Ed Christian's World

God’s Abundance  – Generous Sharing…

Good morning!

Today’s reflection on 2 Corinthians 9:11 delves into the profound interconnectedness of God’s abundant grace and our capacity for boundless generosity. It moves beyond a superficial understanding of giving, inviting us to recognize that the very essence of God’s enrichment in our lives is to empower us as conduits of His love to the world.

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  2 Corinthians 9:11

The passage reveals that our “enrichment in every way” is not a destination of personal accumulation but rather a divine provisioning intended to overflow into “generosity on every occasion.” This speaks not merely of material wealth, but of a deeper, more holistic abundance – a fullness of spirit, an inexhaustible wellspring of kindness, and a profound depth of compassion. These are the true currencies of God’s kingdom, the treasures we are called to invest in the lives of others.

Our acts of generosity, therefore, transcend simple acts of charity. They become profound expressions of worship, tangible manifestations of our gratitude to the ultimate Giver. When we freely share what we have been given, we acknowledge the divine source of all blessings and participate in the very nature of God, who is Himself, the embodiment of generosity. We step into the role of stewards, recognizing that what we hold is not our own to hoard, but a gift entrusted to us for the benefit of others.

This divine exchange creates a powerful ripple effect. Our generosity, offered in faith and love, becomes a catalyst for thanksgiving directed back to God. It fosters a cycle of blessing, where our giving not only meets the needs of others but also draws their hearts in gratitude towards the One who inspires such acts of kindness.

Let us contemplate today how we can more deeply embody this call to generosity. It may manifest in the intentional offering of our time, the thoughtful power of our words, the responsible stewardship of our resources, or the compassionate engagement of our actions. Each act, regardless of its perceived magnitude, carries the potential to be a profound testament to the boundless love of God working through us.

Gracious God, we thank You for the immeasurable riches You pour into our lives – a wealth that extends far beyond material possessions into the realms of spirit, heart, and soul. Open our eyes to the abundance that surrounds us and grant us the wisdom to discern the myriad opportunities to share this bounty with those around us. Cultivate within us a spirit of joyful and selfless giving, rooted in the understanding that every good and perfect gift comes from You. May we become willing and effective instruments of Your grace, allowing Your love to flow freely through us, touching lives, and inspiring hearts to give thanks to You. Teach us to loosen our grip on the temporal, trusting in Your eternal provision and the unfailing abundance of Your love. In the name of Jesus, our ultimate example of selfless generosity, Amen.

True generosity is not measured by the scale of the gift but by the immeasurable depth of love woven into the act of giving. It is the heart’s outpouring, reflecting the very heart of God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

April – Time to Seek The Lord…

As April unfolds, true to its Latin root “aperio” meaning “to open,” nature awakens in a symphony of budding blossoms, welcoming the fullness of the flowery year. This vibrant renewal echoes the timeless call:

It is time to seek the Lord. — Hosea 10:12.

Friend, if your heart remains untouched by salvation, let the universal stirring of life around you serve as a gentle yet urgent invitation. Just as every flower unfurls its beauty, may your heart open to receive the Lord. Do not stand apart from nature’s awakening; instead, allow your soul to bud and bloom with holy longings.

Perhaps the vibrant energy of youth courses through your veins. I implore you, dedicate that vigor to the Lord.

My own early calling brought unspeakable joy, a blessing for which I offer daily praise. Salvation, whenever it arrives, is a treasure beyond measure, but an early salvation holds a double blessing. Young men and women, aware that life’s prime may be fleeting, heed the call: “It is time to seek the Lord.”

And you, who feel the subtle whispers of decline, quicken your steps. That persistent cough, that flushed cheek – these are warnings to heed, not ignore. For you, most assuredly, “It is time to seek the Lord.”

Have I noticed a touch of silver threading through your once abundant hair? The years are passing swiftly, and the approach of death grows ever nearer. Let each returning spring serve as a poignant reminder to set your spiritual house in order.

My dear friend, if life’s journey has carried you to advanced years, I earnestly plead with you: delay no longer. A season of grace is extended to you now – be grateful for this precious opportunity, but recognize its finite nature, diminishing with every passing moment.

Here, in this quiet space, on this first day of a new month, I reach out to you through these words, penned with ink and offered from the depths of my soul. As a servant of God, I lay this solemn warning before you: “It is time to seek the Lord.”

Do not dismiss this call. It may be your final summons from the brink of destruction, the last whisper of grace upon your ear.

Heavenly Father, as the world around us bursts forth with new life, we pray for hearts that are equally receptive to Your love. For those who have yet to know You, we ask that their eyes be opened to the beauty of Your salvation and their spirits stirred by the urgency of Your call. Grant them the wisdom to recognize this opportune time and the courage to turn towards You with open hearts. May the awakening of nature be a mirror to the awakening of their souls, leading them into the fullness of life found only in You. Amen.

The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose.

Let this month of April be a time of purposeful seeking, a time to open your heart to the eternal purpose found in the Lord.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Facing The Day With Unseen Strength…

The diagnosis of stage 4 brain cancer can feel like an insurmountable wall, casting a long shadow over not just your own life but the lives of those you love most.

Facing the world each day can feel like stepping into a battle you didn’t choose, carrying a weight that others can not see. Yet, even in this challenging reality, there is a wellspring of strength and a beacon of hope to guide you and your family.

Remember that your identity is not defined by your diagnosis. You are still a beloved spouse, a cherished parent, a valued friend. The love you share, the memories you’ve created, and the spirit within you remain vibrant and real.

Each day is a gift, an opportunity to live fully within its bounds, to connect deeply with your family, and to find joy in the small moments.

Keeping your family positive during this time is a testament to your love and courage. Open communication, tailored to each family member’s understanding, is key.

Share your feelings honestly, but also focus on the present and the love that surrounds you. Remind them that even in difficult times, there is strength to be found together.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

Loving Father, we come before you today, acknowledging the weight of this diagnosis. We lift up the individual facing stage 4 brain cancer and their precious family. Lord, grant them strength that surpasses their own, courage to face each day with grace, and peace that calms their fears. Help them to find moments of joy and connection amidst the challenges. We pray for healing, Lord, for comfort, and for your presence to be a tangible reality in their lives. Guide their medical team, grant them wisdom, and surround them with your loving care. Fill their hearts wit  unwavering hope, rooted in your promises and your unfailing love. Help them to lean on each other  communicate with love and honesty, an  find strength in their unity. May your peace, which transcends all understanding, guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Immeasurable Power..

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The apostle Paul, nearing the end of a profound prayer for the believers in Ephesus, bursts forth with a declaration of God’s boundless ability. In Ephesians 3:20-21, he paints a picture of a God whose power transcends the limits of our human understanding, a God who can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”

These verses are not just a comforting thought; they are a powerful invitation to expand our vision of God and His working in our lives and in the world.

Think about the times you’ve approached God with a request. Perhaps it was for healing, for guidance, for provision, or for a breakthrough in a challenging situation. Our prayers, though sincere, are often framed by our limited perspectives and experiences. We ask within the confines of what we deem possible, what we can logically conceive.

But Paul declares that God operates on a completely different scale. His power is not restricted by our capacity to ask or even to imagine. The phrase “immeasurably more” suggests a gap so vast that our minds struggle to grasp it.

It speaks of a God whose resources are infinite, whose creativity is boundless, and whose love extends far beyond our comprehension. This incredible ability is not some distant, theoretical concept. Paul anchors it firmly in the present reality: “…according to his power that is at work within us.”

The Holy Spirit, the very power of God, dwells within every believer. This means that the same power that raised Christ from the dead, the same power that created the universe, is actively working in our lives. It is through this indwelling power that God is able to accomplish the “immeasurably more.”

This truth should fill us with both awe and hope. Awe, because we serve a God of such magnificent power and glory. Hope, because our limitations do not limit Him. The challenges we face, the obstacles that seem insurmountable, are not too great for the God who works within us. He can orchestrate circumstances, open doors, and bring about solutions in ways we could never have conceived.

The ultimate purpose of this extraordinary power is not merely to answer our individual prayers, but to bring glory to God “in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” God’s magnificent work in our lives and through the church serves as a testament to His character and His love. It is a continuous unfolding of His glory that echoes through time.

Let us trust in the power that resides within us, knowing that God is not confined by our limitations. Let our lives be a canvas upon which He can display His immeasurable greatness, bringing Him glory now and for all eternity.

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your boundless power and love. We confess that often, our prayers are small, limited by our own understanding and fears. Forgive us for the times we have underestimated Your ability to work in our lives and in the world. We thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, the power that dwells within us, enabling us to experience Your “immeasurably more.” Help us to cast off the limitations of our own thinking and to dare to believe in Your limitless possibilities. May our lives and the life of Your church be a constant display of Your glory, now and forevermore. Amen.

God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Unending Feast…

Jesus’ simple yet profound declaration, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty,” in John 6:35, cuts to the core of our deepest human needs.

We are beings of longing, constantly seeking fulfillment, often in places that leave us perpetually wanting. Jesus, in this powerful metaphor, unveils Himself as the ultimate source of true and lasting satisfaction.

Imagine the scene: Jesus had just miraculously fed thousands with a meager offering of bread and fish. The crowd, understandably captivated by this display of power, followed Him, likely hoping for another free meal. But Jesus, ever the shepherd guiding His flock to deeper truths, redirects their focus from the temporary satisfaction of physical food to the eternal nourishment He offers.

By declaring Himself the “bread of life,” Jesus uses a symbol deeply ingrained in the human experience. Bread is a staple, essential for survival, providing energy and sustenance. Jesus elevates this common necessity to a spiritual plane. He is not just offering a temporary reprieve from hunger; He is the very thing that nourishes our souls, providing the strength, purpose, and vitality we need for a life lived in fullness.

This isn’t a guarantee of earthly ease or the absence of physical needs. Rather, it speaks to a profound inner contentment. Our deepest hungers are not merely for food and drink, but for meaning, love, acceptance, and a connection to something greater than ourselves.

“Coming to Him” implies an active step, a conscious turning towards Jesus. It requires acknowledging our spiritual emptiness and recognizing our inherent need for Him. It’s an invitation to draw near, to seek His presence, and to learn from His teachings.

“Believing in Him” goes beyond intellectual agreement. It involves a deep trust and reliance on who He is and what He offers. It means accepting His sacrifice for our sins, embracing His forgiveness, and surrendering our lives to His Lordship. This belief is not passive; it is an active engagement with Jesus, a constant drawing upon His life-giving power.

The beauty of this promise lies in its enduring nature. The world offers fleeting moments of satisfaction – success, possessions, relationships – but these often leave us feeling empty again. Jesus, however, offers a nourishment that lasts.

This verse calls us to self-reflection. Where do we seek our sustenance? What are the things we chase after in the hope of finding fulfillment? Are we constantly left wanting more? Jesus invites us to turn to Him, the true bread of life, the only one who can truly satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Let us accept His invitation, come to Him in faith, and experience the unending feast of His love and grace.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, the true bread of life. We confess that we often seek satisfaction in things that are temporary and leave us feeling empty. Forgive us for turning to the world instead of to You. We come to Jesus now, acknowledging our spiritual hunger and thirst. We believe in Him as the source of all true life and satisfaction. Fill us with His presence, nourish us with His Word, and quench our deepest longings with the living water that flows from Him. May we find our complete fulfillment in Him, today and forevermore. Amen.

The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Plowing Hearts, Seeking God…

Just as the earth needs plowing to remain fertile and receptive to growth, so too does our heart require cultivation. Left untended, our hearts can become hardened, dry, and resistant to the life-giving Word and love of God.

The passage from Hosea 10:12 urges us to “Break up your fallow ground: it’s time to seek the Lord…” This “Spirit plowing” is the answer to a heart that has grown weary or deaf to God’s voice. We must intentionally disrupt the routines and patterns that have allowed a crust to form over our hearts.

Let us open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to break through the hardness and turn our lives over to receive the abundance of His grace.

Take this day as an opportunity to single-mindedly seek the Lord, to be filled anew, and to experience the wonder of His presence. Break up that fallow ground within you; it is indeed time to seek the Lord.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge the tendency of our hearts to grow hard and unreceptive over time. We confess those areas where we have become complacent and distant from Your voice. We ask now for the plowing of Your Holy Spirit. Break up the fallow ground within us, Lord. Disrupt our comfortable routines, challenge our stagnant patterns, and soften the hardened places in our hearts. Grant us the desire and the time to truly seek You today and be filled with Your presence, Your love, and Your life-giving Word. Turn our lives afresh towards Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The greatest tragedy is not that men are wicked; the tragedy is that men are trivial. 

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Saving Grace Revieled…

Today, let us find solace in the liberating truth: Jesus Christ did not descend to this earth to cast judgment upon us but to extend the lifeline of salvation.

God did not dispatch His Son into the world to condemn it. John 3:17

He didn’t send Jesus to point fingers or tally our wrongs, but because His love for the world was so vast that He offered the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption.

How easily we succumb to the illusion that our missteps have carried us beyond the reach of grace, that our failures have irrevocably tarnished us.

The insidious voice within whispers of disappointment from above, of a chasm too wide to bridge. We bear the weight of our shortcomings like burdensome stones, each one adding to the crushing weight of shame.

The very purpose of Jesus’ arrival was not to deliver heaven’s verdict of guilt but to extend heaven’s boundless love. He came not to highlight our flaws but to lift us from their grip. Not to push us further away, but to guide us gently home.

Every single moment of His earthly existence resonated with this unwavering truth—His tender compassion for the brokenhearted, His healing touch upon the marginalized, His arms outstretched in unconditional love on the cross.

From the miraculous beginning of His ministry to His final, selfless breath, Jesus unveiled the very heart of God: a heart overflowing not with condemnation, but with an unyielding desire for salvation; not with rejection, but with a fervent longing for restoration.

Today, let this transformative truth liberate your heart: You are not the object of God’s disappointment; you are the very reason He chose to come. And He would make that same loving choice, again and again, simply to draw you into His embrace.

How does the unwavering knowledge that God’s deepest desire is to save, not condemn, reshape your perception of His love?

In what specific areas of your life today do you need to actively exchange the heavy burden of self-condemnation for the lightness and freedom of His saving grace?

Dear Heavenly Father, so often I find myself weighed down by the gravity of my mistakes, the anxieties of my fears, and the nagging doubts that I alone must bear the responsibility of fixing them all. Yet, Your sacred Word reminds me with unwavering clarity that You did not send Your precious Son, Jesus, to condemn me, but to offer me the gift of salvation. Thank You, Father, for seeing beyond my imperfections, for meeting me in the midst of my brokenness, and for loving me so profoundly that You drew near. I pray for the strength to release the suffocating grip of shame that I so often hold onto and to fully embrace the boundless gift of Your grace. May Your love wash over my heart today, bringing renewal and filling me with the perfect peace that only You can provide. I lift my eyes to You, my Savior, my steadfast refuge, my enduring hope. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

The very essence of salvation is found at the Cross of Christ. The accessibility of salvation is not a reflection of its insignificance but a testament to the immeasurable cost borne by God Himself.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Plan In Everything…

The enduring truth of Psalm 119:91 in the Living Bible reminds us, “Your faithfulness extends to every generation, like the earth you created; it endures by your decree, for everything serves your plans.”

Let that sink in: everything. This isn’t a promise that only the pleasant things align with God’s purpose. It encompasses the closed doors, the departed individuals, the unexpected delays that leave us bewildered.

Even that persistently irritating coworker, despite years of prayer, is not outside the scope of His design.

Understand that these very challenges might be serving a purpose you cannot yet see. That closed door could be shielding you from a path you weren’t meant to take. The person who walked away might be creating space for a more significant connection.

The delay could be a crucial period of preparation for what lies ahead. And yes, even that frustrating coworker could be God’s unconventional tool, smoothing your rough edges through the daily exercise of patience, kindness, and forgiveness.

What feels like a hindrance might actually be a hidden form of help. What appears to be a setback could be the very setup for a future blessing beyond your current comprehension. God’s vision extends far beyond our own; He anticipates your future needs.

Father, thank You for Your sovereign power to orchestrate all things for my ultimate good, even the trials and frustrations that cause me stress and seem to impede my progress. Thank You for the assurance that I can rest in Your peace, trusting the unfolding of Your divine process. I believe, with all my heart, that You are actively working out Your perfect and beautiful plan for my life. In the strong name of Jesus, Amen.

Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see.

Even those things intended for your harm are being masterfully woven into the tapestry of your good. Therefore, place your unwavering trust in Him.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Silence and the Sovereignty of Prayer…

The cry goes out, “I called him, but he gave me no answer” (Song of Solomon 5:6). This poignant verse echoes a truth often experienced in the life of faith: prayer sometimes tarries, a persistent petitioner waiting at the King’s gate until He, in His own time, chooses to bestow the sought-after blessings.

The Lord, in His wisdom, often tests the great faith He Himself has given through periods of seeming silence. The voices of His servants may echo back to them as if bouncing off an impenetrable barrier. They may knock at the door of heaven, only to find it seemingly bolted shut. Like Jeremiah, they may lament, “You have covered yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can get through” (Lamentations 3:44).

Yet, the prolonged waiting of true saints, even without immediate reply, is not due to a lack of fervor in their prayers, nor does it signify their rejection. Rather, it is the prerogative of our Sovereign God, who bestows His gifts according to His perfect will and timing.

If it pleases Him to refine our patience through delay, who are we to question His divine prerogative? As beggars before His throne, we have no right to dictate the time, place, or manner of His giving.

However, let us never mistake a delay for a denial. God’s promises, though they may seem long in coming to fruition, will be honored with perfect punctuality.

We must resist the whispers of Satan, who would seek to erode our trust in the God of truth by pointing to unanswered prayers.

Unanswered petitions are not lost. God keeps a meticulous record of our prayers; they are not ephemeral whispers carried away by the wind, but precious treasures stored in the King’s archives. In the very court of heaven, a registry exists where every prayer is faithfully recorded.

Tried believer, your Lord tenderly collects the costly drops of your sacred grief in His tear bottle, and every holy groan is counted in His book.

Take heart, for in His perfect timing, your suit will prevail. Can you not find solace in waiting a little longer? Is not your Lord’s timing infinitely better than your own?

By and by, He will appear in comfort and joy to your soul, exchanging the sackcloth and ashes of prolonged waiting for the scarlet and fine linen of complete fulfillment.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your sovereignty and wisdom in all things, including the timing of Your answers to our prayers. When silence falls upon our cries and delay weighs heavy on our hearts, grant us the grace to trust in Your unfailing love and perfect plan. Strengthen our patience, Lord, and help us to remember that Your delays are not denials, but opportunities for our faith to deepen and our reliance on You to grow. May we never lose heart, knowing that You hear every petition and that in Your appointed time, You will bring about Your perfect will in our lives. Amen.

God is never late, never early, always on time.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Trusting God In Uncertainty…

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when facing a situation that seems impossible to resolve. You might have explored every avenue, yet the path forward remains unclear. In those moments, worry and frustration can easily take root. However, it’s crucial to pause and remember a fundamental truth: God is in control. You are not meant to carry the burden of figuring everything out.

As Psalm 147:5 reminds us, “Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we’ll never comprehend what he knows and does.” This verse highlights the vastness of God’s understanding and power, far exceeding our own.

Faith isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting even when understanding is absent. It means being at peace with the unknown, knowing that God’s plan is unfolding even when the future is hidden from our sight. Just because you can’t see the solution doesn’t mean a positive outcome isn’t on its way – perhaps even something beyond your wildest expectations.

Don’t allow the uncertainty of the situation to stifle your faith. When you choose to believe despite the doubts that may arise, you open yourself up to God’s extraordinary intervention. He has blessings in store for you that you might not foresee – favor, healing, supportive relationships, and unexpected opportunities.

Father, thank You that what lies ahead and is unknown to me is fully known to You. I consciously choose to lean on Your strength and the guidance of Your Word as I navigate these uncertainties. I place my trust in Your perfect plan, believing that You are already paving the way and will lead me to where I am meant to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when you cannot trace His hand, you can always trust His heart.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼