Ed Christian's World

Ashes to Beauty – Deeper Faith…

The landscape of our lives is often marked by the charred remnants of experiences – the ashes of shattered expectations, the cold dust of lost relationships, the lingering smoke of unfulfilled dreams. These ashes, the tangible evidence of our brokenness, can seem to define us, a constant reminder of what was lost. Yet, within these very ashes lies the potential for a profound and miraculous transformation.

And provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  Isaiah 61:3

Isaiah 61:3 is not merely a poetic promise; it’s a declaration of God’s redemptive artistry. He doesn’t just clear away the debris; He engages with it, meticulously crafting something breathtaking from the very substance of our pain.

Picture a skilled artisan, not discarding the shards of a broken vessel, but carefully piecing them together with gold, creating a masterpiece of kintsugi – where the cracks become a testament to resilience and beauty. This is the divine alchemy God performs in our lives.

The “crown of beauty” is not a superficial adornment. It symbolizes a deep, inner transformation, a reclaiming of our inherent worth and dignity. It’s the recognition that our scars, far from being marks of shame, are badges of honor, testaments to our journey through fire and our emergence stronger and more beautiful.

The “oil of joy” is more than fleeting happiness. It’s a profound sense of peace and contentment, a deep-seated assurance that even in the midst of sorrow, God’s presence brings an abiding joy. It’s the kind of joy that springs from knowing we are not alone in our suffering, that our pain has purpose, and that a brighter future awaits.

The “garment of praise” is not just an outward expression of gratitude. It’s a fundamental shift in our perspective, a recognition of God’s faithfulness even in the darkest of times. It’s the ability to see His hand at work, to find glimmers of hope amidst despair, and to offer praise as a testament to His enduring love.

The “oaks of righteousness” are not just symbols of strength. They represent a life firmly rooted in God’s character, a life that bears witness to His transformative power. We become living testimonies, displaying His splendor through our resilience and grace. We are not merely survivors but vibrant, flourishing examples of His ability to restore and renew.

To surrender our ashes is to relinquish control, to acknowledge our limitations, and to place our trust wholly in God’s hands. It’s a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment act of faith. It’s saying, “Lord, I don’t understand this pain, but I trust that You do. I don’t see a way out, but I trust that You will make a way.”

Heavenly Father, You are the Master Artist, the Divine Alchemist, the One who breathes life into dry bones and transforms ashes into beauty. I bring to You the deepest, most hidden ashes of my heart – the regrets that haunt me, the fears that paralyze me, the wounds that refuse to heal. I surrender them all to You, trusting in Your promise to exchange them for a crown of beauty, the oil of joy, and a garment of praise. Lord, help me to see my brokenness not as a curse but as an invitation to Your transforming grace. Teach me to embrace the kintsugi of my life, to see the beauty in my scars, and to recognize the strength that comes from vulnerability. Grant me the courage to trust You even when I cannot see the path ahead. Fill me with Your peace, Your joy, and Your unwavering love. May I become a living testament to Your faithfulness, an oak of righteousness, rooted in Your love and radiating Your glory.Thank You for Your promise of restoration, for Your unwavering presence in my pain, and for Your power to make all things new. I place my life in Your hands, trusting in Your perfect plan. In the name of Jesus, my Redeemer and my Hope, Amen.

To trust in His promise is to believe that even when our circumstances seem hopeless, God is working behind the scenes, weaving together a tapestry of redemption and grace. It’s to believe that our pain is not wasted, that our suffering has purpose, and that our brokenness can be a conduit for His glory.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Purify Faith, Avoid Mixed Gods…

The ancient struggle between the worship of Baal and the devotion to Yahweh reveals a profound truth: the most insidious threat to faith is not outright rejection, but subtle compromise.

Archaeological discoveries of pottery in Israel, indicating the merging of these deities, serve as a stark reminder that the human heart is prone to mixing loyalties.

This historical lesson resonates powerfully today. Many who begin with a genuine desire to serve God find themselves entangled with other “gods”—success, wealth, power, or status. Ministries intended to fulfill the Great Commission can become consumed by the pursuit of financial prosperity.

The danger lies in conflating God with these worldly aspirations, creating a hybrid faith that ultimately dilutes true devotion.

Jesus’s words in Luke 11:36 illuminate this struggle: “If your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” This calls for a radical purification of our hearts and motives. We must diligently examine our goals, ensuring they align solely with God’s will and purposes.

Heavenly Father, we come before you with humbled hearts, acknowledging our tendency to stray from your pure light. We confess the times we have allowed other “gods”—success, wealth, power, and status—to infiltrate our devotion to you. Forgive us for mixing our loyalties and compromising our faith. Lord, shine your light into the deepest corners of our hearts, revealing any hidden darkness or mixed motives. Help us to discern where we have subtly merged you with worldly aspirations. Grant us the courage to break free from these entanglements and return to the pure worship of your holy name. We ask for the grace to purify our goals, motives, and hearts so that we may live wholly for you. Help us to see clearly, act with integrity, and move in accordance with your will and purposes. Strengthen us to resist the temptations of a diluted faith and to remain steadfast in our devotion to you alone. May our lives be a reflection of your pure light, illuminating the path for others to find you. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.

The temptation to merge Yahweh with Baal, or to serve a mixed god disguised as success or prosperity, is a constant threat. We must break free from these entanglements and return to the pure, unadulterated worship of the God of our salvation. Our spiritual journey is too precious to be squandered on diluted allegiances.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Deep, Unwavering Comfort…

Good morning, Today, let’s delve into the profound comfort God extends, a sanctuary of love that transcends our fleeting emotions and mirrors the tender embrace of a nurturing parent.

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.
Isaiah 66:13

We all experience those moments when the weight of the world presses down, when the heart aches with an unspoken sorrow. God, in His infinite wisdom, understands these depths of human experience.

In Isaiah 66:13, He speaks to a people marked by loss and displacement, offering not just solace but a restoration of their very being.

This isn’t a superficial consolation; it’s a deep, abiding connection with the Creator who intimately formed us. It’s an affirmation that He sees beyond our outward struggles, witnessing the silent tears and unspoken vulnerabilities.

This comfort is a divine embrace, a tangible sense of being held by the One who knows every intricate detail of our hearts.

Imagine the unwavering love of a mother, the instinctive urge to soothe and protect her child. God offers this same level of tender care. He invites us to surrender our burdens, to find refuge in His presence. It’s a space where we can release our fears and doubts, knowing that we are held in a love that is both powerful and gentle.

This comfort isn’t dependent on our circumstances or our emotional state. It’s a constant, unwavering presence, a bedrock of love that remains steadfast even when our feelings waver. It’s a reminder that our worth is not determined by our achievements or our struggles, but by our inherent value as children of God.

Let us, therefore, move beyond the surface of our emotions and anchor ourselves in the depth of God’s love. Let us recognize that His comfort is not a temporary reprieve but a transformative force that heals, restores, and strengthens.

Dear Lord, In the depths of my being, I seek Your comforting presence. Life’s trials often leave me feeling vulnerable and adrift. I thank You that You are not a distant observer, but an intimate companion who understands my deepest needs. I ask that You enfold me in Your loving arms, allowing me to feel the warmth of Your embrace. Let Your whispers of hope penetrate the layers of my doubt and fear, reminding me that I am never truly alone. Help me to grasp the truth that Your love transcends my fleeting emotions, that it is a constant, unwavering force that sustains me. In the midst of life’s storms, let me find my anchor in Your steadfast love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The profound truth is that while our emotions are transient, God’s love is eternal and unchanging. It’s a love that transcends our understanding, a love that holds us secure in the midst of life’s uncertainties.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Peril of Untroubled Ease

“Moab settled on his lees, he hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel.” This ancient image speaks to the insidious nature of uninterrupted prosperity.

When wealth flows freely, success attends every venture, and health remains unwavering, a subtle danger arises: presumption. Even the strongest faith can be weakened by the constant lullaby of ease.

We begin to believe, like David, “I shall never be moved,” forgetting our inherent fragility and dependence on God.

The smooth path, the unyielding fortune, can deceive us. It whispers that we are self-sufficient, that our strength is our own. But this is a perilous illusion, a precarious perch atop a mast swaying in a storm.

Without the tempering influence of adversity, we risk becoming intoxicated with our own perceived power, losing sight of the true source of our blessings.

Therefore, we must learn to embrace the trials that come our way. The losses, the setbacks, the moments of pain, they are not punishments, but mercies in disguise. They shake us from our complacency, reminding us of our vulnerability and drawing us closer to God.

As the saying goes, “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” It is in the storms of life that our faith is tested and strengthened.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that you are the giver of all good things, and we thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon us. But we also recognize the danger of becoming complacent in our prosperity. Grant us the wisdom to see your hand in both the smooth and the rough paths of life. Help us to remain humble in our success and steadfast in our trials. May we never forget that our true security lies not in earthly possessions but in your unwavering love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Adversity introduces a man to himself.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Fighting Faith – Weaponized Belief…

Paul’s declaration, “I have fought the good fight of faith,” reveals a crucial truth: faith isn’t passive. It’s an active, dynamic force, a weapon to be wielded against the challenges we face.  We’re not called to simply possess faith, but to engage in “fighting faith”—a faith that actively battles, overcomes, and triumphs.

How do we apply this fighting faith? We use it as a weapon against the forces that oppose God’s will.  We raise it against discouragement, temptation, hopeless circumstances, and the insidious creep of doubt.  Victory is not a gift passively received; it’s the reward of a hard-fought battle. 

It’s precisely when encouragement is scarce, persistence is difficult, and strength falters that our fighting faith is most vital.  This is the essence of true faith—a faith that prevails in the face of adversity.

Christ’s sacrifice wasn’t merely to grant us belief, but to equip us with a victorious, battling faith. We possess powerful spiritual weapons, capable of securing victories in areas where we’ve previously experienced defeat. 

As 1 Timothy 1:18 reminds us, we are called to “wage the good warfare” using the prophecies and promises given to us.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of faith and for the example of Paul, who showed us what it means to fight the good fight. Lord, we confess that, at times, our faith has been weak and passive. We ask for your strength to transform our faith into a fighting faith, a faith that overcomes. We pray that you would empower us to wield our faith as a weapon against the forces of discouragement, temptation, and doubt. Help us to stand firm on your promises and to trust in your power to bring victory in every area of our lives. We ask that you would reveal to us the specific battles we need to fight today and equip us with the courage and strength to engage them. Help us to remember that we are not alone and that you are with us, fighting alongside us. Lord, help us to put our faith where our life is, to live out a faith that reflects the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank you for the victory that is ours through him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Therefore, let us today take up the weapon of faith. Let us wield it against every obstacle that stands contrary to God’s will.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Faith Over Fear, Action Now….

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that only perfect circumstances warrant action. We tell ourselves, “When things are just right, then I’ll begin.” But life, like farming, doesn’t wait for ideal conditions.

Ecclesiastes 11:4’s wisdom, “If you wait for perfect weather, you will never plant your seeds. If you are afraid that every cloud will bring rain, you will never harvest your crops,” strikes at the heart of our procrastination.

This hesitation often stems from a deep-seated fear, a whisper in our minds that magnifies potential failures. We fear the sting of rejection, the shame of mistakes, and the uncertainty of the unknown. Yet, this fear isn’t just a personal struggle; it’s a universal human condition that even biblical figures wrestled with. Let’s consider these examples:

Moses: Burdened by insecurity, he doubted his ability to speak for God. His fear wasn’t just about public speaking; it was a fear of inadequacy in the face of a monumental task.

Gideon: Overwhelmed by his youth and perceived insignificance, he questioned God’s choice. His fear spoke to a deeper sense of unworthiness.

Abraham: Facing the seemingly impossible task of fathering a nation in his old age, he grappled with doubt. This was more than just a biological concern; it was a fear of unfulfilled potential and the weight of a divine promise.

These individuals, despite their fears, were chosen by God. Their stories highlight a profound truth: God’s power isn’t contingent on our perfection. He often works through our weaknesses, transforming our limitations into strengths.

Our excuses—”I’m not ready,” “I lack resources,” “The timing is wrong”—are often sophisticated masks for fear. They create a comfortable illusion of control, shielding us from the vulnerability of taking a risk. But true faith requires us to step beyond this comfort zone.

Romans 8:31, “If God is on our side, who can ever be against us?” isn’t a passive statement. It’s an active declaration of trust. It’s acknowledging that God’s presence is a greater force than any obstacle we face.

Think of the Israelites at the Red Sea. They couldn’t see a way forward, yet God parted the waters. He didn’t just remove the obstacle; He demonstrated His unwavering faithfulness. Similarly, the manna in the wilderness wasn’t just food; it was a daily reminder of God’s provision.

The dreams God places in our hearts are not mere whims; they are seeds of potential. To nurture them, we must plant them, even in uncertain soil.

To do this, we must recognize the root of our hesitation: Is it fear, doubt, or a desire for control?

Acknowledge God’s power, for He is greater than our limitations and capable of working miracles.

Take the first step for even the smallest step of faith could lead to significant breakthroughs.

Then, we must trust in God’s timing. His plans may not align with our expectations, but they are always perfect.

Instead of waiting for a perfect moment that may never come, let’s embrace the present moment with faith. Let’s plant those seeds of hope, knowing that God will cultivate them and bring forth a harvest that exceeds our wildest expectations.

Dear Heavenly Father, I acknowledge my tendency to let fear dictate my decisions. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed doubt to overshadow Your promises. Grant me the courage to step out in faith, trusting that You will equip me for the tasks You’ve set before me. Help me to recognize and overcome the fears that hold me back. Strengthen my belief that You are always with me, guiding and providing. I surrender my desire for perfect conditions and embrace Your perfect timing. May my life be a testament to Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. This means that he adds the ability and the resources that are needed when we answer the call.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Reflecting on Tribulation and Triumph

As the day starts, let us reflect on the trials we have faced. Each challenge, each hardship, is a step on the path to God’s kingdom. These tribulations are not random; they are part of a divine design, shaping us into the image of Christ.
Remember that the journey of faith is not devoid of pain.

We must, through much tribulation, enter into the kingdom of God.   Acts 14:22

The lives of the saints testify to this truth. From Job’s unwavering faith to the apostles’ steadfast endurance, we see that tribulation is a hallmark of God’s chosen people. This is not a punishment, but a refining process, preparing us for eternal glory.

Though the path may be difficult, we are never alone. Jesus, our Savior, has walked this road before us. He understands our pain and offers His unwavering support. His grace is sufficient to sustain us, and His example teaches us how to bear our burdens with patience and hope.

As we look forward to the kingdom, let us remember that the trials we endure are temporary. The joy and glory that await us will far surpass any suffering we experience.

Lord, I bring before You the trials I have faced. Thank You for Your presence and strength that have sustained me. Help me to remember that these tribulations are shaping me for Your kingdom. Grant me peace and rest, knowing that You are in control. May I wake with renewed hope and faith. Amen.

The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears.  Something to think about.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Love – Inner Beauty…

As the dawn breaks, let us anchor ourselves in the profound declaration of 1 John 4:8: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This isn’t merely a theological statement; it’s a revelation of God’s intrinsic nature, a truth that reshapes our perception of both the divine and our own humanity.

“God is love” isn’t a descriptor of a characteristic but an affirmation of His very being. It’s an agape love—unconditional, sacrificial, and relentless—that pursues us in our deepest vulnerabilities, finding beauty amidst our imperfections and refusing to relinquish its hold. This love isn’t passive; it’s a dynamic force that transforms us from within.

To truly encounter the God who is love is to be irrevocably changed. It’s to experience a healing that mends the fractured parts of our souls, allowing us to reflect that same love outwards.

This love becomes a conduit, flowing through us to illuminate the darkness surrounding us.
1 John 4:16 further illuminates this truth: “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” To abide in love is to dwell in God’s very presence, to become a living testament to His nature.

Loving God, thank you for the boundless, unwavering love that sustains me, even when I falter. Imbue me with that same enduring love, enabling it to overflow and bless those I encounter. Help me to be a beacon of your love in a world yearning for solace and hope. May my life be a living epistle, a testament written not in ink, but in acts of compassion, words of affirmation, and a heart devoted to your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As we cultivate love within, we cultivate beauty—not a superficial beauty, but the profound beauty of a soul aligned with its Creator. The world will be saved by beauty. And that beauty, in its most profound form, is the reflection of God’s love within us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Audacious Choice: Embracing Your Imperfect Calling

Jesus didn’t seek polished resumes or synagogue endorsements when selecting his disciples. He bypassed the conventional wisdom of qualification, choosing a fiery fisherman, Peter, and a notorious tax collector, Matthew.

Imagine a modern consulting firm’s report: “Unsuitable. Peter’s temper is volatile. Matthew’s reputation is compromised. Thomas displays chronic doubt.” Yet, Jesus, with divine insight, saw potential where others saw flaws.

This wasn’t an oversight but a deliberate act. Jesus chose them, imperfections and all, just as He chooses you. Remember, you’ve been handpicked by the Creator of the cosmos. You are a cherished member of God’s family, His masterpiece, intricately and wonderfully formed. Don’t let the whispers of fear, the shadows of insecurity, or the weight of guilt hold you captive.

Father, thank You for seeing beyond our limitations. Thank You for choosing us, flawed yet beloved, just as You chose Peter and the others. Help us to see ourselves as You see us, masterpieces in progress. We look beyond our perceived shortcomings and step into the greatness You’ve destined for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Embrace your divine purpose. To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world. Let that uprising begin in you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Open Hands – Open Hearts…

Today, let’s reflect on what it truly means to live with open hands and open hearts, ready to bless others as Christ has blessed us.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20

Isn’t it beautiful how Proverbs 31:20 captures the heart of true giving? It’s not just offering help from a distance—it’s drawing near. Opening arms, extending hands, stepping into someone’s world. This kind of generosity doesn’t just change others; it transforms us too.

The Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t wait for the perfect time—she seeks out opportunities to bless others. She sees beyond physical needs to hearts longing for dignity, hope, and love. She turns strangers into neighbors and neighbors into family.

And isn’t this how Jesus lived? He didn’t love from afar—He stepped into brokenness. He touched lepers, dined with outcasts, and opened His arms wide on the cross. Every encounter didn’t just help—it healed, restored, and redeemed.

That’s our calling today: to see through His eyes, love with His heart, and give with His hands. When we open our arms, we’re creating sacred spaces where people encounter God’s love, grace, and hope.

As we ponder this, we should ask ourselves:

Who in my life needs a reminder of God’s love and kindness today?

How can I be His hands and feet in the places He has called me to?

Dear Father, thank You for loving me so generously. Help me to love like You do—to see needs, to act in kindness, and to give with a joyful heart. Open my hands so I can serve, lift, and encourage those around me. Let my life be a reflection of Your love. Where there is hurt, let me bring healing. Where there is loneliness, let me bring warmth. Use me, Lord, to shine Your light in a world that needs You. I choose to open my arms and extend my hands—just as You have done for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼