Ed Christian's World

God’s Promise  – Unchanging Hope…

It’s truly awe-inspiring to consider the weight of God’s declaration, “By Myself, I have sworn.” As so eloquently stated, this isn’t a casual affirmation; it’s the Almighty binding Himself to His word with the very essence of His being.

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.  Hebrews 6:17,18

When we mortals swear, we invoke something greater than ourselves, something we hold sacred, as a testament to our sincerity. But when God swears by Himself, there is no higher authority, no greater truth, no more profound guarantee. He stakes His own eternal existence on the veracity of His promises.

This act on Mount Moriah, where Abraham’s faith reached its zenith, became a pivotal moment. God, witnessing such profound obedience and trust, sealed His covenant with an oath that echoes through eternity. This oath wasn’t just for Abraham, then; it extends to us now, the “heirs of what was promised,” as the book of Hebrews beautifully articulates.

Think about the implications: every promise in Scripture, every assurance of His love, every declaration of His faithfulness is underwritten by the unshakeable reality of who God is. He cannot lie; it is antithetical to His nature. Therefore, His promises are not mere suggestions or hopeful possibilities; they are anchors for our souls, steadfast and secure amidst the storms of life.

Here we’ve touched upon a profound connection – the offering on Moriah foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice on Calvary. Just as Abraham willingly offered his beloved son, God offered His only Son, Jesus, on that very ground. This act wasn’t just a demonstration of love; it was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s sworn promise to redeem humanity. His life, poured out on the cross, stands as the ultimate guarantee of His unwavering commitment to us.

Therefore, let us approach God’s Word not with hesitant hope but with unwavering confidence. Let us embrace His promises with the full assurance that they are backed by the most powerful force in the universe – the very life of God.

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your self-sworn oath. Thank You for binding Yourself to Your word with the very essence of Your being. Help us to grasp the profound security we have in Your promises, knowing they are guaranteed by Your unchanging nature and sealed by the sacrifice of Your Son. Strengthen our faith to take hold of the hope set before us, to believe Your Word at full strength, and to live in the unwavering confidence of Your love. Amen.

God’s promises are never fulfilled as cheaply as we expect. They cost Him something, they cost us something, they cost the world something.

Let this truth deepen our appreciation for the weight and worth of every promise God has made. They are not given lightly but are backed by the very lifeblood of our Savior and the eternal integrity of our God. Embrace them fully today.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Psalm 23 As I Dig Deeper…

Ah, Psalm 23, a timeless melody of comfort and trust! This is my favorite psalm, and I would like to share with you what it is truly telling us. Come with me as I delve into its depths and open your heart to its real message.

This short psalm, attributed to King David, isn’t just a pretty poem; it’s a profound declaration of faith and reliance on God, using the gentle imagery of a shepherd caring for his sheep. Each line unfolds a deeper facet of this relationship.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

This opening statement sets the tone. To declare “The Lord is my shepherd” is a personal affirmation of a direct and intimate relationship. The phrase “I shall not want” doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of all desires, but rather the deep satisfaction and provision found in the shepherd’s care. A well-tended sheep lacks nothing essential for its well-being.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.”

Here, we see the shepherd actively guiding and caring for the sheep. “Green pastures” speak of nourishment, rest, and abundance. “Still waters” offer refreshment, tranquility, and safety. In contrast to rushing, dangerous streams, these waters provide peace and security.

“He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

When a sheep is weary, lost, or injured, the shepherd restores it. Spiritually, this speaks of God’s ability to revive our spirits, heal our wounds, and bring us back to wholeness. “Paths of righteousness” are not necessarily about moral perfection, but rather the right paths, the safe and beneficial ways that the shepherd guides his flock. This guidance is “for His name’s sake,” highlighting God’s faithfulness to His character and promises.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

This is perhaps the most powerful and comforting verse. The “valley of the shadow of death” represents life’s darkest and most challenging times – loss, suffering, fear. Yet, the presence of the shepherd banishes fear. The “rod” was used for protection against predators and for guiding the flock, while the “staff” offered support and could be used to gently direct the sheep. These tools symbolize God’s protection, guidance, and constant presence, bringing comfort even in the face of mortality.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

This verse shifts the imagery slightly, from a wilderness setting to a banquet. Even amidst opposition (“my enemies”), God provides abundantly (“a table before me”). The anointing with oil was a sign of honor, blessing, and consecration. The “overflowing cup” signifies an abundance of blessings, joy, and spiritual fulfillment that surpasses all measure.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

The psalm concludes with a confident declaration of God’s unwavering goodness and mercy pursuing the speaker throughout their life. “Follow me” suggests a constant, active presence of these divine attributes. The final phrase, “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” speaks of eternal security, belonging, and communion with God.

Gentle Shepherd, thank You for being our guide and protector. We acknowledge Your constant care and provision in our lives. When we wander, bring us back to Your paths of righteousness. In times of darkness and fear, remind us of Your unwavering presence, Your comforting rod, and staff. Prepare a table of blessings before us, even in the face of adversity, and anoint us with Your grace. May Your goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives, and may we find our eternal dwelling in Your loving presence. Amen.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

This encapsulates the core message of Psalm 23: unwavering trust and courage in the face of life’s greatest challenges, knowing that God’s presence is our ultimate comfort and security.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Souls Ache and Anchored Hope…

Some days, your soul speaks louder than your faith. The psalmist knew that hollow ache—when God feels distant and hope flickers like a dying flame. But instead of silencing his sorrow or shaming himself for feeling it, he does something courageous: he talks back.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.  Psalm 42:11

It’s true, isn’t it? Some days, that inner ache drowns out the melody of our faith. The psalmist, a man intimately acquainted with the divine, didn’t shy away from that raw vulnerability. He didn’t pretend the darkness wasn’t there. Instead, he turned inward, not with condemnation, but with a searching question: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?”

This isn’t a superficial glance; it’s a deep dive into the heart’s current. It’s acknowledging the weight, the turmoil, without immediately trying to plaster over it with platitudes. It’s a courageous act of self-awareness, a holy moment of diagnosis before reaching for the cure. And what is that remedy? “Put your hope in God.”

Notice the grounding here. It’s not a suggestion to conjure up a feeling, a fleeting emotional high. It’s a deliberate act of placing our trust in something steadfast, something that doesn’t ebb and flow with our feelings or circumstances. Hope, in this context, isn’t a fragile emotion; it’s an anchor tethered to the unshakeable character of God.

Then comes that powerful little word: “yet.” “I will yet praise Him.” It’s a declaration made in the valley, a defiant whisper in the face of despair. It acknowledges the present struggle, the current disconnect, but it refuses to let that be the final word. “Yet” is the bridge between what is and what will be, a testament to a memory of God’s faithfulness that transcends the immediate pain. It’s a quiet rebellion against the soul’s despair, a conscious choice to remember truth even when our emotions scream otherwise.

A downcast soul isn’t a sign of spiritual defeat. It’s a human experience, a landscape the psalmist himself traversed. It’s an invitation, not to self-recrimination, but to a deeper form of faith – one that isn’t afraid of honesty. It calls us to preach truth to our own hearts, to speak the promises we know, to believe them even when belief feels thin, and yes, even to sing them, however brokenly.

Because our Savior hasn’t retreated. His presence isn’t contingent on our feelings. He remains, a constant in our ever-changing emotional terrain. And in that unwavering presence lies a trustworthiness that endures, even in the midst of our deepest struggles.

Faith isn’t about perpetually feeling a certain way. It’s about the deliberate act of holding onto the truths our reason has embraced, even when our moods shift like the tides. It’s the quiet strength to say, “Yet, I will trust. Yet, I will hope. Yet, I will praise,” not because we feel it, but because we know it to be true.

Dear Father, When my soul feels heavier than my hope, thank You for meeting me with mercy, not shame. You never ask me to fake joy—you invite me to find it again in You. When doubts rise and faith feels small, help me speak truth to my heart. Remind me that honesty with You isn’t failure—it’s the first step toward healing. Even here, teach me the brave rebellion of yet-praise. I may waver, but You remain—and that is enough. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Better Part: Being In Presence…

When Martha complained to Jesus that her sister Mary wasn’t helping in the preparations and just sitting at his feet, the Lord gave an interesting answer. He tells her that only one thing is necessary, and Mary has chosen the better part.

It’s truly thought-provoking how Jesus responded to Martha’s very practical concern. In the midst of all the demands of hospitality, He gently steered her focus toward something deeper, something eternal.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.  Psalm 95:2

You’re right, when we list our needs, they often revolve around the tangible aspects of life. But Jesus highlights a singular necessity: being in His presence.

Digging a little deeper, consider the context. Jesus wasn’t dismissing the importance of practical help; after all, He often benefited from the care and generosity of others. However, in that moment, He was revealing a profound truth about human existence.

Our deepest longing isn’t ultimately for comfort, security, or even accomplishment but for connection with our Creator. Mary, by choosing to sit at His feet and listen, was prioritizing that fundamental need. She was soaking in the very source of life and truth.

This wasn’t a passive inactivity but an active engagement of her heart and mind with the divine. It speaks to a truth that resonates even today: in the busyness of life, we often neglect the one thing that truly nourishes our souls. This “better part” isn’t just a pleasant pastime; it’s the foundation upon which everything else should be built.

When we prioritize His presence, our perspectives shift, our priorities align, and we find a deeper sense of peace and purpose that worldly pursuits can never offer.

Heavenly Father, in the quiet of this moment, we acknowledge Your profound truth. Forgive us for the times we’ve allowed the urgent to overshadow the essential – the precious gift of Your presence. Help us to cultivate a hunger for that deeper connection, to carve out space in our days to simply be with You, to listen to Your voice, and to know Your peace. May we, like Mary, choose the better part, recognizing that in Your presence is fullness of joy. Amen.

You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. Let us live as though this truth – the paramount importance of being in God’s presence – is indeed a matter of life and eternal life.

Walk daily with God at your side

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Guiding Light In Darkness…

It’s so comforting to reflect on the powerful message of Isaiah 42:16 today. It truly speaks to the heart of navigating life’s journey with faith and trust.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.  Isaiah 42:16

Imagine walking hand-in-hand with a loving guide through a landscape you’ve never seen before. That’s the essence of this verse. God doesn’t just offer directions; He actively leads us, even when the path ahead is veiled in uncertainty. He takes the initiative, guiding those who feel lost and unable to see their way forward.

Think about the darkness that can sometimes envelop us – moments of confusion, fear, or despair. God promises to transform this darkness into light, not just by showing us the way but by being the very source of that illumination. And those rough patches in life, the challenges and obstacles that trip us up? He pledges to smooth them out, making our journey more manageable and less fraught with difficulty.

The most profound part of this promise is the unwavering assurance: “I will not forsake them.” In a world where change is constant and human promises can falter, this divine commitment offers a steadfast anchor for our souls. We are not alone in our struggles; we have a faithful guide who will never leave our side.

Let’s carry this truth with us throughout the day, especially when faced with the unknown. May we find solace in knowing that we are being led with love and purpose.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the powerful promise found in Isaiah 42:16. We acknowledge that there are times when life feels uncertain and the path ahead unclear. We ask for the grace to trust in Your guidance, even when we can not see the way. Illuminate the darkness in our lives, Lord, and smooth out the rough places that cause us to stumble. Strengthen our hearts to lean on Your unfailing love and hold fast to Your promise that You will never forsake us. May we walk in confidence, knowing that You are our constant companion and faithful guide. Amen.

Faith is seeing light with your heart when all your eyes see is darkness.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Overcoming Challenges Through Faith…

It’s true that the scriptures paint a clear picture of our adversary as a defeated foe. From the Genesis account of the serpent’s curse to Jesus’ declaration of seeing Satan fall like lightning, and the Epistles’ emphasis on Christ’s victory over the powers of darkness, we understand that the enemy’s ultimate fate is sealed.

Therefore, when we face trials, our perspective shifts. We’re not battling from a place of weakness against an equal or superior force, but rather standing firm in the victory already won for us.

Instead of succumbing to panic, discouragement, or sin when problems arise, we can choose to maintain our peace, fix our gaze on the Lord, and remain confident in His power. The real battle isn’t against the visible challenges themselves, but the internal struggle to hold fast to our faith. We wage war by unwavering belief in God’s promises and the accomplished work of Christ.

Though circumstances may appear daunting in the natural realm, through the eyes of faith, we recognize that the enemy and his tactics have already been overcome. By approaching our difficulties with this understanding, we step into an already-won victory.

Let us then, as Ephesians 6:11 urges, “Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Today, may we view our problems, conflicts, and challenges through the lens of Christ’s triumph, knowing that in Him, we are more than conquerors.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing the truth of our enemy’s defeat through Your Word. Grant us the grace to truly see our challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities to stand firm in the victory You have already secured for us in Christ. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may not be swayed by fear or discouragement but instead hold fast to Your peace and confidence. Help us to put on the full armor of God so that we may resist the schemes of the devil and walk in the triumph that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Defeat is a state of mind; no one is ever defeated until defeat has been accepted as a reality.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Heart, Words, and Spiritual Transformation…

The profound truth of Luke 6:45 cuts to the core of our interactions: our words are not mere sounds we utter, but rather a visible outpouring of the invisible landscape of our hearts.

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.   Luke 6:45

This verse unveils a powerful principle – that our speech serves as an unerring barometer of our inner state. Just as the fruit of a tree unequivocally reveals its nature, so too do our words lay bare the contents of our hearts, exposing the reservoirs of goodness or the wellsprings of negativity that reside within.

Consider the implications: every compliment offered, every criticism leveled, every word of encouragement whispered, and every harsh judgment declared originates not in a vacuum, but is drawn from the accumulated treasures or the festering wounds within us.

When negativity consistently stains our speech, it’s not simply a matter of needing a better vocabulary; it’s a signal, an invitation to examine the deeper currents flowing through our hearts. What beliefs, what experiences, and what unresolved emotions are coloring our inner world and, consequently, shaping the words we speak?

Yet, the wisdom of Luke 6:45 also carries a potent message of hope. It implies that just as a heart can be a source of negativity, it also possesses the potential for transformation. The call to invite the Holy Spirit into this inner garden speaks to a process of deep cultivation.

It suggests that by surrendering to a higher power, we can actively participate in the uprooting of bitterness, resentment, and judgment, and in the deliberate planting of love, joy, patience, and grace. This isn’t a passive endeavor but an active cooperation with a transformative force, allowing it to reshape the very soil of our being.

As this inner work progresses, the natural consequence will be a shift in our outward expression. Our words will begin to carry the fragrance of the virtues being nurtured within, becoming instruments of healing, encouragement, and hope for those around us.

Heavenly Father, Your Word reveals the profound connection between our hearts and our speech. I confess the times when the words that have escaped my lips have not reflected Your love and grace. I invite You now into the deepest recesses of my heart. Uproot any seeds of bitterness, resentment, or negativity that have taken root there. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, till the soil of my soul and plant seeds of kindness, compassion, and understanding. Grant me the wisdom to recognize the subtle influences that shape my inner world and the courage to surrender them to Your transforming touch. May my words, day by day, become a more authentic reflection of Your love dwelling within me, bringing life and light to all who hear them. Amen.

Guard your heart above all else, for it is the wellspring of life. – Proverbs 4:23

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Celebrate Your Spiritual Identity…

It’s interesting how the Hebrew word “Yehudi,” meaning Jew, is sometimes understood as “the one who celebrates.” Reflecting on that, the passage from Ephesians suggests a spiritual connection to Israel for those who are born again.

If we embrace this idea of being a spiritual “Yehudi,” it calls us to be people characterized by celebration. Think about it: are you known for celebrating God’s presence, the gift of salvation, and the many blessings in your life? Or does complaining tend to overshadow your joy?

It’s a powerful thought that negativity, fear, and bitterness might actually contradict this spiritual identity.

Perhaps today is a good day for us to consciously choose celebration – celebrating God’s love, our salvation, the promise of heaven, and the simple yet profound gifts of life itself. For those who truly know God, a spirit of celebration often flows naturally.

Embrace Your Identity as One Who Celebrates
The Hebrew word for Jew, “Yehudi,” carries a beautiful potential meaning: “the one who celebrates.” Spiritually, if you are born again, you are considered a fellow citizen of Israel (Ephesians), a spiritual “Yehudi.”

This suggests that a core aspect of your spiritual identity is to be someone who celebrates – celebrating God, the gift of salvation, and the abundant blessings in your life.

Consider this: does your life reflect a spirit of celebration, or is it more marked by complaining? Complaining stands in stark contrast to celebrating. Living in negativity, fear, or bitterness can be seen as a contradiction to your calling as a “Yehudi.”

Therefore, let us intentionally choose to celebrate. Let’s celebrate the profound love of God, the assurance of salvation, the hope of heaven, and the daily gifts of food, shelter, clothing, breath, life, and the incomparable joy of knowing Him.

As 2 Chronicles 30:23 reminds us, the whole assembly agreed to extend their time of celebration.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your immense love and the gift of salvation. Help us to truly embrace our identity as those who celebrate Your goodness in our lives. Forgive us for the times we have allowed complaining and negativity to overshadow the joy You have given us. Fill our hearts with such gratitude and awareness of Your blessings that celebration becomes our natural response. May our lives be a testament to Your goodness, radiating joy and thanksgiving to those around us. Amen.

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. Let us fill our days with the joy of the Lord, transforming the ordinary into an opportunity for celebration.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Comforting Whisper of Unwavering Care..

The image of a foot slipping evokes a sense of vulnerability and precariousness. Think about walking on uneven ground, the sudden loss of balance that can send you tumbling.

He will not let your foot slip— He who watches over you will not slumber.  Psalm 121:3

In life, these “slippery slopes” can manifest in countless ways: a sudden financial setback, a moment of doubt that threatens your faith, a temptation that tugs at your resolve, or even just the everyday anxieties that can trip us up.

But the Psalmist doesn’t leave us teetering on the edge. He immediately offers reassurance: “He will not let your foot slip.” This isn’t a passive hope; it’s an active promise. There is a force, a presence, that is diligently watching, ensuring our stability. This “He” is the Divine, the ultimate guardian.

The second part of the verse amplifies this assurance: “He who watches over you will not slumber.” Sleep is a necessity for human beings, a time of rest and recuperation where vigilance ceases. To say that God does not slumber speaks volumes about the constancy of His care.

There are no moments when His attention wavers, no instances where we are left unguarded. Day and night, in times of ease and moments of crisis, His watch is unceasing.

Consider the profound implications of this. It means that even when we feel most alone, most vulnerable, there is an ever-present awareness of our needs. It suggests a deep and personal involvement in our lives, a loving attentiveness that never tires.

This isn’t a distant, uninvolved deity, but one who is intimately concerned with our well-being, down to the very placement of our feet.

This verse offers profound peace. It invites us to release the burden of constant self-reliance and to trust in a higher power that is both capable and willing to uphold us.

It doesn’t promise a life free from challenges, but it guarantees that even in the midst of those challenges, we are not alone and we will not ultimately fall.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the unwavering vigilance of your love. Thank you for being the guardian who never sleeps, the one who sees every potential slip and extends your hand to steady us. Forgive us for the times we try to navigate life’s precarious paths on our own, forgetting the strength and security found in your constant watch. Help us to rest in the assurance of your care, to trust in your unfailing attention, and to walk with confidence knowing that you hold us secure. Amen.

God’s promises are like the stars; the darker the night, the brighter they shine.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Present Help In Trouble…

That simple phrase, “A very present help,” from Psalm 46:1, carries a weight of comfort and assurance that resonates through the ages. In times of trouble, when the storms of life rage around us, this verse stands as a steadfast anchor.

It doesn’t say God might be a help or that He is helpful from a distance. No, it declares Him to be a very present help.

Think about what “present” truly means. It signifies nearness, availability, and immediacy. It speaks of someone who is not far off, indifferent, or too busy to notice our plight. Instead, God is right here, right now, in the midst of whatever we are facing.

The addition of “very” amplifies this truth. It underscores the intensity and reliability of His presence. He isn’t just somewhat present; He is overwhelmingly, completely present.

This psalm was likely written during a time of great upheaval, perhaps war or natural disaster. The psalmist wasn’t painting a picture of a life free from difficulty, but rather a life where God’s unwavering presence provided refuge and strength within those difficulties.

It reminds us that we don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. There is a constant, powerful ally by our side, ready to offer support, guidance, and peace.

This truth is not just a comforting thought; it’s an active reality. When we feel overwhelmed, when fear threatens to consume us, we can turn to this very present help. We can draw strength from the knowledge that God is intimately aware of our struggles and deeply invested in our well-being.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound truth of Psalm 46:1. Thank You that You are not a distant deity, but a very present help in our times of need. We confess that sometimes we forget Your nearness, allowing fear and anxiety to cloud our vision. Help us to cultivate an awareness of Your constant presence, to lean on Your strength, and to find refuge in Your unfailing love. Grant us the peace that surpasses understanding, knowing that You are with us through every trial. Amen.

There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼