Ed Christian's World

Jesus Weeps – God Walks With Us…

Good morning,

Let’s begin this day with the profound comfort that our Savior doesn’t just observe our journey; He walks intimately beside us, His heart resonating with the very rhythm of our joys and sorrow

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  Psalm 147:3

The simple yet infinitely deep declaration, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35), unveils the profound empathy that lies at the core of our Savior’s being. As He stood before Lazarus’s tomb, poised to enact a miracle that would defy death itself, Jesus didn’t bypass the raw agony of Mary, Martha, and their community. Instead, He intentionally entered into their pain, His tears a testament to His shared humanity and boundless compassion.

Even with the knowledge of imminent resurrection, Jesus chose to meet them in their present suffering. He didn’t offer a quick fix or a premature dismissal of their grief. Instead, He modeled a powerful truth: our emotions are not insignificant to God; they are sacred ground where He meets us.

This poignant scene reveals the beautiful paradox of Christ’s nature – fully divine, yet profoundly human. He doesn’t just understand our pain intellectually; He feels it viscerally. This means that in our darkest moments, we are not alone. We have a Savior whose heart breaks with ours, whose tears mingle with our own. When sorrow engulfs us, Jesus Himself is intimately acquainted with our grief.

Today, as you navigate whatever challenges lie before you, anchor yourself in this truth: Jesus meets you precisely where you are within the full spectrum of your emotions. He invites us to bring our unfiltered feelings to Him, secure in the knowledge that He is present not only in our triumphs but also in our deepest pains. This is the essence of the God we serve – one who weeps with us and simultaneously orchestrates wonders on our behalf.

Dear God, Your Word assures us that You are close to the brokenhearted. Thank You for the embodied love of Jesus, who demonstrated that vulnerability is not weakness but a bridge to connection – both with humanity and with You. When the temptation arises to suppress my tears or to believe that my struggles isolate me, remind me of the Savior who wept. Grant me the courage to be authentically present with my emotions, knowing that You hold them with tenderness. Equip me to extend that same compassionate presence to those around me who are hurting, mirroring the comfort Jesus offered. In every season, in every emotional landscape, may I sense Your nearness. Thank You for being the God who doesn’t shy away from the messiness of our lives but walks steadfastly alongside us, offering hope in the midst of both tears and laughter. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  Psalm 34:18

Grief, in its many forms, is not an ending but a transformation. It carves a new path within us, altering our landscape but not diminishing the love that inspired it. To grieve deeply is not a sign of weakness or a failure of faith; it is the profound testament to the depth of our capacity to love.

May you walk in the embrace of God’s unwavering presence today and always.

With love and hope,

Ed 🙏🏼

Seeking God’s Abundant Provision…

It’s like having a loving, infinitely wealthy father. When you face a challenge, a need, or a deep desire, you could exhaust yourself trying to figure it all out on your own, striving and straining. But as someone who believes, you have access to a Father whose resources are beyond measure.

Instead of pouring all your energy into the struggle itself, the wisest course is to channel that energy into nurturing your relationship with Him. Cultivate a richer prayer life, deepen your personal devotion, and seek a clearer connection with God. The blessings that flow from this communion are far more valuable than any earthly wealth, and they are readily available when you connect with your Father through prayer.

As it says in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name, the Father will give you.”

Today, let your focus be on strengthening your spiritual life. Get on the line with your Father.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your boundless love and the incredible privilege of calling you Father. Forgive us for the times we rely on our own limited strength and understanding instead of turning to your infinite wisdom and provision. We desire to cultivate a deeper prayer life, a more meaningful devotional practice, and a clearer sense of your presence in our lives. Help us to prioritize our connection with you, trusting that as we seek you, all that we truly need will be provided according to your perfect will. May our lives bear lasting fruit as we abide in you. Amen.

Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Truly Known…

When was the last time you felt truly known? Not the version of yourself you present to others, but the real you—with all your complexities, contradictions, and quiet hopes.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  Psalm 139:14

In Psalm 139, David celebrates a stunning truth: God knows us completely and loves us completely. Every heartbeat, every thought, every struggle—nothing is hidden from Him, yet nothing diminishes His love.

To be “fearfully” made means created with reverence and awe. The Hebrew word suggests respect so deep it makes us catch our breath. Not rushed or mass-produced, but crafted with intention.

To be “wonderfully” made means you’re a marvel. One-of-a-kind. Your specific way of seeing the world matters.

In our culture of endless self-improvement, this verse offers freedom. You don’t need to become someone else to have value. You don’t need to earn what God has already freely given.

True peace doesn’t come from finally fixing yourself. It comes from resting in who God says you already are: fearfully and wonderfully His.

Dear God, Thank You for the care You put into creating me. Sometimes, it’s hard to see what You see—especially when I focus on my flaws or compare myself to others. But Your Word reminds me: I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Not by accident. Not overlooked. Fully known and fully loved. Help me believe that today. Help me treat others the same way—with kindness, not judgment. With wonder, not comparison. Let me live from a place of rest, not striving. And when I forget, gently remind me: I am Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You are the only you God made… God made you and broke the mold.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Learning The Path – A Discipleship Guide…

It’s fascinating how delving into the original Hebrew can illuminate the depth of scripture. The idea of “khanak,” meaning “to narrow,” certainly adds a powerful dimension to Proverbs 22:6.

It shifts the focus from simply teaching to actively guiding and protecting, creating boundaries that lead a child, and indeed ourselves, toward righteousness.

Thinking about “narrowing the way” for a child resonates with the responsibility parents and caregivers have to shield young hearts and minds from negative influences. It’s not about being overly restrictive, but rather about thoughtfully curating their experiences and gently steering them towards what is good and true. This active guidance, this intentional narrowing, can indeed pave a straighter path for their development.

And the application to our own lives as disciples is equally compelling. If we desire to walk closely with the Lord, we must also “khanak” ourselves. This involves a conscious effort to narrow our focus, to filter our thoughts and desires, and to intentionally direct our gaze towards God. It’s about setting boundaries for our own hearts and minds, protecting ourselves from distractions and temptations that would lead us astray.

Just as a well-tended path guides a traveler, so too does a narrowed way keep us aligned with God’s will.

Let us then, with intention, narrow our way today. Let us be mindful of the paths we tread and the influences we allow into our lives, both for ourselves and for those we guide.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word and for the deeper understanding that comes from exploring its original language. We pray for the discernment to know how to “khanak” the way for those under our care, to guide them with love and intention towards Your light. And we ask for Your strength and grace as we seek to “khanak” our own paths, to narrow our focus on You, to purify our hearts and minds, and to walk steadfastly in Your ways. May our lives be a testament to Your guidance and our hearts ever drawn closer to You. Amen.

When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. This powerful quote reminds us that true discipleship often involves a narrowing of our own desires and a willingness to surrender to God’s will, embracing the sometimes challenging but ultimately life-giving narrow path He sets before us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Divine Protection and Unwavering Love…

As this new day unfolds, be assured that the God who orchestrates the cosmos has dispatched His angelic hosts to accompany you. This isn’t a distant promise but a tangible, personal shield.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

Like David, who penned these words not in theory but from the crucible of experience – facing down predators, a giant, and relentless enemies – we too can find solace in this divine guardianship The very angels who heralded Jesus’s birth and heralded His victory over death are now charged with your care. These are not mere guardians, but heaven’s most formidable warriors, dispatched by the king of all creation to secure your path.

Life will undoubtedly present its challenges, casting shadows and igniting battles, just as it did for David. However, our strength lies in the unwavering knowledge that even in our deepest valleys and fiercest conflicts, we are never forsaken. Let this profound truth resonate within you today: you are enveloped by the might of heaven, at the decree of a Father whose love for you is immeasurable.

Dear God, The weight of the battles I face sometimes feels overwhelming, and my own resilience feels frail. Yet, I hold fast to the truth that I am not alone in any of this. Thank You for Your legions of mighty angels, the same who sang at Jesus’ arrival and stood sentinel at His resurrection. When fear threatens to consume me, remind me that I am cradled in Your love, fortified by heaven’s most powerful. May this truth settle the turbulence in my heart and embolden me, for I know that with You as my strength, no challenge is insurmountable because Your love for me knows no limits. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The same eternal Father who tenderly watches over you this day will extend that same unwavering care into tomorrow and all the days that follow. He will either shelter you from the storms, or He will infuse you with an unyielding strength to weather them.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Courage, Faith, and Heavenly Plans…

Only be thou strong and very courageous.   Joshua 1:7

Ah, that’s a powerful message from Joshua! It speaks so directly to the heart’s need for courage. It reminds us that God, in His deep love, doesn’t want us weighed down by doubts and fears. He sees our despondency not as a minor thing, but as a real ailment that needs His healing touch.

Just as a king wouldn’t want sadness in his court, our King of Kings desires us to trade heaviness for praise because we have every reason to rejoice in Him.

A courageous spirit in a Christian not only glorifies God through steadfast endurance but also serves as a powerful example to others. Doubt and discouragement can be contagious, casting a shadow over the entire community of believers. Furthermore, a lack of courage leaves us vulnerable to the attacks of Satan.

But when our spirits are joyful in God, that joy becomes our strength, an impenetrable defense against any darkness. Cheerfulness lightens our burdens and paves the way for success in the work He has given us. Indeed, those who labor with joyful hearts and unwavering faith are guaranteed a harvest of joy.

Heavenly Father, Your Word calls us to be strong and courageous. We confess that often we succumb to fear and doubt, forgetting the immense power and love You have for us. Forgive us for the times we have allowed discouragement to take root in our hearts and spread to those around us. We ask now for a fresh infilling of Your Spirit, that we may be filled with a courage that comes not from our own strength, but from the unwavering certainty of Your presence. Grant us the resilience to face trials with heroic faith, the joy that strengthens us against the enemy, and the cheerful spirit that makes our labor light and fruitful. Help us to be living examples of Your steadfast love and unwavering power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

There is no panic in heaven! God has no problems, only plans. Let this truth anchor our hearts and inspire us to walk forward with strength and great courage.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Desert Place

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
Isaiah 35:1–2, NIV

Experts say that for a desert to see an exceptional bloom of wildflowers, which typically happens only every ten to fifteen years, the conditions have to be just right. The best conditions for a superbloom are a prolonged drought followed by an excessive amount of rain.

Both speak of hardship, struggle, damage, and what seems like nothing good, but the dry season and floods make way for the desert to burst into bloom and as Isaiah says, “Shout for joy.”

You may be in a desert place right now. You have things that you don’t understand, people have done you wrong, the promotion didn’t go through, you have a medical problem. You’ll be tempted to complain, get discouraged, and bitter. God has not forgotten about you.

The drought is a part of His plan. It’s making room for the new things He’s about to do. Stay faithful in the dry season. Yes, the excessive rain is coming and feels like a flood, but seeds of increase, abundance, and new levels are going to take root. A superbloom is coming. Get ready to shout for joy.

Father, thank You for loving me so much that, at times, you take me into a desert place to refine my character and cause me to blossom. Thank You that You’re getting me prepared for the new things You want to do in my life. I will be faithful in the dry seasons. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Enduring Goodness and Love…

Good morning! It’s a beautiful thought to join that timeless chorus, isn’t it? To connect with generations who have found solace and strength in the unchanging goodness of God. Let’s immerse ourselves even more deeply into the heart of Psalm 118:1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.  Psalm. Q88:1

This simple yet profound declaration isn’t just an invitation to express gratitude; it’s a recognition of the fundamental reality that underpins all of existence. The goodness of the Lord isn’t a fleeting attribute or a circumstantial benefit; it’s the very essence of His being. Imagine a core of pure light radiating outwards, influencing everything it touches. That’s the nature of God’s goodness – an inherent, unwavering characteristic that defines His actions and intentions.

And when we consider that “his love endures forever,” we’re touching upon the eternal nature of His chesed. It’s a love that transcends the limitations of time, circumstance, and even our own human frailties. Think of the strongest, most steadfast love you’ve ever witnessed or experienced. Now, amplify that infinitely, strip away any hint of conditionality or fading, and begin to glimpse the enduring nature of God’s love. It’s a constant, a reliable presence that has been, is, and always will be.

This truth becomes our anchor, as you so eloquently put it. In a world characterized by change and uncertainty, the unchanging nature of God’s goodness and love provides a stable foundation. When the storms of life rage, and we feel tossed about it, this bedrock truth reminds us that there is something solid and dependable to hold onto. It’s not a denial of the difficulties we face but a deeper recognition of the unwavering support that surrounds us.

Consider the vastness of the universe, the intricate details of creation, the gift of life itself – all testaments to a God whose very nature is goodness and whose love is boundless. Even in the midst of suffering, the echo of this enduring love can be found in moments of grace, in the kindness of others, in the quiet whispers of hope that refuse to be extinguished

Eternal God, whose goodness is the foundation of all things and whose love stretches beyond the furthest stars, we come before You today with hearts seeking deeper understanding and unwavering trust. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, we thank You for being the constant, the unshakeable source of truth and love. Help us not just recite Psalm 118:1 but to truly internalize its profound meaning. Grant us the wisdom to see Your goodness at work even in the shadows and the faith to rest in the assurance of Your enduring love, especially when our circumstances challenge our understanding. Strengthen us to be vessels of that same goodness and love in the world around us, reflecting Your light to those who need it most. May our lives be a testament to Your faithfulness, yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

The will of God will never take you where the grace of God can not sustain you.
This beautifully encapsulates the essence of Psalm 118:1. Because God is inherently good, His will for us, even when it leads through challenging paths, is ultimately rooted in that goodness. And because His love endures forever, His grace – His empowering presence and favor – will always be there to sustain us through whatever we face.

May this deeper reflection and these words of encouragement resonate with you today, reminding you of the unwavering goodness and everlasting love that surrounds you. And yes, let’s make sure to use some of those precious seconds to express our heartfelt gratitude.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Heed The Spitirts Call Now…

The poignant image of the caged migratory bird during its season speaks volumes. Driven by an innate compass, it yearns for the open sky, its frantic movements a testament to the powerful, God-given impulse to journey.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.  Ephesians 4:4

Yet, if that vital season passes, the same cage door opened reveals a heartbreaking stillness. The inner pull, the very essence of its migratory spirit, seems to have faded, leaving it earthbound even when freedom is offered.

This mirrors our own spiritual lives with striking clarity. The Spirit of God, in His boundless grace, stirs within us at various times, prompting us toward growth, repentance, and the fulfillment of our unique calling.

This divine urging, like the migratory instinct, has its appointed season. To resist this gentle yet persistent call, to perpetually postpone obedience, risks a profound spiritual atrophy.

Our hearts, once sensitive to His whispers, may gradually lose their capacity to hear, to feel the very impulse that could lift us to new heights in Him. When that sacred stirring occurs, when conviction takes root in your soul, heed it without delay. Your season to soar, to answer the high calling, is not a distant tomorrow, but the immediate now.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gentle yet powerful movements of Your Spirit within our hearts. Forgive us for the times we have been deaf to Your call, for the moments we have chosen the comfort of the cage over the expanse of Your will. Grant us discerning hearts to recognize Your voice, and courageous spirits to respond without hesitation. May we not allow the seasons of Your prompting to pass us by, but rather embrace the urgency of Your love and step into the fullness of the purpose You have ordained for us. Amen.

The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children. Similarly, the ultimate testament to our spiritual lives is the responsiveness we cultivate to the Holy Spirit’s promptings in the present moment. Let us choose to be a people who answer the call today.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Shining Light – Living Testimony…

Think about it. Light, by its very nature, dispels darkness. It illuminates, reveals, and guides. When Jesus declared us the light of the world, He wasn’t suggesting we possess some inherent brilliance of our own.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill can not be hidden. Matthew 5:14.

Rather, He was entrusting us with the very light that shines within Him, a reflection of God’s love, grace, and truth. Just as the moon reflects the sun’s radiance, we are meant to reflect the divine light into the world around us.

This isn’t just a poetic sentiment; it’s a profound truth about the impact we are meant to have.
Imagine a dark night. A single flicker of light can be seen from a distance, offering a sense of hope and direction. Now picture a town perched high on a hill, its lights twinkling, a clear and unmistakable presence against the darkness.

This is the image Jesus paints for us. He declares that we, His followers, are meant to be that source of illumination for the world.

This light isn’t our own making. It’s the light of Christ that dwells within us, the radiant love, grace, and truth that He imparts. Just as a lamp needs a power source to shine, we need to be connected to Him to truly illuminate the world around us. Our lives become conduits, reflecting His brilliance into the lives of those we encounter.

The image of a town on a hill emphasizes the visibility of this light. It’s not meant to be concealed or kept private. Our actions, our words, our very way of being are meant to be a testament to the transformative power of God’s love. When we live with integrity, extend compassion, and speak truth, our lives naturally stand out. They become beacons, offering guidance and hope to those who may be lost or struggling in darkness.

This isn’t about striving for attention or accolades. It’s about living authentically in the light we have been given. It’s about allowing the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – to shine through our interactions and decisions. These are the rays that pierce the darkness and draw others closer to the source of true light.

The challenge, of course, is to consistently live in this light. The world often presents opportunities to dim our brightness, to compromise our values, or to hide our faith out of fear or convenience. But Jesus’ words are an encouragement and a call to action. We have been entrusted with this precious light, and we are called to let it shine boldly and unashamedly.

Let us then embrace this calling with renewed purpose. Let our lives be living testimonies to the hope that resides within us. May we be like towns on hills, our light a steady and unwavering guide for those seeking their way.

Gracious Father, thank you for the incredible gift of your light, the light of your Son, Jesus, that now lives within us. Forgive us for the times we have allowed fear or doubt to dim its radiance. Grant us the courage and strength to live openly and authentically, reflecting your love and truth in all that we do. Help us to be beacons of hope in a world that often feels shadowed, drawing others to your light through our words and our actions. May our lives be a testament to your goodness and grace.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼