Ed Christian's World

Persevering Theough Faith…

Trials are an inevitable part of the human experience. They come in many forms – the loss of a loved one, financial hardship, illness, relational conflicts, or spiritual battles.  It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged when faced with these challenges. We may even be tempted to question God’s goodness or love.

James 1:12 speaks a powerful truth to the heart of every believer: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love HimI.

However, James offers a different perspective. He doesn’t deny the reality of trials, but he reframes them. He tells us that the key is perseverance.  The word “perseveres” implies an active, ongoing endurance. It’s not about passively waiting for the trial to end, but about actively choosing to remain steadfast in our faith throughout the trial.

Why? Because trials are not meaningless. They serve a purpose in God’s plan.  James says that when we have “stood the test,” we will receive the “crown of life.” This isn’t a literal, physical crown, but a metaphor for the fullness of life that God promises to those who love Him.

It speaks of:
* Eternal Life: The ultimate reward of being with God forever.
* A Deeper Relationship with God: Trials can drive us to depend on God more fully, leading to a more intimate relationship.
* Spiritual Maturity: Perseverance in trials refines our character, making us more like Christ.
* God’s Approval and Blessing: “Stood the test” implies that our faith has been proven genuine.

The key is love.  The crown of life is promised to those who love Him. This is not a mere intellectual assent, but a deep, abiding, and active love for God that motivates us to obey Him and trust Him, even when it’s difficult.  It’s a love that perseveres.

This verse is not saying that trials earn us salvation. Salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.  Rather, it’s saying that genuine faith, rooted in love for God, will persevere.  Perseverance is evidence of the reality of our faith and love, and it’s in that context that the “crown of life” is promised.  It’s a reward for faithful endurance, not a payment for salvation.

When you face trials, remember that you are not alone. God is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Draw strength from His Word, seek His presence in prayer, and lean on the support of the body of Christ.  And remember the promise: if you persevere, you will receive the crown of life.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your promise that you are with me in every trial.  Give me the strength to persevere, even when I feel weak and overwhelmed.  Help me to love you more deeply so that my faith may remain steadfast.  I trust in your goodness and your perfect plan.  May my trials produce in me a greater maturity and a deeper relationship with you.  I look forward to the day when I will receive the crown of life, not because of my own merit, but because of your grace and your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Light, Salvation, and Strength…

What a powerful declaration of trust and unwavering faith we find in these opening verses of Psalm 27. In a world that often feels shadowed by uncertainty and threatened by adversity, the Psalmist proclaims a profound truth: the LORD is their light and salvation, their strength and refuge.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.  Psalm 27:1-3

Think about that for a moment. Light dispels darkness, offering clarity and guidance. Salvation speaks of deliverance and rescue from danger. And strength? It’s the bedrock upon which we stand firm, unyielding in the face of opposition. When the LORD embodies all of these for us, what room is left for fear?

The Psalmist doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the presence of enemies and foes, those who seek to devour and destroy. Yet, their confidence isn’t in their own might or ability to defend themselves. Instead, it rests entirely on the power of the LORD. Even when confronted by a multitude an entire host encamped against them, their heart remains fearless. Even in the face of war, their confidence stands firm.

This psalm reminds us that our security doesn’t lie in the absence of challenges but in the presence of God. It’s not about the storm not raging but about having an anchor that holds firm amidst the tempest. When we make the LORD our light, we walk with clarity. When we acknowledge Him as our salvation, we trust in His deliverance. When we rely on His strength, we find ourselves able to stand against any foe.

Let us take this truth to heart today. Whatever darkness may surround us, whatever adversaries we may face, let us fix our gaze on the unfailing light and strength of the LORD.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our light in the darkness, our salvation in times of trouble, and the very strength of our lives. Forgive us for the moments when fear creeps in, and we forget the power that resides in You. Help us to truly internalize the truth of this psalm, to stand firm in our confidence in You, no matter the circumstances. Strengthen our hearts, illuminate our paths, and deliver us from all that seeks to harm us. We place our trust in You, our Lord, and our God. Amen.

Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Light, Salvation, and Faith…

Finding Our Foundation in Light and Strength
Psalm 27 begins with a bold declaration, a confident affirmation of faith in the face of potential adversity:

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm. 27:1

Think about what light represents. It dispels darkness, reveals the path ahead, and brings clarity. When the Psalmist proclaims the Lord as his light, he’s saying that God illuminates his way, guiding him through uncertainty and confusion. In a world often shrouded in shadows of doubt and fear, God’s presence shines brightly, offering direction and hope.

And then comes the powerful word, “salvation.” This isn’t just about being rescued from immediate danger, but about a deep and lasting deliverance. It speaks of wholeness, healing, and a secure future in God’s care. When the Lord is our salvation, we find refuge and security in His love, knowing that He is our ultimate protector.

The second part of the verse builds upon this foundation. The Lord isn’t just a distant light; He is the very “strength of my life.” He infuses us with courage, resilience, and the ability to stand firm even when life’s storms rage around us. This isn’t a passive reliance, but an active empowerment that comes from knowing God is our unwavering support.

The natural response to such profound truths is the rhetorical question: “Whom shall I fear?” And “Of whom shall I be afraid?” When we truly grasp that God is our guiding light, our complete salvation, and the very source of our strength, what earthly power or threat can hold us captive in fear?

This verse isn’t a denial of challenges but a declaration of where our ultimate trust lies. It’s a reminder that with God as our foundation, we can face any situation with courage and confidence.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being the light that guides us through the darkness and the salvation that secures our future. We acknowledge You as the strength of our lives, the unwavering support that empowers us to face our fears. Help us to truly internalize these truths so that in moments of uncertainty and challenge, we may confidently declare, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may always find our courage and peace in You. Amen.

Fear is a cage built by our own doubts, but faith is the key that unlocks the door, revealing the boundless light and strength of God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Enjoying God’s Riches, Abundant Gifts…

This familiar phrase from 1 Timothy 6:17, “Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy,” often rolls off the tongue with a sense of simple gratitude. But let’s pause and consider the profound depth within those words. It isn’t merely that God provides; the verse emphasizes the richness and the intention for our enjoyment.

Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. — 1 Timothy 6:17

Think about the sheer abundance of creation.

The intricate details of a single flower, the vastness of the ocean, the complexity of the human body – all point to a Creator who doesn’t just meet our basic needs, but overflows with generosity. He paints the sunset in vibrant hues, orchestrates the symphony of the forest, and gifts us with the capacity for laughter and connection.

This “richly” speaks not only to material blessings but also to the intangible gifts: love, joy, peace, and the very breath in our lungs. These are not earned but freely given, expressions of a Father’s heart that delights in the well-being of His children.

However, the phrase also carries a gentle challenge. Are we truly enjoying the “all things” He has given? Or are we so caught up in striving, comparing, and accumulating that we miss the beauty and the blessing right in front of us? Do we allow gratitude to cultivate a spirit of contentment, or do we let discontentment steal our joy?

The invitation in this verse is to open our eyes wider, to savor the moments, to appreciate the simple pleasures, and to recognize the hand of God in every good thing. It’s a call to move beyond mere acquisition to a posture of thankful reception.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the immeasurable richness of Your provision. For the grand and the minute, for the tangible and the unseen, for the moments of joy and the quiet whispers of peace – we are overwhelmed by Your generosity. Forgive us for the times we have failed to truly see and enjoy Your gifts, when our hearts have been clouded by worry or desire. Grant us eyes to recognize Your hand in all things, a heart filled with gratitude, and the wisdom to steward Your blessings in a way that honors You. May our lives be a testament to Your abundant goodness. Amen.

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

By Faith Not Sight…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore what it means to walk by faith when our eyes can only see the impossible.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.   Hebrews 11:1

Have you ever stood at the edge of the Red Sea with an army at your back? Perhaps not literally, but we’ve all faced impossible moments—the diagnosis that stole your breath, the relationship that crumbled despite your prayers, the dream that died when all signs pointed to promise.

Hebrews 11:1 isn’t just beautiful poetry; it’s battlefield wisdom. Faith isn’t wishful thinking—it’s spiritual eyesight. It sees the invisible bridge across impossible waters before the first stone appears.

Think of Abraham under desert stars, counting invisible descendants. Consider Moses lifting his staff over unconquered waters. Remember Mary cradling divinity in human flesh. None could see the full story, yet each stepped forward anyway.

This kind of faith doesn’t deny reality—it simply refuses to believe that our current reality is the final word. It whispers, “There’s more to this story than what your eyes can capture.”

Faith doesn’t eliminate the valley of shadows; it reveals the Shepherd walking beside us through it. It doesn’t immediately answer every “why,” but it anchors us to the One who holds every “what next.”

Today, in your impossible place, remember: the unseen is where God does His most defining work.

Dear Lord, Sometimes, it’s so hard to trust when I can’t see what’s ahead. My heart knows You’re faithful, but my eyes get fixed on the problems that seem too big. Help me remember the times You’ve come through before. When doubts creep in, remind me that You’re already working in ways I can’t see yet. Give me the courage to take that next step, even when the path looks unclear. I want to be someone whose faith makes You smile. Hold my hand today as I choose to trust You more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Hope From The Stump of Jesse…

Ah, the profound imagery of the stump of Jesse! Let’s touch upon such a powerful truth – that God’s most magnificent works often emerge from the very places we deem barren and lifeless. It’s a divine paradox, isn’t it? When human strength fails and earthly prospects wither, it’s in that very emptiness that the seed of God’s promise takes root.

Think about it: the once mighty lineage of David, a flourishing tree that had known such glory and dominion, was reduced to a stump. All outward signs of its former vitality were gone. Yet, within that seemingly dead wood lay the potential for new life, a tender shoot destined to blossom into, Jesus the hope of Israel and the world.

This isn’t just a historical observation; it’s a living principle that resonates deeply within our own lives. How often do we encounter “stumps”? Broken relationships, shattered dreams, lost opportunities, the feeling of being utterly depleted and powerless. These are the moments that can feel like the end, the definitive cutting down of what we once held dear.

But your insight is so keen: it is precisely in these “stump” moments that the miraculous can break forth. When we are stripped bare of our own resources and illusions of control, we become fertile ground for God’s grace.

It is in our weakness that His strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). The very thing we mourn as a loss can become the unlikely cradle of a profound blessing, a testament to God’s power to bring life from death, hope from despair.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person, someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:6-8

The verses from Romans beautifully underscore this truth. Christ didn’t wait for us to become strong, righteous, or deserving. He stepped into our brokenness, our sinfulness, our utter inability to save ourselves. His love was demonstrated not in our strength, but in our powerlessness.

This same divine pattern holds true in our individual journeys. The places where we feel most “cut down” are often the very spots where God’s transformative love and miraculous intervention can take root and flourish.

Let us not recoil from the stumps in our lives, but rather recognize them as potential ground for divine breakthrough. Let us give thanks, even amidst the apparent desolation, trusting that the God who brought forth the Savior from the stump of Jesse is still at work, bringing forth new life and hope from our most unlikely circumstances.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing Your power in the most unexpected of places. We acknowledge the “stumps” in our lives – those areas of brokenness, loss, and seeming hopelessness. Forgive us for the times we have despaired, forgetting that Your ways are not our ways, and Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Grant us the eyes to see the potential for new life within these barren places, the faith to trust in Your unfailing love, and the patience to wait for the blossoming of Your miraculous work. May we, like the stump of Jesse, become the unlikely ground from which Your blessings spring forth, to Your glory and our eternal hope. Amen.

The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.

While these words speak to a broader societal responsibility, they also echo the truth that even in the face of seeming destruction and the seeds of a new future, a new generation of hope, can still be sown and nurtured. Just as a shoot emerged from the stump of Jesse, so too can new life and righteousness emerge from the darkest of times. Let us live with that enduring hope.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Finding Refuge In God’s Name…

Good morning!

It’s so true, isn’t it? That innate human drive to find cover when the world around us feels precarious. Proverbs 18:10 beautifully captures this primal instinct, but it elevates it beyond mere physical shelter to a profound spiritual reality.

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.  Proverbs 18:10

When the scripture declares, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower,” it invites us to consider what that “name” truly embodies. It’s not simply a label but a comprehensive unveiling of God’s character—His unwavering love that anticipates our needs, His steadfast faithfulness that remains constant through every season, His limitless power that can calm the fiercest storms, and His boundless mercy that welcomes us in our vulnerability. This “name” isn’t a static structure; it’s a dynamic, living reality we can actively engage with.

The phrase “the righteous run to it” speaks volumes about the nature of true faith. It’s not a leisurely walk or a passive belief; it’s an active, urgent movement towards our ultimate security. It suggests a deep recognition of our needs and an unwavering conviction in where true safety resides. This running isn’t born out of fear alone, but out of a profound understanding of God’s trustworthiness and the futility of seeking lasting refuge elsewhere.

Within this divine embrace, our experience of life’s tempest shifts. The storms may still rage around us, but their capacity to truly devastate us diminishes within the shelter of His presence. It’s not about the absence of difficulty but the presence of a peace that transcends it. Our ultimate sanctuary isn’t a geographical location or a set of circumstances, but the very person of God, whose arms are perpetually open, offering a haven that no earthly power can breach.

Heavenly Father, Some days are hard, and honestly, I feel overwhelmed by storms that I didn’t see coming. Right now, I’m choosing to run straight into the shelter of Your name, trusting that You’re big enough to protect me and loving enough to welcome me. Remind me today that You’re my unshakable fortress, always faithful, always gentle, always strong. When life gets scary, thank You for being the safe place where I can catch my breath again. I’m so grateful You hold me close when everything else feels uncertain—I truly need You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Bowing to God, Standing Against Evil…

It’s powerful to reflect on the story of Purim and how Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to Haman mirrors our own spiritual battles. You’ve rightly highlighted the crucial distinction between bowing in worship to God alone and refusing to yield to any other power that seeks to usurp His place in our lives.

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’  Luke 4:8

Let’s delve a little deeper into this idea of spiritual posture. Mordecai’s seemingly simple act of defiance was rooted in his unwavering allegiance to God. He understood that bowing before Haman would not just be a physical act of respect but a symbolic acknowledgment of a power other than the Divine.

Similarly, Daniel’s consistent practice of bowing towards Jerusalem, even in a foreign land, declared where his true allegiance lay. And Jesus’ resolute “Away from me, Satan!” In the face of temptation, set the ultimate example of refusing to bow to the enemy’s allure.

Consider the subtle ways we might inadvertently bow in our daily lives. Perhaps it’s the temptation to compromise our values for worldly gain, the pressure to conform to societal norms that contradict our faith, or the allure of fleeting pleasures that draw us away from God’s path. These can be insidious forms of bowing, where we subtly yield our convictions and surrender ground in our hearts.

The call to “take back any area of your life that you have surrendered to the enemy” is a powerful one. It requires honest self-reflection and a conscious decision to reassert God’s Lordship in every corner of our being. This isn’t a passive act; it’s a deliberate turning away from anything that seeks to diminish our devotion to Him.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the powerful examples in Scripture of those who stood firm in their faith and refused to bow before any other power. We acknowledge the areas in our own lives where we may have unknowingly or willingly yielded ground to the pressures of the world, the temptations of the enemy, or the allure of false idols. We ask for your strength and courage to take back this territory, to realign our hearts and actions with your will. Help us to cultivate a posture of unwavering worship towards you alone, and grant us the discernment to recognize and resist any force that seeks to draw us away from your loving embrace. May we stand firm in our faith, knowing that those who bow before you will ultimately stand strong in your presence. Amen.

The only way to stand against the world is to fall before God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Unbreakable Love…

As the dawn paints the sky with hues of hope, let your spirit awaken to the profound and unwavering love of God, a love that anchors us firmly through every twist and turn of life’s voyage.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.   Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

These powerful words from Paul delve beyond a simple declaration; they are a resounding testament to the all-encompassing nature of divine love. Consider the breadth of what he includes: life’s fragility and death’s finality, the unseen realms of angels and demons, the immediacy of the present and the uncertainty of the future, the vastness of celestial heights and the mystery of earthly depths—absolutely nothing in the entirety of creation holds the power to sever the bond between us and God’s love in Christ Jesus.

This isn’t a love that wavers with our successes or diminishes in our failures. It’s not confined by earthly limitations or spiritual forces. Instead, it stands as an unshakeable reality, a constant in a world of change. Whether we ascend to mountaintop experiences or descend into life’s deepest valleys, this love remains our steadfast companion, an eternal embrace that knows no bounds.

Reflecting on this immense love naturally shifts our perspective. The fleeting highs and inevitable lows of life take on a different hue when viewed through the lens of an unchanging, infinite affection. Our triumphs become opportunities to acknowledge the source of all good gifts, and our trials become moments to lean into the unwavering support of a love that will never let us go.

How then do we live in response to such a profound reality? Gratitude becomes more than just words; it transforms into a way of being. It manifests in our interactions with others, reflecting the patience and compassion we have received. It shapes our decisions, guiding us toward actions that honor the love that has so freely been given. It fuels our resilience, knowing that even in the darkest moments, we are held secure in an unbreakable bond.

Let the immensity of God’s love, as so powerfully expressed in Romans, not just be a comforting thought but a guiding principle for your day. May it empower you to face challenges with courage and to embrace joys with deeper appreciation, knowing that at the heart of it all is a love that truly knows no end.

Heavenly Father, as the light of this new day unfolds, my heart is once again humbled by the sheer magnitude of Your love, so eloquently captured in the powerful verses of Romans. The assurance that nothing in all creation can separate me from Your love in Christ Jesus is a bedrock for my soul, a truth that anchors me amidst life’s unpredictable storms. Thank you for this boundless, unwavering affection, a love that transcends my understanding and yet holds me securely in its embrace. I pray for the grace to truly grasp the depth and breadth of this love, to let it permeate every corner of my being and shape my perspective on the joys and challenges that lie ahead. Grant me the wisdom to see life’s ups and downs not as indicators of Your favor or displeasure, but as passing moments held within the eternal constancy of Your love. Help me to live in a way that reflects my profound gratitude for this incredible gift, extending that same love and compassion to those around me.
When doubts creep in or fears threaten to overwhelm, remind me of the unbreakable bond I have in Christ, a bond forged in love and sustained by Your grace. May this understanding be my strength, my comfort, and my guiding light throughout this day and always.
In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The love of God is not something vague or general; it is the personal, passionate love of a Father for His child.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Spiritual Almahs Transformation…

Ah, the threads woven together from Exodus and Isaiah are truly captivating! It’s fascinating to consider the early appearance of “almah” in the story of Miriam and how that might echo in the later narrative of Mary. The idea of “almah” as “one who is hidden,” suggesting a state of purity and separation, certainly adds a rich layer to the prophecy in Isaiah.

Lets delve a bit deeper, the nuance of the word “almah” has been a subject of much discussion. While it often refers to a young woman of marriageable age who may or may not be a virgin, the context in Isaiah 7:14 is pivotal.

The Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, translated “almah” there as “parthenos,” which specifically means “virgin.” This translation was in use centuries before the birth of Jesus and significantly shaped the understanding of this prophecy.

The point about becoming a spiritual “almah” is a powerful metaphor. It speaks to the transformative potential within each of us to cultivate a heart that is set apart, pure in intention, and receptive to the divine.

This isn’t necessarily about physical virginity, but rather a spiritual consecration – a deliberate turning away from that which diminishes our connection with God and an intentional drawing closer to the sacred.

Without purity and charity there is no riches nor sufficiency. This underscores the idea that an inner state of purity and love forms the very foundation for spiritual abundance and the presence of God in our lives.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the profound wisdom woven through your Word, connecting generations and revealing deeper truths. We ask for the grace to understand what it truly means to be a spiritual “almah” in our own lives. Grant us the strength to separate ourselves from the entanglements of sin and distraction, and to cultivate hearts that are pure, receptive, and wholly devoted to you. May your presence be born anew in us each day, bringing forth miracles of love, compassion, and peace into the world. Amen.

May we all strive to embody that hidden purity, that dedicated separation, so that the divine may find a fertile ground within us and manifest its transformative power in the world around us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼