Ed Christian's World

Humility  – The Path To Blessings…

The humbling of our souls, though it may feel like a stripping away, invariably ushers in a positive blessing. When we willingly empty our hearts of self-importance and ego, we create a void that God longs to fill with His boundless love.

Before honor is humility. — Proverbs 15:33

For those who yearn for deep and intimate connection with Christ, let them remember the Lord’s own declaration: “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”

Indeed, as Proverbs wisely states, “Before honor is humility.” To ascend to the heights of spiritual communion, we must first stoop low. Did not our Savior, Jesus, descend in humility so that He might ascend in glory?

Similarly, we must cultivate a downward growth in our spirit to experience an upward blossoming in our relationship with God. The most profound and sweetest fellowship with heaven is reserved for those who embrace humility and for them alone.

God withholds no true blessing from a spirit that is utterly humbled. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” a realm overflowing with unimaginable riches and treasures. The entire treasury of God is freely given to the soul that possesses the humility to receive it without succumbing to pride.

Our Heavenly Father pours out blessings upon us to the very limits of what is safe for our spiritual well-being. If a blessing seems withheld, it is often because our unhumbled hearts are not yet ready to receive it without danger. Imagine an unyielding spirit claiming victory in God’s holy work – it would likely seize the glory for itself, only to be defeated by the next challenge.

Therefore, we are kept in a state of humility for our own protection and growth. When a person is genuinely humble, never daring to claim even the smallest sliver of praise for themselves, the possibilities of what God will accomplish through them are virtually limitless.

Humility prepares us to be recipients of God’s abundant grace and equips us to interact effectively and compassionately with our fellow human beings. True humility is a precious flower that enhances any spiritual landscape.

This virtue of humility is like a universal seasoning that enriches every aspect of our lives. Whether we are engaged in prayer or offering praise, whether we are laboring diligently or enduring suffering, the genuine essence of humility can never be overused. It only serves to enhance and deepen our experience.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge our proneness to pride and self-reliance. We ask for the grace to cultivate true humility within our hearts. Empty us, Lord, of all that hinders us from fully receiving Your love and Your blessings. Grant us the contrite spirit that draws Your gaze and the poverty of spirit that inherits Your kingdom. May we learn to stoop so that we may truly ascend in our relationship with You. Amen.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Big Picture of Life….

It was early morning, and the sun had just begun to rise. Grandfather took me on a journey to the city through the desert riding on horses. The purpose of the trip was to pick up supplies for the school. But, as usual, he had more than one purpose in mind.

One thing I want you to do today, he said, is to keep watch over the sun.

It was a strange directive, even for a nine year old, but I did my best, noting from time to time it’s position in the sky. At journeys end, upon our return, he questioned me.

What did you see? He asked

Nothing out of the ordinary, I replied, nothing of note. The sun was just the sun.

I imagine, Grandfather said, that at times it was obscured by the mountains, the trees, and the buildings of the city. But otherwise, I imagine it stayed the same, certainly the same size. I would also imagine that the landscape was continually changing. Everything was changing around us except for the sun.

That’s true, I said, but isn’t that the way the sun works?

Yes, but why is that the way the sun works? Then he added, It’s because although a mountain or a house or even a hand can appear bigger than the sun and can, for a time obscure it, the reality is that the sun’s true magnitude, it’s actual size, is so enormous, so colossal, that the highest mountain on earth is as nothing in comparison. It doesn’t appear so in the short run, but it becomes clear over the long run. Even in our little journey, everything we saw completely changed, the hills, the mountains, everything but the sun. If we had traveled thousands of miles, it wouldn’t have made a difference. The sun’s colossal magnitude is manifested by it’s changelessness.

What does that reveal? I asked.

Then Grandfather smiled and said two thousand years ago, Jesus said, ‘ I am the Light of the World.’ Since that time, ages have begun and ended, continents and civilizations have been discovered, kingdoms and empires have risen and fallen, kings and luminaries have appeared and passed away. And some of these have, for a moment, seemed larger. For a time, they obscured the figure of the Nazarene. But in the long run, over the course of the long journey, they’ve all passed away. Everything has changed… except Him. All the rest lies in ruins and rubble or in the pages of history… but He remains unchanged, undiminished.. as central, as pivotal and as colossal as He has ever been. Everything changes, but Him. He is the sun. The immensity of His magnitude is manifested by His changelessness.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the powerful reminder of your unchanging nature, your colossal magnitude that dwarfs all the fleeting challenges and changes in our lives. Just as the sun remained constant in the sky despite the shifting landscapes, help us to keep our focus on you, the true Light of the World. Grant us the wisdom to see our current problems in the light of your eternal perspective, knowing that they are temporary and small in comparison to your greatness. May we find comfort and strength in your steadfastness, trusting that you remain our constant and unwavering source of hope and peace. Help us to walk daily with you by our side, drawing strength from your presence and guidance. May we always remember that you are the “Big Picture,” the unchanging truth in a world of constant change. In your name, we pray, Amen.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

Today, see all things in view of the big picture. Whatever problems or issues you have are small in comparison to Him and will pass away in the magnitude of the Son.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Eternal Purpose…

Today, let’s rediscover how even the smallest parts of life can shine with eternal purposes.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Isn’t it beautiful that God sees every part of your life as sacred? In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul doesn’t say, “when you pray” or “when you serve at church.” He says, “whatever you do.” Even eating and drinking—life’s most ordinary acts—can become worship.

This truth tears down the wall between spiritual and ordinary. The way you respond in a tense conversation, how you care for your family, the attitude you bring to everyday tasks—these all carry the fragrance of Christ when done in love.

Glorifying God isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about quiet faithfulness. It’s listening when you’d rather speak. Choosing patience when you’re tired. Serving when no one sees. These small moments reflect what He is like.

Every act becomes a brushstroke in a masterpiece that tells the world who God is—not because we’re flawless, but because He’s present in us.

So today, live with intention. Let your words, your work, and your ways be worship. Because when it’s done for Him, nothing is wasted. And everything becomes holy.

What small area of my life have you overlooked as a place to glorify God?

How can you bring more intention and love into today’s routine moments?

Dear Father, Help me see that no moment is too small when it’s offered to You. Teach me to honor You in the way I speak, serve, and show up—especially when no one else is watching. In the quiet and in the routine, let my life become a living prayer. Fill each task with purpose, each word with grace, each step with love. Make my ordinary holy, Lord, simply because it’s done for You. Let everything I do point back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes but by making good shoes because God is interested in good craftsmanship.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Ascending to Spiritual Heights…

The distractions and allurements of this world can easily stifle the good within us, leading to discontent, despair, and a focus on earthly desires. To truly flourish, our spirits need to rise above these temporal concerns and seek something greater.

Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord. — Isaiah 2:3

Just as stagnant air in a valley breeds sickness, dwelling solely on worldly matters can leave us feeling drained and unwell.However, by ascending to a higher spiritual plane through communion with God and His kingdom, we can clear away the obstacles that hinder our growth.

This ascent is like climbing a mountain, leaving behind the unhealthy atmosphere of the lowlands to breathe the fresh, invigorating air of the heights. We are invited to leave behind the mists of fear and the fevers of anxiety that gather in this earthly existence and ascend to the mountains of joy and blessedness that await us.

Too often, we become comfortable with the very things that hold us back, like chained eagles who have grown accustomed to their bonds. May the Spirit of God grant us the strength to break free, at least in spirit, and to ascend to a place of deep connection with the Most High. May our souls, leaving the concerns of the body behind, reach the summit of spiritual communion.

Heavenly Father, we humbly ask for Your grace and strength to lift our hearts and minds above the fleeting concerns of this world. Cut away the cords that bind us to earthly anxieties and help us to ascend to the heights of spiritual understanding and communion with You. Grant us the clarity to see beyond the mists of fear and the resilience to overcome the fevers of worry. May our spirits soar like eagles, unburdened and free, to find true joy and blessedness in Your presence. Amen.

Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in You.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Walking With The Spirit – One Step at A Time…

Today, let’s lean into a rhythm of grace—walking with the Spirit one step at a time.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.   Galatians 5:25

The Christian life isn’t about striving harder—it’s about surrendering deeper. Galatians 5:25 invites us to something quiet but powerful: to walk with the Spirit step by step, breath by breath. Not sprinting ahead in self-effort. Not dragging behind in fear. But moving in rhythm with His grace.

In real life, that means pausing before we react. Choosing peace when pressure rises. Trusting His timing when the way feels unclear. The Spirit doesn’t bark commands—He whispers in the direction. He doesn’t push us forward—He draws us closer.

The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience—aren’t goals to grind for. They’re signs we’ve been walking with Him. Like branches connected to the vine, we don’t force growth—we receive it.

So today, slow down. Breathe deep. You don’t need to map out the whole path. You only need to stay close. The Spirit knows the terrain. He’s not just showing the way—
He is the way.

What would it look like to walk with Him today, not just believe in Him?

Dear Lord, You know how easily I drift—rushing ahead when I’m anxious, falling behind when I’m afraid. But today, I want to walk with You. Not in my strength, but in quiet surrender. Help me slow down, hear Your whisper, and follow the rhythm of Your Spirit—step by step, breath by breath. Shape my pace with Your peace, my heart with Your love, and my steps with Your presence. I don’t need to see the whole path—I just need to trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Demonstrating Resurections Power In Our Lives…

The verse in Acts 1:3 stands as a powerful distinction. Unlike the shadowy figures of ancient mythologies, Jesus, the Christ of Nazareth, presented Himself after His suffering with undeniable, tangible evidence of His resurrection.

The scripture states He appeared to them over forty days, offering “many convincing proofs” that He was alive. This wasn’t a fleeting apparition, but a sustained series of encounters – empirical, touchable, and real. This foundational truth sets our faith apart: we follow not a legend, but the resurrected Lord who conquered death.

This same power that raised Jesus from the dead is not meant to remain a historical footnote. It is a living, active force meant to transform our lives from the inside out. Just as Jesus presented Himself with “many convincing proofs,” we too are called to demonstrate the reality of His resurrection in tangible and practical ways.

Our lives should be living testimonies to the power of total change, the victory over sin and despair, the ability to overcome life’s challenges, and the deep, abiding joy that transcends sorrow.

We are meant to embody forgiveness, to radiate life in the face of death, and to consistently offer “many convincing proofs” of God’s transformative love.

The world is watching. They need to see the “stone rolled away” in our lives – the obstacles overcome, the burdens lifted, the chains broken. They need to witness the measurable miracle of a life radically changed by the power of the risen Christ.

Our actions, our deeds, our consistent demonstration of love, forgiveness, and resilience should point to the empty tomb and declare that God’s love has indeed conquered all darkness.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the undeniable truth of Jesus’ resurrection, evidenced by the many convincing proofs He offered. We pray for the grace and strength to live in the power of this resurrection daily. Help us to be living witnesses of Your transforming love, demonstrating through our actions and attitudes the victory, joy, and overcoming power that comes from knowing Christ. May our lives be clear and consistent evidence that the stone has been rolled away, that death has been defeated, and that Your love reigns supreme. Empower us to show the world the measurable miracle of a life changed by Your grace. Amen.

Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼 

Nurturing Our Faith…

Today, let’s explore how faith takes root—and how we can nurture it every day.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.  Romans 10:17

Faith isn’t a fire we kindle by force—it’s a flame sparked by hearing. It doesn’t rise from within us through sheer effort. It’s awakened by exposure—exposure to the voice that spoke galaxies into existence, silenced storms, cast out fear, and called dead things back to life.

If your faith feels faint today, maybe it’s not because you’re failing—but because you’re not hearing. Not listening deeply. Not lingering long enough in the Word that breathes life. We can’t expect strong faith while feeding on silence—or worse, on the noise of the world.

You don’t need more willpower to believe—you need more of His Word resounding in your soul.

When you open Scripture, you’re not checking a box—you’re inviting faith to rise. When you lean into worship or biblical teaching, you’re feeding the very thing that anchors your soul.

So don’t give up—lean in. Open your Bible. Open your heart. Because when Jesus speaks, even the smallest faith becomes enough to move mountains.

Heavenly Father, Sometimes, my faith feels small, not because I’ve stopped believing—but because I’ve allowed other voices to grow louder than Yours. Forgive me for filling my heart with noise that drowns out Your wisdom and love. I don’t want to strive harder—I want to draw closer. Speak again, Lord. Let Your Word echo in the quiet places of my soul. Awaken faith where it’s grown dim. Anchor me in Your presence, and help me lean in—not out of duty, but devotion. You are the voice my heart needs most. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Dancing With God’s Spirit….

Imagine watching a couple who have danced together for decades. Their movements are seamless, a beautiful harmony where the lead and the follow become indistinguishable. A subtle shift in weight, a fleeting glance, a gentle touch from the man, and the woman responds in perfect rhythm, creating a breathtaking flow.

This intimate connection, this unspoken understanding, is a powerful analogy for our relationship with God.

Our spiritual journey is meant to be a dance of love with our Creator, a sacred partnership akin to the bond between a bridegroom and his bride. God is always leading, extending His hand, offering the gentlest of guidance. The question is, are we following? Are we attuned to His subtle cues, His quiet whispers in our hearts? If we are not responding, there is no dance, only a solitary stance.

Let us cultivate a heart that is exquisitely sensitive to God’s presence. Let us learn to recognize His slightest touch, the faintest tug on our spirit, the most delicate leading of His Holy Spirit. To surrender to His will, no matter how small it may seem, is to step into the rhythm of His love. When we become so attuned to His movements that our wills align, we begin to move as one, creating a life that is a beautiful, flowing dance of love. Open yourself to the Spirit’s guidance, and watch as your life transforms into a testament of divine partnership.

My beloved speaks and says to me:
Arise, my love, my beautiful one,
and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.    Song of Solomon 2:10-13

Heavenly Father, we long to dance with You. Forgive us for the times we have been clumsy, resistant, or simply unaware of Your gentle lead. Grant us hearts that are sensitive to the slightest movement of Your Spirit, ears that are attuned to Your quiet whispers, and a willingness to surrender to Your perfect will. Teach us to follow Your lead with grace and trust so that our lives may become a beautiful and harmonious dance of love with You. May we move as one, reflecting the beauty of Your perfect guidance. Amen.

The ultimate test of faith is not how many times you’ve been to church but how closely you’ve followed the lead of the Spirit.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Embracing God-Given Courage in the Face of Life’s Unfolding Journey

Life is an intricate tapestry woven with moments of joy, peace, and undeniable challenges. These challenges, whether significant life transitions that uproot our comfort, daunting tasks that stretch our abilities to their perceived limits, or the nebulous uncertainties of the future, can often stir within us feelings of fear and discouragement.

It is in these very moments, when our human strength feels insufficient, that the enduring and powerful voice of God resonates, echoing the same encouragement He offered to Joshua as he stood on the precipice of a monumental undertaking.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

The divine command, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous,” is far more than a mere suggestion. It is a direct and authoritative instruction from the Creator, the sustainer of the universe. This isn’t a call to conjure up a superficial bravery, but an invitation to embody a deep-seated strength and unwavering courage that finds its very source in Him.

The emphasis here is not on our innate capabilities, which are often limited, but on our access to God’s limitless power. He, in His infinite wisdom, knows that true strength and courage are not self-manufactured but divinely imparted.

The subsequent reassurance, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go,” provides the very foundation for this command. The reasons to cast aside fear and banish discouragement are not rooted in our own resilience, but in the profound and unwavering reality of God’s constant presence.

The phrase “wherever you go” is a powerful testament to His omnipresence and His intimate involvement in every aspect of our lives. It speaks of a companionship that transcends physical boundaries and emotional states. His presence is not a distant observation but an active engagement, offering solace to our anxieties and infusing us with a confidence that stems from His omnipotence.

We are never truly alone in our struggles; the Almighty God Himself walks alongside us, His strength becoming our strength, His courage, our courage.

Therefore, as you navigate the landscape of your day and encounter its inevitable hills and valleys, remember this fundamental truth: you are not equipped with merely your own finite resources. The same God who strategically guided Joshua into the Promised Land, overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, is actively directing your steps today.

The same divine power that secured victory for Joshua in the face of formidable foes is readily available to you in your current circumstances. Embrace the command to be strong and courageous, not through your own willpower alone, but through a deep and abiding trust in the Lord your God, who is with you in every single moment, empowering you for every single step forward.

Consider the specific challenges that currently weigh on your heart and mind. Where do you feel the pinch of fear? In what areas does discouragement threaten to take root? Bring these vulnerabilities before God with open honesty and a humble recognition of your need for His intervention. It is in this posture of dependence that we open ourselves to receive the fullness of His strength and the unwavering courage that only He can provide.

Heavenly Father, in the face of life’s complexities that often loom large and cast shadows of doubt, I anchor my heart to Your steadfast promise. You have not left me to navigate these challenges alone, but have commanded me to be strong and courageous, knowing that You Yourself are the wellspring of such fortitude. Remind me, in the moments when fear whispers and discouragement threatens to engulf me, that Your presence is not a distant concept but a tangible reality. You, the God of the universe, walk intimately beside me. Grant me the grace to continually draw upon Your inexhaustible strength and to embody the courage that flows from Your very being. Just as You faithfully guided Joshua through uncharted territories, illuminate my path and steady my resolve. May I find unwavering confidence not in my own abilities, but in the certainty of Your loving and powerful presence. With You as my unshakeable foundation, I choose to step forward boldly into the purpose and plans You have ordained for me. In the strong and comforting name of Jesus, Amen.

The essence of faith, then, is not the absence of the human experience of fear. Instead, it is the conscious and courageous act of confronting those fears, not with a forced bravado, but with a deep-seated and unwavering trust in the surpassing goodness and power of God. It is the resolute belief that His love is a stronger force than any fear we may encounter, and His power is more than sufficient to see us through any challenge we face.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Love and Discipline…

Imagine a loving earthly father overhearing one child scolding another: “You have to be good, or father won’t love you.” This father gently corrects them, saying, “That isn’t really true. My love for you isn’t conditional on your behavior. When you act well, my love for you swells with joy. But when you stumble, my love for you aches with disappointment, yet it remains steadfast.”

If you have been born again into God’s family, understand that your Heavenly Father’s love surpasses even the deepest love of an earthly parent. When you choose good, God’s heart rejoices over you. When you falter and sin, His love doesn’t diminish, but it is a love that grieves, a love that will prompt loving correction, as

As Proverbs 13:24 wisely states: “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” God loves you, always.

Therefore, let His boundless love wash over your shortcomings and let His unwavering faithfulness conquer any doubt or lack of faith within you. No matter where you find yourself or what you have done, His love for you is deeper than the vast ocean and higher than the farthest reaches of the heavens.

But do not remain in the shadows of your mistakes. Rise above sin, not out of fear of losing His love, for that is impossible, but because He loves you so profoundly. Let your deepest desire be to bring a smile of joy to the face of your beloved Father.

Heavenly Father, thank you for a love that knows no bounds, a love that embraces us in our triumphs and our failures. Forgive us for the times we have doubted your steadfast affection. Today, we choose to let your overwhelming love conquer our failings and your unwavering faithfulness silence our doubts. Grant us the strength and desire to rise above our sins, not out of obligation, but out of a deep longing to bring joy to your heart. May we live in the light of your unconditional love, knowing that you are always for us. Amen.

Today, let His love overwhelm your failings, and His faithfulness overwhelms any lack of faith in your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼