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Make Peace First

5 Nov

Make Peace First…

Jesus told us that if you’re presenting an offering to God and remember that your brother has something against you, you need to first reconcile with your brother before coming to present your offering.

He’s telling us that even above offerings to God, we need to make peace with anybody who we might have a conflict with. If we say we love God but are holding something against somebody in our life, we’re lying.

It’s a radical teaching, and most believers don’t take it seriously enough. Further, the Lord said to make peace quickly. Conflict is dangerous, and if left unchecked, it will tend to spread. Thus, be quick to make peace.

Is there somebody in your life that you’re estranged from or have something against; a grudge, bitterness, or complaint? As much as it’s in your power, make peace. It’s not an option in salvation. It’s a command.

Make peace, bless them, break down the wall, and do it with speed. Then your offering will be accepted by God, and your life will be blessed.

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  James 3:18

Today, as much as it is within your power, make peace with anyone you’ve been in conflict with.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Never Give Up

5 Nov

Never Give Up…

Good morning,

Today, let’s find strength in God’s promise of reward for our perseverance.

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7

Life often feels like an endless marathon, doesn’t it? Maybe you’re pouring your heart into a demanding job, struggling to mend a broken relationship, or fighting an uphill battle in your personal life. In those moments of exhaustion, it’s easy to wonder, “Does any of this really matter?”

But listen to the timeless encouragement found in 2 Chronicles 15:7: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” This isn’t just a casual pep talk; it’s a promise from the Creator of the universe.

He sees you, friend. He sees your tired heart, your aching spirit, your relentless pursuit of what’s right. He assures you that your efforts are not in vain. The God who counts every star in the sky counts every tear you’ve cried, every sacrifice you’ve made. He’s deeply invested in your journey.

So today, take a deep breath and remember: you are not alone. The God who formed the mountains is right beside you, empowering you to climb them. Don’t give up. Your perseverance matters more than you know.

Dear God, some days, this journey feels so long and tough. I’m tired, Lord. My heart aches, and I wonder if all this effort is worth it. But then I remember Your promise – that if I don’t give up, there’s a reward waiting. It’s hard to see sometimes, but I’m choosing to trust You. When I feel like quitting, give me a second wind. When doubts creep in, remind me. You see every struggle, every tear. Help me keep going, not just for me, but to show others Your faithfulness. Thank You for sticking with me through this marathon. I’m so grateful I’m not running alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Everything With Love

4 Nov

Everything With Love…

Good morning,

Today’s verse is a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when love guides everything we do. Have a beautiful day!

Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14

“Do everything in love.” Four words that capture the essence of following Christ—not just in grand gestures of faith, not just when people deserve it, and not even when it feels natural—but everything.

When Paul wrote these words, the Corinthian church was fracturing. People were choosing sides, flaunting their spiritual gifts, and arguing over who was right. They had knowledge, power, and impressive abilities—but without love as their foundation, it was all just noise. Paul reminded them, and us, that love gives everything meaning.

This isn’t about manufacturing feelings or pretending everything is fine. Love isn’t asking you to ignore the challenges; instead, it offers a different way through them. It’s about letting God’s love flow through us when relationships strain our grace, when circumstances test our faith, and when our own hearts feel empty. Because love isn’t just something we do—it’s who God is and who He created us to be.

Today, in your ordinary moments and challenging conversations, remember: we love not because it’s easy, but because we’ve been loved at our most unlovable. Let that truth guide every word, every action, every response.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your unending love that lifts me in my best moments and carries me through my weakest. Teach me to love as You do—not only when it’s easy, but especially in those moments that test my patience and stretch my heart. When others challenge my grace, fill me with Yours. Let my words, thoughts, and actions flow from Your love, reflecting Your kindness even when my own strength feels small. Help me to see others through Your eyes, to respond with Your compassion, and to love them as You have loved me—faithfully, unconditionally, and endlessly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Christian is: a mind through which Christ thinks, a heart through which Christ loves, a voice through which Christ speaks, and a hand through which Christ helps.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Before The Bread

4 Nov

Before The Bread…

There’s a secret of abundant life and victory found in The Lord’s Prayer. It said, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” and, “Give us this day our daily bread -“. The secret is right there: the will – “Your will be done”- and the want – “Give us this day our daily bread”.

Notice, it’s the will that comes first. Jesus gave us this to be the model prayer of our heart. God does care about your needs and desires, but He doesn’t want you to be wrapped up in them. If you want to live victoriously, do it according to The Lord’s Prayer.

Put His will before your want, even before your need. If you live by what you want or need, your life will always be wanting and needy. But if you live by His will, your life will always be in His will.

So, seek His will above your needs, and you won’t dwell in need. Live by His will, not by your want, and you’ll never be wanting for any good thing.

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. James 3:10

Today, put the Lord’s will before your wants and needs.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Our Daily Test

3 Nov

Our Daily Test…

Good morning, I wish you a blessed day!! Today, let’s explore how love transforms our everyday moments.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1 Corinthians 13:4

Have you ever noticed how love gets tested in the most mundane moments? That driver who cuts you off, the colleague who takes credit for your work, or the family member who pushes your buttons – these are the real arenas where love is put to the test.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:4 aren’t just lofty ideals; they’re a practical guide for navigating our daily interactions. Love is patient with the slow cashier, kind to the grumpy neighbor. It celebrates a friend’s promotion without a hint of envy and offers a helping hand without expecting praise.

This love isn’t about feelings; it’s about choices. It’s biting back a sarcastic comment and offering encouragement instead. It’s choosing empathy when pride tempts us to judge. It’s being humble in our achievements and generous in our praise of others.

Living this way isn’t easy. It goes against our natural inclinations. But when we choose to love like this, we create ripples of grace that can transform our relationships, our communities, and ultimately, ourselves.

Today, let’s challenge ourselves to embody this love in the small moments. In doing so, we might just reflect a bit of God’s heart to a world that desperately needs it.

In what small moment today can you choose love over frustration or pride?

How can you show patience and kindness to someone who might not expect it?

It’s not asking alot, it just centering yourself on how you choose to respond.

Heavenly Father, Your love is perfect and unfailing. Help me to reflect that love in my daily life, especially in the small, challenging moments. When I’m tempted to react with impatience or pride, remind me of Your patience with me. Give me the strength to choose kindness, even when it’s difficult. Open my eyes to opportunities to love others as You love me. Help me create ripples of grace in my relationships and community. Thank You for Your endless love and for empowering me to share it with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The true measure of love is to love without measure.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Your Path – Your Choice

2 Nov

Your Path – Your Choice…

Good morning! Throughout life, we are faced with many choices, it is smart to make our choices wisely. Today, let’s reflect on the narrow path that leads to life.

Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.  Matthew 7:14

Have you ever felt torn between two paths? The world’s wide road, paved with fleeting pleasures and easy promises, beckons invitingly. Then there’s the narrow road Jesus calls us to walk. It’s tempting to choose the crowd-pleasing path, blending in and avoiding the challenges that come with following Christ.

But deep down, we know that true fulfillment isn’t found in passing trends or shallow approval. Jesus invites us on a different journey – a narrow road leading to life in all its richness. This path isn’t about restrictive rules or joyless obedience; it’s an invitation to an authentic, abundant life aligned with God’s truth and love.

It’s a path of courage and integrity, choosing what’s right even when it’s unpopular. Yes, it may lead to misunderstanding or even rejection at times. But on this road, we walk hand in hand with Jesus, the ultimate trailblazer.

Today, let’s courageously choose the narrow road. Let’s embrace its challenges and find joy in the journey, knowing that the destination is beyond our wildest dreams.

Dear Lord, In a world that screams for my attention, it’s easy to forget the path You’ve called me to. The wide road looks so smooth, so inviting… but I know deep down, it’s not the way to true life. Give me the courage to choose Your narrow road, even when it’s lonely or hard. Help me stand firm in my faith, even when it’s unpopular. Walk beside me, Lord, and fill my heart with the strength and peace that only You can give. Thank you for the joy of this journey, for the fulfillment I find in following You. I trust that this winding path leads to an eternity with You, a destination worth every sacrifice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Life Struggles

1 Nov

Life Struggles…

Today, let’s dive into a timeless promise that has fortified countless believers through trials and tribulations.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14

Life’s struggles can be daunting, sometimes making us feel like we’re backed up against an impenetrable wall with no way out. The Israelites felt the same when they were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. But God told them to be still; He was fighting for them. This story isn’t just an historical event; it’s a spiritual blueprint. The same God who parted the Red Sea is fighting your battles today.

“Being still” isn’t about inactivity but about spiritual posture. It’s relinquishing control, letting go of our urge to fix things, and giving God room to move mightily on our behalf. When we do that, we create a spiritual environment where miracles can happen. Being still is actually a courageous act of faith, making space for God to show up and show off His power.

What areas in your life do you need to surrender control and truly be still allowing God to move?

Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart overflowing with gratitude. Even in my weariness, I know that You are my strength. Even when the way forward feels uncertain, I know that You are my guide. Help me quiet the doubts and fears that try to steal my peace. Replace my striving with a deep trust in Your perfect plan. Let me find rest in the knowledge that You are fighting for me, working all things for good, even when I cannot see it. Fill me with Your joy that transcends my circumstances and a hope that anchors me through every storm. May I walk boldly today, knowing that Your love surrounds me, Your power works within me, and Your victory is assured. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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Self Reflect

31 Oct

Self Reflect…

Good morning,

Today, let’s embrace the truth that God values our hearts above all else.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7

Have you ever felt overlooked or underestimated? In our world of polished resumes and Instagram filters, it’s easy to believe that appearance and achievements are everything. But God’s perspective is refreshingly different.

When Samuel was choosing Israel’s next king, he was drawn to Eliab’s impressive stature. Yet God bypassed the tall, strong sons for David, the young shepherd boy. Why? Because God looks at the heart.

This isn’t just a feel-good message—it’s a call to self-reflection. While we often focus on outward things like job titles, bank balances, or social media followers, God is interested in our character, our motivations, our love for others.

Imagine the freedom in knowing that the Creator of the universe values you for who you truly are, not for how you appear or what you’ve achieved. He sees your kindness, your struggles, your quiet acts of faith. The prayers whispered in the night, the patience shown in frustration, the love offered without recognition—these are what catch God’s attention.

Today, let’s shift our focus. Instead of polishing our image, let’s cultivate hearts that seek God. Let’s value in others what He values in us. For in His eyes, that’s what truly matters.

Dear God, Sometimes, I get caught up in trying to look good on the outside, forgetting You see what’s inside. Help me remember that You care more about my heart than how I appear to others. When I feel overlooked or not good enough, remind me that You see me – all of me – and love me just as I am. Help me to see others the way You do, looking past appearances to the person within. Guide me to be kind, loving, and faithful, even when no one’s watching. Thank You for noticing the little things – my quiet prayers, my struggles, my attempts to do right. Lord, help me grow a heart that makes You smile. Thank You for loving the real me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God sees us as we are, loves us as we are, and accepts us as we are. But by His grace, He does not leave us as we are.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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A Pocket Full of Blessings

31 Oct

A Pocket Full of Blessings…

The story is told of a man with two pockets. One pocket has a hole that he never repairs. The other pocket has no holes, and if a hole develops, he gets it sown up immediately.

Throughout the day, whenever he experiences something negative, he puts it in the pocket with a hole. But every good thing he experiences, he places in the pocket without the hole. Every evening, he empties out his pocket, and all he has are blessings.

Too many of us put all the good in our lives in the pocket with holes. We take them for granted, forget them, and don’t treasure them.

Yet, all the negative things we deal with – our problems, frustrations, and worries – we place in the pocket with no holes.Then, at the end of the day, we empty our pockets and find all sorts of problems and no blessings.

Learn to let go of all the bad and hold fast to all the good so that, at the end of the day and the end of your life, you’ll find yourself with no worries- just a pocket full of blessings.

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, it shouldn’t be that way. James 3:10

Today, see, notice, dwell on, treasure, and give thanks for all the blessings and let go of what is not.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

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His Timing

30 Oct

His Timing…

Today, let’s take a deep breath. Let’s begin this day by placing all our worries in God’s hands and trust in His perfect timing. Remember, His plans for you are beautiful!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God
Philippians 4:6

We all know that moment—when worry wraps around our hearts and squeezes tight. Maybe it’s a health concern that keeps you awake, a relationship that’s breaking, or a future that feels uncertain. Sometimes, it’s not even one big thing, but a thousand little worries that pile up until we can barely breathe.

Into these anxious moments, God speaks through Paul with reassuring confidence: bring it all to Me. Not just the big troubles we think are ‘prayer-worthy,’ but every racing thought, every whispered fear, every burden we carry.

And here’s the unexpected gift: He asks us to come with Thanksgiving. Not because we’re grateful for the struggles, but because remembering His past faithfulness gives us hope for the present.

Today, you don’t have to pretend you’re not worried. Instead, your Father invites you to bring every concern to Him, knowing He cares about everything that concerns you.

Dear Heavenly Father, as I start this day, I’m trying to hold onto Your words about not worrying. I know it’s what You want for me, but sometimes my mind just won’t stop spinning with all these concerns. When those anxious thoughts creep in, help me turn them into prayers instead. Thank You for all the times You’ve carried me through, even when I didn’t realize it was You. When things get tough today, remind me of Your faithfulness. Fill my heart with that peace that only You can give – the kind that doesn’t make sense to the world but means everything to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith. The beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼