Ed Christian's World

A Quiet Nudge…

Good morning!!
Today, let’s discover how to find strength and courage in the Lord, knowing He is always with us.

They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 1:19

Have you ever felt that quiet nudge in your heart—a dream, a calling, or even a small act of obedience—that feels both exciting and terrifying? Maybe it’s starting something new, mending a broken relationship, or simply choosing kindness in a moment when it’s hard. But then doubt creeps in: “Who am I to do this? What if I fail?”

I’ve been there. Maybe you’re there right now.

That’s exactly where Jeremiah was when God called him. A young man handed a mission that felt impossible, surrounded by opposition at every turn. But God didn’t focus on Jeremiah’s fears or limitations. Instead, He gave him a promise: “They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you.”

Here’s the beautiful truth: that promise isn’t just for Jeremiah. It’s for you. For every time your calling feels too big, your fears too loud, or your strength too small. God doesn’t call you because you’re qualified; He calls you because He is. And He doesn’t send you out alone; He goes with you, fighting for you, every step of the way.

So, what’s your “impossible” today? Maybe it’s a step of faith you’ve been avoiding, a conversation you’ve been dreading, or a dream you’ve been too afraid to pursue. Whatever it is, hear God’s whisper: “I am with you.” Let that truth be your courage, your strength, your peace. You’re not alone in this fight.

Father, sometimes, the battles around me feel too big, and I’m tempted to believe I’m on my own. But you remind me I’m never alone—You are always with me, fighting for me. Forgive me for letting fear and doubt take over. Help me trust Your promises, even when the opposition feels overwhelming. Remind me that Your presence is my shield, Your strength is my victory, and Your faithfulness is my anchor. Today, I surrender every challenge, every doubt, every “impossible” to You. Fill me with Your courage, Lord, and remind me that I don’t have to be strong on my own because You are my strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We can be tired, weary, and emotionally distraught, but after spending time alone with God, we find that He injects into our bodies energy, power, and strength.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Confound Your Problem…

Once, when my niece Gabby was three years old, she started yelling and screaming. My father, in an effort to get her to stop, wanted to say, “When you act like that, Gabby, your face is no longer pretty. It becomes ugly.”

But it came out, “You’re ugly.” Before my father could correct himself, Gabby without missing a beat shouted back in a counter-reply, at the top of her lungs, “You’re handsome!” It didn’t fit. And yet, with two words, she completely disabled my father and every other adult in the room.

What Gabby did was biblical. Jesus told us to bless those who curse us. It doesn’t fit or make sense, but that’s what He said. And that applies not just to those who curse us with words but with anyone who’s ever done something to hurt us.

The normal response is to curse them back or respond in like manner. But Jesus says, “Do good to those who hurt you.” Overcome evil with good. It doesn’t fit or make sense. But it will confound the situation, and it will disable your problem. It works. Just ask Gabby.

Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  Luke 6:28

Today, overcome evil with good; confound the enemy.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Romans 12:14

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

The Antidote to Fear…

Today, let’s find comfort and courage in God’s perfect love. As you begin your day, remember His love overcomes all fear. Tackle your challenges boldly, knowing you are deeply loved and never alone.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18

In a world that often feels filled with uncertainty and anxiety, 1 John 4:18 offers us a profound truth: the antidote to fear is love. Not just any love, but the perfect, unconditional love of God.

When we find ourselves gripped by fear – whether it’s fear of the future, fear of failure, or fear of not being enough – we have a choice. We can allow that fear to control us, or we can turn to the One whose love casts out all fear.

God’s love is not a flimsy, fleeting emotion. It’s a steadfast, unshakable reality that has the power to transform our lives from the inside out. When we root ourselves in this love, we find a sense of security and belonging that no earthly circumstance can take away.

This love empowers us to face challenges with courage, to pursue our God-given dreams with confidence, and to love others with the same extravagant grace that we’ve received.

So today, if fear is knocking at the door of your heart, remember the truth of 1 John 4:18. Lean into God’s perfect love, and watch as it drives out every fear, filling you with peace and joy that surpasses all understanding.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect, unconditional love that casts out every shadow of fear. As I face the uncertainties and challenges of today, help me to anchor deeply in Your love that knows no bounds. Give me the strength to overcome fears of inadequacy, failure, or the unknown, and fill my heart with the peace and joy that only You can provide. Empower me to extend this love to others, sharing the grace and confidence I find in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Be Bold…

It takes a boldness of faith to do as Jonah did and ask for God’s favor in spite of your mistakes. Jonah had disobeyed God’s word to go to Nineveh and was at that moment inside the belly of a big fish.

In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead, I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Jonah 2:1,

Every thought was telling him, “This is what you deserve. God is finished with you.” But instead of feeling guilty and condemned, his attitude was: “God, I was wrong, but I believe You will bring me out of this pit and help me to fulfill my destiny.”

That is exactly what God in His great mercy did for Jonah and sent him a second time to Nineveh. You may have gone the wrong way and done the wrong thing, but God is going to give you another chance and another to fulfill His best plan for your life.

If you start to honor God right where you are, being your best, serving others, the right doors will open, the right people will show up. God knows how to make up for lost time. He can still get you to where you’re supposed to be.

Father, thank You that when I make a mistake and bring trouble upon myself, You cover me with mercy and give me second chances. Help me to remember Your compassion and that I am still Your child when I mess up. I believe You will get me to where I’m supposed to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Only engage, and then the mind grows heated. Begin, and then the work will be completed. You and I, the people of God, have permission to come before the throne of Heaven at any time we will, and we are encouraged to come there with great boldness.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Our Battles Are Not Faught Alone…

Today, let’s discover how our battles are not fought alone, but alongside the victorious King of Kings.

They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.
Revelation 17:14

In the heat of life’s battles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and outnumbered. The enemies we face – whether they be doubt, fear, sickness, or sorrow – can seem invincible at times. But today, I want to encourage you with a truth that changes everything: in Christ, the victory is already yours.

Revelation 17:14 gives us a glimpse into a cosmic battle, where the forces of evil wage war against the Lamb. But the Lamb, Jesus Christ, triumphs over them all. His victory is not uncertain or incomplete, but absolute and final.

And here’s the amazing part: as a follower of Christ, you are not just a spectator in this victory, but a participant. The verse calls you one of “His called, chosen and faithful followers.” This means that when you face trials and tribulations, you do so not as a victim, but as a victor.

Your battles may be real, but they are not the final word. In Christ, you are more than a conqueror. So today, whatever you’re facing, face it with the confidence of one who knows the war has already been won. You are fighting from victory, not for it.

Today, let this truth be your strength and your song.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the overwhelming love that you have poured into my life. When I feel weak and weary in the battles I face, remind me of the victory that is already mine through Christ. Your strength is my strength, Lord. Fill my heart with courage and peace as I face each challenge, knowing that I am never alone. I am so grateful to be called, chosen, and a faithful follower in Your triumph. Let that truth be my song, my strength, and my victory every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Outside of Christ, I am only a sinner, but in Christ, I am saved. Outside of Christ, I am empty; in Christ, I am full. Outside of Christ, I am weak; in Christ, I am strong. Outside of Christ, I can not; in Christ, I am more than able. Outside of Christ, I have been defeated; in Christ, I am already victorious. How meaningful are the words “in Christ.”

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Superbloom…

In the winter 2023, California’s record-breaking rainfall caused billions of dollars in damages from floods, mudslides, and levees breaking. People had to evacuate areas and returned to devastation.

But when springtime came, yellow and orange wildflowers, purples and pinks, suddenly blossomed and covered the desert hills and grassy fields. Because of the historic rainfall, seeds that had lain dormant for years began to blossom.

They call it a “superbloom.” All the excessive rain caused so much trouble and hardship, but without it, there wouldn’t have been a superbloom. It’s the same principle in life.

We all have difficulties, and sometimes, there are downpours. It’s one thing after another—trouble at work, a child is off course, we suffer a loss or have to deal with a health issue. Thoughts tell you, “This is the way it’s always going to be.” No, all that rain is a sign that a superbloom is coming.

You’re about to blossom. The time is approaching when you’re going to see favor, opportunities, and new relationships that you would never have seen without the rain. Just be patient!

Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day! Habakkuk 2:3

Father, thank You for the seeds of greatness that You put inside me. Thank You that You will bring the right amount of difficulties to bring what is dormant to life, and You’ll do it at just the right time. Help me to be patient and trust You for my superbloom season. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Patience is the soil in which beautiful things bloom, just like the superbloom that bursts forth after a season of quiet growth.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Heartbeat Away…

Good morning!

Today, let’s embark on a treasure hunt of the heart, seeking the One who promises to be found.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13

Have you ever turned your house upside down looking for something, only to realize it was right in front of you all along? Our relationship with God can be like that. Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us that God isn’t hiding from us; sometimes, we’re just not looking in the right places.

This verse isn’t about a frantic spiritual scavenger hunt. It’s a gentle invitation to open our eyes to the everyday moments where God is already present.

He’s in the sunrise that takes your breath away, the unexpected kindness of a stranger, the quiet strength that rises within us when we need it most.

Seeking God “with all your heart” isn’t a call to religious perfection. It’s an invitation to bring your authentic self to each moment. Your doubts? Bring them. Your joy? He delights in it. Your mess? That’s where His grace shines brightest.

God is as present in your tears as He is in your laughter, in your questions as much as in your certainties.

Today, let’s approach life as divine treasure hunters, seeking God in the ordinary and the overlooked. As we open our hearts to Him, we may discover that He’s been with us all along, waiting to be found in the simplest, most surprising ways.

Dear Lord, In the rush of life, I often overlook the quiet moments where You’re patiently waiting for me. Help me to slow down today and open my eyes to Your presence in the everyday beauty—a sunrise, a kind smile, or the strength You give me when I feel weary. I want to seek You with my whole heart, not just in perfect moments, but in the mess, the doubts, and the joys. Remind me that I don’t need to be perfect to find You; You’re already here, waiting with open arms. Today, I choose to notice You in the simple, often-overlooked moments. Thank You for always being near and never giving up on me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Prince, The Frog, and The Nightingale…

Once upon a time, there lived a frog, a nightingale, and a prince. The nightingale used to sing the most beautiful of songs with the most beautiful of voices.

Whenever the nightingale started to sing, the frog would begin to croak. So when the frog croaked, the nightingale would stop singing.

One night, the prince was walking by and stopped hoping to hear the nightingale sing its beautiful song, but there was no singing. The only thing he could hear was the croaking of the frog in the distance. “Aren’t you going to sing?” asked the prince.

“How can I sing when all day long that stupid bullfrog makes those horrible noises? It’s obnoxious! It’s horrible, don’t you hear it?” said the nightingale.

“Yes” said the prince. “But I wouldn’t hear it if you would stop complaining and start singing.” Let the one who has ears to hear, hear. You don’t have to deal with that bullfrog.

You could be singing. Start singing to the glory of God. Praise the Lord, and the croaking will disappear.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.  1 Peter 4:12-13

Today, whenever you encounter a croaking frog, anything not of the Lord, start praising it away.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

His Watchful Care…

Good morning! As you step into the new light of day, remember the comfort that comes from knowing you’re under the Good Shepherd’s watchful care, even in the darkest valleys

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

Darkness. It’s a formidable foe, a shadow that can engulf even the brightest spirits. But in the face of life’s darkest valleys, God offers a promise that changes everything: “I am with you; you will fear no evil.”

These words from Psalm 23:4 aren’t just poetic comfort; they’re a declaration of divine presence and power. They remind us that no matter how deep the valley, how long the night, we are never alone. The God who shepherded David through his darkest hours walks beside us, too.

When the Psalmist says, “for you are with me,” it’s a statement of unshakable trust. It’s his recognition of God’s pledge to be our comfort when the path is treacherous, our peace when fears loom, our courage when evil threatens to paralyze us.

The rod and staff aren’t just shepherd’s tools; they’re symbols of God’s active protection and guidance. He doesn’t just watch from afar; He’s intimately involved in leading us through every valley, dispelling our fears with His presence.

So today, whatever darkness you’re facing, remember: you are accompanied by a God who is greater than any evil. Lean into His presence, and let it be your strength in the midst of the valley. You are comforted, you are guided, and you are never alone. And with Him, you can walk through any darkness.

Dear Lord, sometimes, the dark valleys of life cast shadows over my heart, threatening to obscure Your presence. But I choose to cling to Your promise, the truth that even in the deepest darkness, You are right beside me. Help me trust in Your unfailing guidance and protection, especially when the path seems treacherous. Remind me that Your rod and staff are not just symbols but real comfort stronger than any fear I face. Today, I choose faith over fear. I choose to believe that with You as my Shepherd, I can walk through any valley, no matter how dark or long. Thank You for being my courage and my peace. I’m trusting in You to lead me through. In Jesus’ name, Amen

The darker the night, the brighter the stars. The deeper the grief, the closer is God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Jesus – The Scapegoat…

In the Biblical ceremony of Yom Kippur, the sins of the people were symbolically placed on the head of a goat, which was then sent into the wilderness to carry them away. It’s from this that we get the word ‘scapegoat’, meaning someone blamed for the problems, wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others.

God linked Israel to the scapegoat over three thousand years ago. Of all the people in history, Israel stands above all for being the scapegoat of the nations. From ancient times to our day, the Jews have been the most accused, slandered, and vilified of peoples.

But Jesus is the King of this scapegoat nation. He took the sins of all upon Himself and carried them away. If you belong to Jesus, then you are part of Israel.

You, too, are called to bear the burdens, problems, and even the unjust treatment of others, and love them in return. The Lord, your Scapegoat, bore your burdens to bring you salvation.

Thus, you are called to be a little scapegoat; to bear the burdens of those around you, so you might also bring them to salvation.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.  Isaiah 53:4

Today, seek to bear the burdens of someone and lead them to salvation.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼