there anything that could make you stop loving me?” It’s our deepest vulnerability seeking assurance that love won’t reach its limit.

Paul’s question in Romans 8:35 echoes this longing, but with divine certainty. He asks not from theory but experience—a man who endured beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and rejection, yet discovered something extraordinary.

His list reads like a catalog of suffering: trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword. Paul understood that love declarations are easy in comfort but tested in chaos.

What follows in verses 37-39 is Scripture’s most defiant love letter. No circumstance, no spiritual power, no dimension of time or space can wedge itself between you and Love himself. The distance between you and Christ isn’t determined by your circumstances but by His character—and His character is unchanging love.

Here’s the wonder: The same hands nailed open for you remain open to you. Always. Your relationship with God isn’t a conditional arrangement but an unbreakable covenant, signed in the blood of His Son.

How can recognizing God’s ever-present love change your perspective on current challenges?

Father in Heaven, When doubts creep in and circumstances whisper that Your love has limits, anchor me in this truth: nothing can separate me from You. Not my failures, not my fears, not the storms that surround me. In my darkest valleys, remind me that Your love doesn’t withdraw with the light. When I feel most alone, help me trust the promise that holds me secure in Your unbreakable embrace.Thank You for loving me with no conditions, no expiration date, and no fine print. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Learn to commit every situation to God, and trust Him for the outcome. God’s love for you never changes, no matter what problems you face or how unsettled life becomes.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Be Shamelessly Bold For God…

In the profound teachings of Jesus, we encounter a compelling depiction of a neighbor persistently knocking at midnight, seeking aid. The original Greek term for this neighbor is “ana-e-diah,” translating to impudent, importune, or shameless.

While humility and propriety are virtues we rightly uphold, there exists a sacred space for a holy impudence and a heavenly shamelessness.

The Lord desires His people to embody a boldness concerning the things of Heaven, to be unashamed of the Gospel – a true shamelessness. He calls us to be impudent about His Word, utterly devoted to His promises and unwavering in His truth.

We are to be shameless about His truth, His love, and our faith, shamelessly bold in prayer, in hope, in the Gospel, and ultimately, in Jesus. The divine invitation is to grasp His Word and commence a bold, persistent knocking on the door of heaven, continuing until His answer is revealed.

There are countless things in this world that might bring us shame, but our Lord is unequivocally not one of them. Therefore, be strong, authentic, and unashamed!

As recounted in Acts 19:8, Paul, entering a synagogue, “spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.”

Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging Your boundless love and unwavering truth. Grant us, we pray, a spirit of holy impudence and heavenly shamelessness. Strengthen our resolve to be bold in Your Word, unashamed of the Gospel, and persistent in prayer. Let our lives reflect an unwavering faith and a courageous witness to Your son, Jesus. May we knock boldly on the doors of Your promises, trusting that You will answer. Amen.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.  Matthew 28:19-20

Today, resolve to be strong, bold, and unashamed for the majestic purposes of God, in both truth and love. Be shamelessly devoted to the Lord!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

That Barren Place…

Good morning,  When life seems to lead us into barren places, today’s verse reminds us that God specializes in bringing unexpected life exactly where we least expect it.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  Isaiah 43:19

Have you ever stared at your phone’s “memories” feature and felt a pang in your chest? That photo from three years ago popped up on mine this morning. Before everything changed. Before life took that sharp turn, you never saw coming.

We all have these wilderness seasons. The job loss that left you stranded. The relationship that crumbled. The diagnosis changed everything. The moments where you look around and wonder, “How did I end up here?”

But here’s what changes everything: your wilderness isn’t just empty space.

Think about it. Moses spent forty years in desert obscurity before the burning bush. Joseph had a prison cell before a palace. David had caves before a throne. What looked like wasteland was actually where God was preparing something new.

The wilderness may not be the problem. Sometimes, it’s our perception that needs to change.

God’s “new things” rarely announce themselves with fanfare. Like seeds pushing through concrete, they emerge quietly until one day you realize—something has shifted inside you.

That barren place in your life? Underground streams are already flowing there. Even in our deepest pain, God is present—making a way where there seems to be none.

What “new thing” might God be quietly growing in the place that feels most barren right now?

What if God isn’t asking you to find a purpose in the pain but to notice His presence in the middle of it?

God of new beginnings, sometimes, I focus so much on what was or what could be that I miss what You’re doing right now. Forgive me for mistaking Your silence for absence. Open my eyes to see the small sprouts of hope. You’re growing in my wilderness. When I’m tempted to just endure this season, help me engage with it instead. Show me the purpose in this path. Transform my waiting into worship, my confusion into curiosity about what you’re creating. Thank you for making streams in my wasteland places, even when I can’t yet see them flowing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sometimes, when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Brokenness: God’s Power Unleashed…

It’s truly amazing to see that thread of brokenness woven throughout scripture, isn’t it? From Gideon’s shattered pitchers revealing the light, to the poured-out ointment anointing Jesus, the broken bread miraculously feeding the multitude, and ultimately, Christ’s broken body bringing redemption, we witness a profound truth: it’s in our brokenness, our surrender, that God’s power shines most brilliantly.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart—These, O God, you will not despise.  Psalm 51:17

Consider those areas in your own life where you’ve held back, where your will has been resistant to the Lord’s touch. Perhaps there’s a place of hardness, a refusal to yield. This passage invites us to a powerful act: to willingly allow our will to be broken for His divine purposes.

When we release our grip, when we surrender our own desires and plans, we become vessels ready to be filled and used by Him in ways we can’t even imagine.

Out of that brokenness can flow the radiant light of His glory, the fragrant anointing of His Spirit, and the transformative power of His redemption, touching not only our own lives but the lives of those around us.

There truly is no limit to what God can accomplish through a life fully surrendered, a vessel willingly broken in His hands.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge the places within us where our will has been strong, resistant, or simply untouched by Your loving hand. We ask for the courage and the grace to surrender those areas to You now. Break down any walls of pride or self-reliance that hinder Your work in our lives. Help us to embrace a broken and contrite heart, knowing that this is a sacrifice You do not despise. May Your light shine through our cracks, Your anointing flow from our yielded spirits, and Your redemptive power be manifested through our lives. Mold us and use us, Lord, for Your glory. Amen.

It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.

May we embrace the process of being broken, trusting that it is in that very place of vulnerability that we become most available to experience and extend the fullness of God’s power and love.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Worship Matters.

Today, let’s glimpse heaven’s worship and discover how our praises echo in eternity.

In a loud voice, they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’  Revelation 5:12

Sometimes, our worship feels small—a quiet prayer before dawn, a song hummed during the commute, a whispered “thank you” amid life’s chaos. Does it really matter in the grand scheme of things?

Revelation 5:12 pulls back heaven’s curtain to reveal the stunning answer. There, countless angels surround the throne, their voices thundering in perfect harmony: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”

This isn’t just beautiful poetry—it’s the universe’s deepest truth finally spoken aloud. Every knee bows, not before Christ’s power or majesty alone, but before His scars. The wounds that seemed like defeat on Earth shine as heaven’s most precious treasure.

Heaven holds nothing back. Seven gifts—the number of completion—pour forth in undiluted worship: power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. Creation’s fullest response to redemption’s highest price.

Here’s the wonder: when you worship from your kitchen or car or hospital room, you’re not just practicing for eternity—you’re joining it. Your voice harmonizes with angels. Your “thank you” mingles with heaven’s anthem. The veil between worlds grows thin.

Today, remember this: your worship matters because the Lamb is worthy. And one day, you’ll see Him face-to-face and finally understand why.

Father in Heaven, What a beautiful mystery—that all of heaven erupts in praise for the Lamb who still bears the scars of love. Thank You for treasuring every small act of faith, every whispered prayer, every tear surrendering in trust. Today, I don’t want to hold anything back. Help me live with wonder, with worship, with a heart that echoes heaven’s song: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. You are worthy of everything I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Heartfelt Faith vs Empty Rituals…

It’s true that rituals, when performed without genuine heart and connection, can become empty and lifeless. The danger isn’t in the actions themselves – praying, attending services, reading scripture – but in the motivation behind them.

When the initial passion and love for God fade, these acts can devolve into mere routine, a performance devoid of true worship and devotion. As the passage reminds us, even doing “the right things” loses its meaning when the heart isn’t fully engaged. It’s a sobering thought: are we going through the motions, or are our actions flowing from a vibrant relationship with God?

The message to the church in Ephesus resonates deeply with this idea: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4).

It’s a call to remember the initial fire, the fervent love that characterized the beginning of our faith journey. God desires more than just outward obedience; He longs for our hearts, our passion, and our genuine affection. To live in the “realm of rituals” without this heart connection is to miss the very essence of our relationship with Him.

Today, the invitation stands: to move beyond the surface and connect heart to heart with God. To seek the very core of who He is with the deepest part of ourselves.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that at times, we can fall into the trap of routine, performing acts of faith without the fire and passion we once knew. Forgive us for the times our hearts have grown distant, and our service has become mere ritual. We long to return to that first love, that burning desire to know you more deeply and to serve you wholeheartedly. Rekindle within us the flame of your Spirit. Grant us the grace to move beyond empty actions and to connect with you in a real and meaningful way. Help us to seek your heart with our whole heart, that our lives may be a true reflection of our love for you. Amen.

Without the heart, religion becomes an empty shell of words and outward show, a hollow performance on a stage where the curtain has already fallen. May we always guard our hearts and ensure that our faith is a vibrant and genuine expression of love for our God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Seasons Of Life…

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us of the cyclical nature of life, the ebb, and the flow of experiences that shape our journey. It speaks not just of the changing seasons of the year but of the different seasons within our own lives. There are times for joy and times for sorrow, moments of building up and moments of letting go, periods of loud celebration, and times of quiet reflection.

Think about it: just as a farmer understands the rhythm of planting and harvesting, we, too, experience these contrasting phases. There are seasons of intense activity, where we pour our energy into projects, relationships, or personal growth. These are our “planting” times, requiring effort and dedication. Then there are seasons of waiting, where we nurture what we’ve sown, trusting in the process even when we don’t see immediate results. Finally, there are seasons of reaping, where we experience the fruits of our labor, the joy of accomplishment, or the warmth of connection.

The beauty of this verse lies in its acceptance of this natural order. It doesn’t suggest that we should resist the difficult seasons or cling desperately to the easy ones. Instead, it invites us to recognize that each phase has its purpose and contributes to the richness of our lives. The times of sorrow can deepen our empathy and build resilience. The times of breaking down can make space for new growth and rebuilding.

Embracing this understanding can bring a sense of peace and perspective. When we find ourselves in a challenging season, remembering that it is but one phase in a larger cycle can offer comfort and hope. It reminds us that change is inevitable and that new beginnings always follow endings.

Let us not become so attached to one season that we miss the lessons and opportunities present in another. May we have the wisdom to discern the time for each activity in our own lives and the grace to embrace it fully.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the wisdom found in your Word, reminding us that life unfolds in seasons. Grant us the discernment to recognize the purpose in each phase, whether it be a time of joy or sorrow, of action or rest. Help us to embrace the present moment, trusting in your timing and knowing that each season contributes to your beautiful plan for our lives. Give us the strength to navigate the difficult times and the humility to appreciate the joyful ones. May we learn and grow through them all, becoming more like you with each passing season. Amen.

To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Humility and God’s Justification…

It’s easy to read Jesus’ parable and feel a comfortable distance from the self-assured Pharisee. We might even nod in agreement, thinking, “Yes, humility is key.” But if we’re truly honest with ourselves, haven’t we all, at times, stood in a place of subtle judgment, comparing our perceived virtues to the shortcomings of others? Perhaps not with the Pharisee’s overt pronouncements, but in the quiet corners of our minds.

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14

The Pharisee, in his meticulous observance of religious practices, had likely dedicated himself to living a life that honored God. His fasting and tithing were commendable acts. Yet, his prayer became a monument to self-congratulation, a wall built between himself and the very grace he sought. He focused on his own righteousness, defining himself in opposition to others, especially the despised tax collector.

The tax collector, on the other hand, understood the chasm between his actions and God’s holiness. His posture, his averted gaze, his simple plea, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” spoke volumes about his contrite heart. He didn’t offer excuses or justifications; he simply acknowledged his need for divine grace.

Jesus’ conclusion is stark: it was the humble tax collector, not the self-righteous Pharisee, who went home justified. This isn’t a condemnation of good deeds, but a powerful reminder that our standing before God isn’t earned through comparison or self-promotion. True righteousness isn’t about appearing better than others; it’s about recognizing our own need for God’s mercy and approaching Him with humility.

This parable challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we approach God with a spirit of gratitude and dependence, acknowledging our imperfections? Or do we subtly measure our spiritual progress against others, allowing pride to creep into our prayers and perceptions? The path to true justification lies not in exalting ourselves but in humbling ourselves before a loving and merciful God.

Gracious God, we confess that we often fall into the trap of comparison, subtly elevating ourselves while looking down on others. Forgive us for the times we have focused on our own perceived righteousness rather than on your boundless grace. Grant us the humility of the tax collector, the courage to acknowledge our need for your mercy, and the wisdom to understand that true worth lies not in our own achievements but in your unfailing love. May we always approach you with contrite hearts, knowing that it is in humility that we find true exaltation in your sight. Amen.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Rising After the fall…

This is a powerful verse from Proverbs It speaks volumes about the resilience of the human spirit, especially for those who strive to live with integrity.

Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up.   Proverbs 24:16

Life, in its intricate dance, often presents us with stumbles and falls. We might face setbacks in our careers, experience fractured relationships, or grapple with personal failings. The weight of these moments can feel heavy, and the temptation to stay down can be strong. Perhaps we question our worthiness or fear that our mistakes define us.

But the wisdom of Proverbs 24:16 cuts through this despair with a potent truth: even when a righteous person falls, they possess an inherent capacity to rise again. This isn’t a promise of a life devoid of struggle, but rather an affirmation of the unwavering strength that lies within those who are committed to what is right. It speaks to a spirit of perseverance, a refusal to be defined by temporary defeats.

Each time we falter and choose to get back up, we demonstrate courage, learn valuable lessons, and deepen our understanding of ourselves and our reliance on something greater than ourselves. The act of rising isn’t just about physical or circumstantial recovery; it’s about a spiritual renewal, a reaffirmation of our values and our commitment to living a meaningful life.

Let us hold onto this truth, especially during those times when we feel most vulnerable. Our falls do not define our character; it is our willingness to rise, learn, and continue our journey that truly matters.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the unwavering hope found in Your Word. When we stumble and fall, as we inevitably do, grant us the strength and the courage to rise again. Help us to see our setbacks not as final defeats but as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on Your grace. Instill in us a spirit of perseverance, reminding us that our true worth lies not in our perfection but in our commitment to keep striving towards righteousness. May we learn from our falls and emerge stronger and more compassionate. Amen.

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼