Ed Christian's World

Grief Will Turn To Joy…

You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” These words from Jesus were not just for His disciples—they are a promise that still echoes in our lives today.

Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.  John 16:20

What makes this promise so powerful is that Jesus doesn’t say joy will replace grief—He says grief itself will become joy. Like a seed buried in the ground before it grows into something beautiful, sorrow is often the very soil where joy takes root.

Think about it—the cross, a symbol of agony, became the greatest victory. The empty tomb, once a place of mourning, became proof of eternal hope. The disciples’ deepest heartbreak turned into overwhelming joy when they saw Jesus alive again.

Maybe today, you feel stuck in a “Friday” season—a time of waiting, loss, or uncertainty. But take heart: Sunday is coming. The same God who turned death into life is working behind the scenes in your story. Your weeping will not last forever. Hold on, because in Christ, grief is never wasted—it is transformed.

Dear Father, When my heart is breaking, remind me of Your promise that grief turns to joy. Thank You that You collect my tears and transform them into something beautiful. In my waiting, I strengthen my faith to trust that You are working, even when I can’t see it. Help me remember that nothing is wasted in Your hands—because in You, Friday is never the end. Sunday is coming. Turn my mourning into dancing, even before I understand the reason why. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Daily Bread – Gratitude and Abundance…

It’s a common human experience to feel a sense of lack, to yearn for “more”—more wealth, more time, more love, more of anything that seems to be missing. The Lord’s Prayer, with its simple plea, “Give us this day our daily bread,” offers a profound perspective on this universal longing.
Consider the essence of that request. “Daily bread” implies sufficiency, not excess.

It suggests a focus on the immediate, essential needs of life. In our modern context, “daily bread” transcends literal food; it encompasses all the fundamental provisions required for a fulfilling existence: shelter, health, meaningful work, and loving relationships.

Most of us, upon honest reflection, possess far more than “daily bread.” We have sustenance for the week, perhaps even for months. We enjoy comforts and luxuries that would have been unimaginable to previous generations. Yet, the persistent feeling of insufficiency often remains.

The biblical injunction to pray for “daily bread” encourages us to recalibrate our understanding of abundance. It invites us to recognize the blessings already present in our lives, to appreciate the simple gifts that sustain us. Anything beyond the essential is, in truth, an overflow of grace.

To have “daily bread” is to be blessed. To have more is to be abundantly blessed. However, true fulfillment lies not in accumulating more, but in cultivating gratitude for what we already possess.

As Ecclesiastes 5:18 reminds us, “This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.”

By shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have, we unlock the door to joy and contentment. The simple act of acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in our lives—starting with the “daily bread” in our metaphorical or literal “bread box”—transforms our perception of reality.

Heavenly Father, in the simplicity of the Lord’s Prayer, you teach us to seek daily sustenance and to trust in your provision. Grant us the wisdom to recognize the abundance that surrounds us, to appreciate the ‘daily bread’ of our lives. Help us to release the yearning for ‘more’ and to embrace the joy of gratitude. May we find contentment in the present moment, acknowledging every blessing as a gift from your loving hand. Amen.

The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.

Let us, then, cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing that true abundance lies not in the accumulation of things, but in the appreciation of the blessings already bestowed upon us.

Today, let us give thanks for our “daily bread,” and recognize every additional blessing as an overflowing testament to divine grace.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Dive Deep – Proverbs 23:7

Looking over the comments on yesterday’s lesson sparked me to think about something Grandfather taught me when I was just a toddler. We must remember that not everyone is genuine. A man is as his heart is.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. ‘Eat and drink!’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you.  Proverbs 23:7

So, with that in mind, I am going to break down what this verse is actually telling us. Proverbs 23:7 is a powerful statement about the connection between our inner thoughts and our outward actions.”For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

This core statement emphasizes the profound influence of our inner world on our reality. “Heart” in biblical terms often refers to the seat of our thoughts, emotions, and intentions, not just the physical organ. It suggests that our true character and behavior are shaped by our deepest, most consistent thoughts.

This aligns with the idea that our beliefs and values drive our actions. If someone consistently harbors negative or deceitful thoughts, those qualities will eventually manifest in their behavior. Conversely, cultivating positive and virtuous thoughts can lead to a more wholesome and authentic life.

‘Eat and drink!’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you.” This illustrates the practical application of the first part. It describes a situation where someone offers hospitality or friendship, but their words are empty. Their true intentions, revealed by their “heart,” are not aligned with their outward actions.

This highlights the importance of discerning genuine intentions. Words can be deceptive, but a person’s underlying thoughts and feelings will eventually reveal themselves. It shows that people can say one thing but mean another. That we must be aware that not everyone is genuine.

With this in mind, we need to self examine because the verse underscores the importance of living authentically, with our inner thoughts and outward actions in alignment.

It also encourages us to discerning in our interactions with others, looking beyond surface appearances to the true intentions of the heart.

My hope is that this will give you a deeper understanding of what defines you. People look at our actions as they remember our words. Actions always speak louder than words.

Heavenly Father, search my heart and know my thoughts. Help me to cultivate a mind filled with truth, love, and integrity. May my words and actions reflect the genuine intentions of my heart. Grant me the wisdom to discern the true intentions of others and protect me from those who speak with a double tongue. Help me to be a person of authenticity whose inner and outer lives are aligned with your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

You are the sum total of your thoughts

54 years ago, I wrote Life’s Handbook, a series of thoughts I found to relate to how we manage our lives. One thought has filled my mind lately, mainly because people just don’t understand just how they got in the predicament they currently face.
“You are the sum total of your thoughts at any point in time.”

It sort of points to who you are at that point in your life. However, let’s dig a little deeper into this thought. You are the result of every decision you make in your life, good or bad.

Choices are dangerous for they follow you everywhere you go for the rest of your life. Freewill is a gift from God, but He didn’t tell you that you will have to answer for the choices you make.

Life is full of choices, and you have the power to make those choices, either the basket for your life or sometimes the detriment of jumping without thinking about the consequences of your decision.

As a Christian, I have God on my side, but He does not make my choices for me. He does offer guidance if I am willing to listen to what He has to say. I have learned to trust God for every action I take or the choice I make. He has never failed me and has promised to always be there for me.

So, where are you in life? Are you happy with the choices you made and the life you have built? If not, put your trust in God and learn to listen to His guidance.

You can rebuild your life and make it into something you can be happy with. Learn to love life and love others as He has loved you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Our Creator…

Today, let’s explore the wonder of worshiping our Creator.

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.   Revelation 4:11

In heaven’s throne room, a breathtaking scene unfolds: twenty-four elders cast their crowns before the One seated in unapproachable light. Their declaration—”You are worthy”—isn’t merely words but the only possible response to glory unveiled.

What’s remarkable is the reason for their worship: “For You created all things, and by Your will they exist.” The worthiness of God isn’t primarily about what He’s done for us, but who He eternally is—Creator and Sustainer of all.

Each galaxy spinning through space, each mountain reaching skyward, each intricate detail of the hummingbird’s wing—all exist because He spoke them into being. And more wonderfully, they continue to exist because He wills them to remain.

This transforms how we see everything. Your heartbeat isn’t just biology—it’s ongoing divine intention. The sunrise isn’t just physics—it’s faithful promise. Your very existence isn’t accidental—it’s purposeful creation.

Perhaps worship isn’t manufactured at all, but simply the soul’s awakening to reality: when we truly see the Creator in His glory, falling down in adoration is the only response that makes sense. Everything else is just learning to live in the truth that God alone is worthy.

Lord of all creation, My heart joins heaven’s chorus today: You are worthy! Not just for what You’ve done, but for who You are—the magnificent artist behind every sunrise, every heartbeat, every breath. Forgive me for the times I’ve rushed through life without noticing Your glory all around me. Open my eyes to see Your hand in the ordinary and the extraordinary. Let me replace worry and may praise overflow from my heart. May my life reflect your glory today and always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you do not worship God, you worship something, and nine times out of ten it will be yourself. You have a duty to worship God, not because He will be imperfect and unhappy if you do not, but because you will be imperfect and unhappy.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Highway of Righteousness…

Proverbs 16:17 paints a vivid picture: “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves his life.” This isn’t a meandering country lane; it’s a highway, even a turnpike, a route designed for speed and decisive action.

The righteous path isn’t a slow, hesitant retreat from sin, but a swift, determined flight. It’s about accelerating towards God’s will, finding the fast track to His peace. When temptation arises, we’re not called to linger or negotiate; we’re called to run.

Think of Joseph, besieged by Potiphar’s wife. When she seized his cloak, demanding he sin, did he pause to debate? No! Genesis 39:12 tells us he fled, leaving his garment behind. He didn’t saunter; he sprinted. In the face of temptation, Joseph chose the highway of the upright, leaving sin in his dust.

Today, let’s not merely sidestep sin. Let’s race away from it. When that questionable situation or indulgence presents itself, don’t entertain it, don’t toy with it, don’t engage in a drawn-out negotiation. Hit the gas and get on that highway.

Leave sin in the rearview mirror, knowing that you’re traveling the fast lane to God’s presence.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the highway of the upright, the path that leads us away from evil and towards your loving embrace. Grant us the strength and discernment to recognize temptation, and the courage to flee from it swiftly and decisively. Help us to emulate Joseph’s example, to prioritize your will above all else. Empower us to run with perseverance on the highway you have set before us, leaving behind the distractions and snares of sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The only way to deal with temptation is to yield to it… and as you yield, you will find that as you yield, you are simultaneously fleeing from it. You can not yield to God and not flee from sin.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Battle For The Mind…

Today, I want to open your eyes to see that we create many of our own battles through our thoughts. So, I want to explain how God guides us through them if we just trust in Him.

Destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:5

2 Corinthians 10:5 is a powerful verse that speaks to the internal and intellectual battles Christians face. Let’s break it down and explore its meaning:
“Destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God…”

Destroy arguments…: This refers to dismantling intellectual opposition to the truths of God. In the context of the letter, Paul is addressing those within the Corinthian church who were challenging his authority and, by extension, the gospel he preached. These “arguments” aren’t just polite disagreements; they are deliberate, often sophisticated, and attempt to undermine faith.

…and every lofty opinion…: This phrase emphasizes the arrogance and pride that often underlie these arguments. “Lofty opinions” suggest ideas that are puffed up, claiming superiority to God’s revealed truth. These opinions may be based on human reason, philosophical systems, or cultural norms that contradict the gospel.

…raised against the knowledge of God…: This highlights the target of these arguments: the very foundation of Christian faith—the knowledge of God. This knowledge isn’t merely intellectual; it’s a personal, experiential understanding of God revealed through Jesus Christ.

“and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
…take every thought captive…: This is a military metaphor. Paul is calling for a decisive action: to seize control of our thoughts and bring them under submission. This signifies an active, ongoing effort to guard our minds against falsehood and doubt.

…to obey Christ.: The purpose of this mental discipline is to align our thinking with the will of Christ. This obedience isn’t forced or grudging; it’s a willing submission to the Lordship of Jesus, recognizing his authority over every aspect of our lives, including our thoughts.

There are also deeper Implications:

This verse acknowledges that the Christian life involves a constant battle for the mind. We are bombarded with ideas and perspectives that challenge our faith, and we must be vigilant in defending the truth.

We need to develop the ability to discern between truth and falsehood, to recognize “lofty opinions” that are contrary to God’s word. This requires careful study of scripture, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

The verse contrasts the humility of submitting to Christ with the arrogance of “lofty opinions.” True knowledge of God leads to humility, recognizing our limitations and dependence on him.

It is also important to note that this verse does not denounce all rational thought. God gave us minds to use. However, it warns against allowing human reason to become a substitute for divine revelation. When reason contradicts God’s word, we must submit to the higher authority of scripture.

This verse is a personal call to action. Each of us must examine our own thoughts and identify any “arguments” or “lofty opinions” that are hindering our obedience to Christ. We must be willing to surrender our intellectual pride and allow God’s truth to transform our minds.

In essence, 2 Corinthians 10:5 is a call to intellectual and spiritual warfare. It urges us to defend the truth of God by dismantling false arguments and bringing every thought into submission to Christ.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that the battle for our minds is real. We ask for your strength and discernment to recognize and dismantle the arguments and lofty opinions that oppose your truth. Grant us the humility to surrender our own understanding and submit every thought to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may be equipped to guard our minds and walk in obedience to your will. Help us to know your Word intimately so that we can distinguish truth from falsehood. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The greatest battle you will ever fight is the battle within your own mind. Guard your thoughts, for they shape your destiny.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Purity and Peacemaking…

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. — Matthew 5:9

This passage from Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God,” highlights the profound significance of peacemaking.

The placement of this beatitude as the seventh, a number symbolizing perfection in Hebrew tradition, suggests that peacemaking represents a pinnacle of spiritual attainment, a mark of those who closely reflect the divine nature of Christ.

The text emphasizes a crucial sequence: “first pure, then peaceable.” True peace cannot be built on compromise with sin or the toleration of evil. Rather, it flows from a heart cleansed and dedicated to God’s holiness. This purity establishes the foundation for genuine peace.

Furthermore, the following beatitude, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,” serves as a stark reminder that even the most sincere peacemakers will face misunderstanding and opposition. Just as the Prince of Peace himself endured rejection and suffering, those who strive for peace in His name should expect similar trials.

In essence, the path to becoming a true peacemaker involves a journey of inner purification, unwavering commitment to righteousness, and the courage to persevere in the face of adversity. It is a path that leads to a profound connection with God, a reflection of His own nature.

Heavenly Father, we humbly ask for your grace to ascend to this seventh beatitude to become true peacemakers in your name. Purify our hearts, that we may be “first pure, then peaceable,” and strengthen our spirits, that our peaceableness may not falter in the face of persecution. Grant us the wisdom to discern between true peace and false compromise and the courage to stand firm in righteousness, even when met with opposition. May we reflect on your love and bring your peace to a world in need. Amen.

Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of justice.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Virgin Birth, New Life…

The concept of the virgin birth of Jesus is often met with skepticism, a challenge to the miraculous. Yet, for the Creator of the cosmos, such an act is surely within divine capability. Beyond the historical event in Bethlehem, the virgin birth carries a profound spiritual analogy.

Just as Mary conceived without human intervention, so too is the new birth, the spiritual rebirth, a work of God alone.

When a person experiences a spiritual transformation, it is a miracle, an event beyond the capacity of their former self. This new life is not a product of past actions or inherent goodness but a divine gift, a supernatural occurrence.

It is a virgin birth within the soul, a creation ex nihilo, from nothing. Just as Mary questioned, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34), so too might we wonder at the inexplicable change wrought within us.

The most compelling testimony to the virgin birth, both historically and spiritually, is not mere argument but lived experience. We demonstrate the reality of this divine act by embodying the transformative power of Christ.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the miraculous gift of new birth, a virgin birth within our souls. We acknowledge that this transformation is not of our own doing but a testament to your boundless grace and power. Lord, help us to live lives that reflect this miraculous change, lives that are marked by your love, compassion, and goodness. May our actions be a living testimony to the power of your Spirit so that others may witness the reality of your work within us. Grant us the courage to step beyond our old limitations, to act in ways that can only be explained by your divine intervention. Help us to show the world the living Christ, born anew in us, through our actions and attitudes. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Let our lives reflect a radical change, exhibiting compassion, goodness, love, and joy that defy natural explanation. Let our actions speak louder than words, showcasing the miraculous work of God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Romans 8:31, A Deeper Understanding…

Today, I want to take you deeper into Romans 8:31 and give you a better understanding of it.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?Romans 8:31

Romans 8:31 isn’t a flippant dismissal of life’s struggles, but a deep anchor in the midst of them. It’s not a promise that no one will oppose us, but a declaration that no opposition can ultimately prevail against God’s loving purpose for us.

The ‘battle’ is often internal, a wrestling with fear, doubt, and our own fallen nature. In these moments, ‘If God is for us’ transforms from a simple statement to a lifeline. It reminds us that our security isn’t in our own strength, but in God’s unwavering commitment.

It’s the assurance that even when we feel alone, God’s presence is our ultimate reinforcement, guiding us through every challenge and ultimately leading us to eternal glory.

Therefore, let us not ask if we will have trouble, but let us remember that in all trouble, God is with us. Let us not ask for the removal of hardship, but for the strength to endure, knowing that God’s purpose is being fulfilled.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the profound truth of Romans 8:31. Help me to grasp the depth of your ‘for us.’ When fear and doubt assail me, remind me of your unwavering presence. When I face opposition, give me the courage to stand firm in your strength. Help me to see the battles not just as external trials, but as opportunities to experience your transforming power. May I trust you in the dark, knowing that your light will ultimately prevail. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼