Ed Christian's World

The Lamb Home…

There was a day ordained in the Hebrew Scriptures, in Exodus 12, on which every Hebrew family was commanded to take a lamb home.

Now it was on this very same day, when Jewish people were taking the Passover lambs to their houses, that Jesus was received into Jerusalem with Palm Branches and Hosanna – Palm Sunday. Further, the Exodus 12 command “Take the Lamb” can also be translated as “Receive the Lamb,” “Accept the Lamb.”

This is amazing stuff. Redemption comes when you receive the Lamb, when you bring Him home, when you bring Jesus to the place you really live. We keep Him at church, in worship, and in fellowship.

We never really bring Him to our marriage, to our relationships with our children and parents, the place we really live our lives. Do you really want the joy and blessings of salvation?

Then bring the Lamb home – let His salvation have its way in the place you really live – in ALL the rooms/closets of your life. Open up those long locked doors and welcome Him in – for that is what Palm Sunday is really all about.

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to Daughter Zion,
 ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11

Today focus on bringing Jesus into every part of your life – especially those areas you haven’t let Him touch before.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

The Kadima Redemption Mystery…

In ancient times, the wise men of the nations had it all figured out how the world stayed where it was. Some believed it was held up on the back of a giant named Atlas. Others believed it was supported on the shell of a giant tortoise.

But in the ancient world, there was one book that said otherwise… the Hebrew Bible. In the Book of Job, chapter 26, verse 7, says, “He stretches out the north over empty space, and hangs the earth on nothing.”

Well, it’s taken thousands of years and a twentieth-century space program to catch up with the Bible. It just proves the Bible is the Word of God. To the ancient mind, the idea that the earth was hung on nothing was incomprehensible.

In the same way, there are many things we don’t yet understand about God or His ways. Our wisdom is like trusting in giant tortoises. And what seems like nothing and foolishness, turns out to be wisdom in the end.

Trust in the Lord, you’ll walk with faith and have the wisdom that takes a millennia to understand.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness” 1 Corinthians 3:19

Ask God for HIS wisdom today and do not depend on the wisdom of the world – which is foolishness.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

The No Funeral People…

Jesus told a parable about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. The Lord tells us that the rich man died and was buried; but of Lazarus, he says only that he died. There’s no mention of burial because Lazarus was poor so his funeral would be nothing to note.

You see, the rich man had a lot in the world, but that’s all he had. So when he died, it was a big event and a tragedy, for he was losing everything.

But Lazarus had little in the world and when he died, it was no big loss. His treasures were in heaven. For Lazarus, death was no big tragedy, but a passing into something much, much better. He was taken right away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.

So why have a big funeral? You see, if you live a life that is not bound to earth but bound only by the Spirit; then death will cast no shadow over your life. So live free and store up your treasures in heaven.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20

Think about what treasures of this world have too much of your attention. What things of God your attention can be focused on instead? Decide to let go of one of them and start to live free.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

The Secret Of Serving…

One afternoon while sitting in the shade by the river Grandfather asked  why is it important that we serve and honor God? My response, a little naive for a 10 year old, was that is what God created us for. He smiled at that and said yes.. Then he went on to tell me a story.

In the early days of the Salvation Army, the biologist and skeptic, Thomas Huxley, launched an all-out attack on the Salvation Army and its founder, William Booth. Booth’s son Bramwell, was greatly upset over it.

But William Booth told his son that he couldn’t waste his time fighting his critics, or else he would be distracted from the Lord’s call – and he would not let anything divert him from it.“Bramwell,” said Booth, “fifty years from now, it will matter very little indeed how these people treated us. It will matter a great deal how we dealt with the work of God.”

William Booth was powerfully used by God to affect a nation, and a world. Why? He didn’t allow himself to get distracted from the calling God gave him.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

There will always be people who criticize you or attack you. But no one can take you away from God’s calling, unless you let them.

You’re here for one purpose, to serve and glorify God. Don’t let yourself be distracted or turned to the right or to the left – and you too will live a powerful life for God.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.   Ephesians 4:1

Resolve not to be distracted by criticism that’s not of God – but set your eyes on the Lord and what you need to do for His purpose. He is always there to guide your path and to give you the words needed to make your point.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

The Piano Teacher’s Ovation…

When my sister was 9 years old, she was taking piano lessons, and it was time for the recital. The time came for her to approach the piano. As she went to the piano, the teacher went to hers. Everyone thought it was because she needed extra help. But it was a piano duet.

It was a sensation, a childhood moment of glory. At the end she got a thunderous standing ovation. I remember seeing the teacher stand up and give my sister the honor. One stands up in honor for one’s teacher. Your teacher isn’t supposed to stand up for you.

In the Book of Acts, the disciple Stephen is about to be stoned to death. He looks up to heaven and sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God. It says Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God, not standing.

So for Him to be standing, meant that He got up out of His seat in honor of His student. We have a teacher who longs to honor His students. You’re His student. Today, give Him something to be proud of. Give Him something for which He can get out of His seat.

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55

Make a special point today to live your day – each moment for the eyes and in the presence of God – to do His will and please Him.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

The Feast of Remembrance…

The children of Israel were told to celebrate Passover every year, so that they would never forget how the Lord had saved them out of Egypt.

Paul was at the end of his life. He had once opposed the gospel but his life as an enemy of God was long over. He had been in the Lord for decades, known throughout the world as a saint.

Paul, at the end of his life, tells the story of getting saved as if it were yesterday. He calls himself, not the greatest of saints, but the greatest of sinners. He remembered how God took him out of darkness and into His marvelous light… as if it were yesterday.

If you want to get to the Promised Land, you must never stop thanking God for taking you out of Egypt. Simon Peter wrote that those who aren’t godly or increasing in godliness, are those who have forgotten their salvation.

Don’t forget to remember to thank the Lord for all He saved you from. Give thanks to the Lord for saving you out of Egypt and one day, you’ll give thanks to the Lord for bringing you into the Promised Land.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Peter 1:3-9

Take time to thank God today for all the things He’s saved you from.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

The Prince, The Nightingale, And The Bullfrog…

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

Whenever the nightingale started to sing, the frog would start to croak. This was very disconcerting for the nightingale. Whenever the frog started croaking, the nightingale would stop singing. It was driving the nightingale crazy.

One night, the prince was walking by the nightingales’ tree. He stopped, hoping to hear it sing. There was no singing. He could only hear the croaking of the frog.

“Aren’t you going to sing?” asked the prince, “I know you have a beautiful voice.” “Sing!” replied the nightingale. “How can I sing when all day long I have to listen to that stupid bullfrog and those horrible noises he makes. Don’t you hear it?” “Yes,” said the prince, “I do hear it. But I wouldn’t hear it if you’d stop complaining and start singing.”

Let the one who has ears hear… You don’t have to be dealing with that bullfrog. You could be singing. Start singing to the glory of God and the croaking will disappear.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100

Praise God for His blessings in spite of and over all the little annoyances of the day.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

You’re Traveling 18.5 miles/second…

It may seem quiet where you are. It may seem that nothing’s really happening, but it’s not really the case. Every second you’re travelling 18.5 miles. That’s the speed of the earth.

Every tick of the clock, you’re 18.5 miles away from where you were before the last tick. If that’s not enough, when you count to ten, you end up 200 miles away from the place you were when you started counting.

Can you imagine how long you’ve traveled just reading this message? Even though it may not look like it, everything is moving. Every soul is moving, either toward God or away from God.

It’s not just true for the earth. It’s true for you. Your life is heading somewhere. It’s meant to head to glory. God wants to bring your life to a good place.

You should decide that since you’re going places anyway, it can’t ever be away from God, but to Him. Move closer. You can’t stay where you are. Move ahead in love, faith and in God – because God definitely wants you and your life… to be going places.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Take a look at your life. What direction is it moving in? Seek today to move in only one direction, closer to the Lord.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

Why Have I Found Favor…

In the second chapter of Ruth, Boaz blesses the Gentile stranger who gleans in his fields. Ruth could’ve just said, ‘Thanks.’ However she says, ‘Why have I found favor?’

Boaz gives an answer, but really there’s no answer except that God ordained it that way. In the same way, you’ve found yourself in the fields of the Redeemer.

How did you end up so blessed? How did you end up saved? Was it because you were a good person? There’s no good answer why you have found favor.

Grace is not supposed to be explained. You don’t explain grace. You receive it. If you explain it, you can’t receive it. If you receive it, you can’t explain it. Most believers can explain salvation.

They think they did the right things, said the right prayer, and lived a pretty decent life in God. However, when you can explain why you’ve found favor, it’s not favor anymore.

There’s no reason why you should be saved, except God loves you. That’s why it’s called ‘grace.’ Never stop saying, ‘Why am I so blessed?’ Because when you can say why, you don’t know why. But when you don’t know why… that’s why.

She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.”

So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”

At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?”

Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

“May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”

At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.”

When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, “Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.” Ruth 2:7-16

Thank God today for His love, blessing, grace and favor upon you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

The Atheist Test…

Charles Bradlaugh was a famous atheist in England. Hugh Price Hughes was a minister who served in the slums of London. Bradlaugh challenged Hughes to a debate on the validity of Christianity.

Hughes challenge was that each bring concrete evidences of our beliefs in the form of men and women who have been redeemed from sin and shame by the influence of our teaching. ‘I will bring 100 such men and women, and I challenge you to do the same.

If you cannot bring 100, bring 50 men and women. If you cannot bring 50, then bring 20 people who will say, as my 100 will, that they have a great joy in a life of self-respect as a result of your atheistic teachings. If you cannot bring 20, bring 10.

No, I challenge you to bring just one man or woman who will make such a testimony regarding the uplifting of your atheistic teachings.’ With great embarrassment, Bradlaugh withdrew his challenge.

You don’t have to get into a long involved argument – the testimony of God is your life. You don’t have to argue Jesus. Show them Jesus. Show them a changed life and they’ll see.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24

Today, let people see Jesus in you by the way you behave.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed