Ed Christian's World

Life As God’s Living Epistle…

The Bible, a testament to divine revelation, is a striking illustration of the interplay between message and medium. Black ink, the tangible words, requires the white space, the silent canvas, to be discernible.

Similarly, God’s Word isn’t meant to reside in a vacuum. It’s designed to permeate and transform the “white space” of our lives – the seemingly ordinary, the unwritten chapters, the areas where God’s presence is needed.

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 2 Corinthians 3:2

As 2 Corinthians 3:2 reminds us, we are living letters, read by the world. Our lives, the “parchment,” are the context through which the Word becomes visible. Without the Word, our lives remain a blank page, devoid of divine purpose.

Conversely, the Word without our lives is a beautiful theory, unapplied and unproven.
Therefore, we are called to actively integrate God’s promises, principles, and admonitions into the “white space” of our daily existence.

This means consciously applying the Word to those areas where we struggle, where we fall short, or where we need divine guidance. When we do, our lives become a living testament, a visible manifestation of God’s transformative power.

Today, I choose to apply Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Specifically, I will apply this to the “white space” of my thought patterns, which sometimes tend toward worry and negativity. I will consciously choose to focus on the good, the true, and the beautiful, aligning my thoughts with God’s Word.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word, a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. I recognize that my life is your parchment, and I desire to be a living epistle, reflecting your glory. Today, I bring the “white space” of my thought patterns before you. Help me to replace negative thoughts with your truth, as stated in Philippians 4:8. Fill my mind with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Transform my thought life, that it may be a reflection of your perfect peace and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Bible is not just a book; it’s a blueprint. But the blueprint is useless until you build the house. Your life is the construction site.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Peacemaker…

Today, let’s explore what it means to be peacemakers in our divided world.

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.  Psalm 34:14

Peace. We talk about it, we long for it, but let’s be honest—some days it feels like a whisper we can’t quite hear over the noise of life. Our minds race, relationships get messy, and worries keep us up at night.

But Psalm 34:14 doesn’t tell us to simply wish for peace—it calls us to actively pursue it. Like a treasure, we can’t afford to lose.

This means peace isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice. A daily decision to walk away from bitterness and step into God’s presence. It’s choosing prayer over panic, grace over grudges, and trust over control.

And here’s the beautiful truth: peace isn’t found in perfect circumstances—it’s found in a person. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is the One who quiets our storms and settles our anxious hearts. When we chase after Him, we discover that peace isn’t something we have to manufacture—it’s something He freely gives.

So today, don’t just wait for peace to find you—chase after it. Let it shape how you love, how you forgive, and how you trust. Because when we pursue peace, we’re really pursuing Him. And that’s where true peace begins.

Heavenly Father, the world feels restless, and sometimes, so does my heart. But I don’t want to just long for peace—I want to pursue it. Help me turn away from anything that fuels division, fear, or anxiety, and instead choose kindness, forgiveness, and trust in You. When worries take over, remind me that true peace isn’t found in perfect circumstances—it’s found in knowing You are in control. Fill me with Your peace, Lord, and let it overflow to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Peace rules the day when Christ rules the mind.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Nahash  – The Whisperer and Prayer…

“Nahash,” the Hebrew word for serpent translates to “the whisperer.” It’s a chilling descriptor, capturing the essence of the enemy’s tactics.

Now, the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. Genesis 3:1

In Genesis 3, the serpent, the embodiment of evil, is depicted as “crafty,” signifying his ability to deceive through subtle suggestions. This “whisperer” doesn’t confront us with overt force; instead, he plants seeds of doubt and temptation in the quiet corners of our minds.

A fleeting thought, a subtle nudge, a fleeting desire—these are the initial whispers. If unchecked, these whispers can morph into sin, then into actions, habits, lifestyles, and ultimately, a corrupted destiny. The enemy understands the power of incremental compromise. He knows that a whisper, if nurtured, can grow into a deafening roar.

Therefore, our battleground is the realm of thoughts and intentions. We must confront temptation in its nascent stage when it’s merely a whisper.

We must silence the whispers of anger, lust, and all forms of wrongdoing. The most effective weapon against the whisperer is the Word of God. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can drown out the deceptive whispers with the truth of God’s promises.

Proclaiming God’s Word over ourselves and our lives creates a shield of protection, a resounding declaration of allegiance to the truth.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:8

Heavenly Father, I recognize the subtle tactics of the whisperer. I acknowledge that my mind is a battleground, and I ask for Your strength to resist the whispers of temptation. Lord, help me discern Your voice from the deceptive whispers of the enemy. I claim the truth of Philippians 4:8, and I ask that You fill my mind with thoughts that reflect Your character. Help me to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. I pray that Your Word would become a shield and a sword against the enemy’s whispers. Empower me to proclaim Your truth over my life and grant me victory over the whisperer, Nahash. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I choose to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. I reject the whispers of negativity and temptation. I fill my mind with thoughts that honor God, as Philippians 4:8 instructs. I will think about such things.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Knowledge Is Not Wisdom…

Good morning!

In a world overflowing with knowledge, it’s easy to feel like we should have all the answers. But today, let’s remind ourselves that true wisdom isn’t about figuring everything out—it’s about knowing the One who already has.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

In our age of endless information, we’re drowning in knowledge but starving for wisdom. You’ve felt it—scrolling through opinions, researching decisions endlessly, lying awake, wondering if you’re getting it right. Everyone has answers, but whose can you trust?

Proverbs 9:10 cuts through the noise with striking clarity: wisdom starts with fearing the Lord. It’s not a cowering fear, but a breathtaking awe that changes everything. It’s standing before the God who orchestrates galaxies and guides sparrows, who knows your deepest thoughts, and saying, “You are God, and I am not.”

When this reverence takes root, everything shifts. Decisions become less about calculating outcomes and more about honoring Him. Questions transform from “What should I do?” to “What would glorify God?” You find peace not in controlling circumstances, but in knowing who controls them.

This, Scripture says, is just the beginning of wisdom—the foundation upon which all true understanding is built. Real wisdom isn’t found in knowing everything. It’s found in knowing the One who does, and letting that relationship transform how you live.

Dear Father, I’ve spent so much time searching for answers, trying to figure everything out on my own. But today, I pause. True wisdom doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from knowing and trusting You. When uncertainty fills my heart, remind me that I don’t have to figure it all out—because You already have. Teach me to rely on Your wisdom over my own. Shift my focus from seeking control to seeking You. Draw me closer, Lord, and fill me with awe and trust. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal and are all the greater fools for it. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Dead Sea Scrolls and Jesus…

Many Jewish people do not recognize Yeshua, Jesus, as the Messiah, primarily due to differing interpretations of scripture and the concept of atonement.

And again, another Scripture says, ‘They will look on him whom they have pierced’  John 19:37

However, the discovery of Dead Sea Scroll fragments, such as 4Q285, has sparked debate. Some scholars suggest these texts, along with Isaiah 53, may point to a pre-existing Jewish understanding of a suffering, even pierced, messianic figure.

While interpretations vary, these discoveries prompt us to consider the possibility that the concept of a messiah who would be killed was present within some Jewish circles.

If you believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of these prophecies, then his sacrifice demands a response: a life lived in gratitude and devotion.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice. Help me to live a life worthy of your love and grace. May my actions reflect the gratitude I feel for your gift of salvation. Guide me to walk in your ways and to glorify your name in all that I do. Amen.

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. 

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Pain – Is Not The End Of The Story…

Today, let’s lift our eyes beyond the struggles of today and focus on the unshakable hope we have in Christ. No matter what you’re facing, know this—your pain is not the end of your story.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  Romans 8:18

Some pain feels unbearable. There are seasons where you wonder if the suffering will ever end—when the waiting feels endless, the prayers seem unanswered, and the weight of life presses in from all sides.

But God sees you.

Paul, who endured beatings, imprisonment, and loss, knew suffering well. Yet, he boldly declares that our present struggles are nothing compared to the glory God is preparing. Not because suffering isn’t real—it is—but because it isn’t final.

Pain isn’t the last chapter of your story—glory is.

Think about that. The things breaking you today? One day, they will only magnify the beauty of what God has done in you. Every trial, every tear, every silent prayer is being woven into something greater than you can imagine.

And here’s the most incredible part: God isn’t just preparing something amazing for you—He’s preparing you for something amazing. Like gold refined in fire, your struggles are shaping you for a glory beyond compare.

So hold on. Keep trusting. One day, you’ll see that every moment of pain was worth it.

Father, some days feel so heavy. The waiting is hard, the pain is real, and sometimes I wonder if things will ever change. But I know You see me. You hear every prayer, You catch every tear, and You are working—even when I don’t understand. Give me the strength to hold on, the faith to believe You are shaping me through this, and the peace to trust that this pain is temporary, but Your glory is forever. I trust You, Lord. Even in the waiting. Even in the suffering. Because I know the story isn’t over. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Crucible of Grace…

Were the lives of God’s faithful perpetually free from hardship and want, the depth and breadth of divine grace would remain largely unknown. It is in the stark contrast of human frailty and divine strength that the true glory of God’s provision shines.

When we encounter the homeless wanderer, steadfastly clinging to the promise of God; when we witness the impoverished, subsisting on meager sustenance, yet exulting in Jesus; when we observe the grieving widow, engulfed in sorrow, yet unwavering in her faith in Christ—it is then that the power of the Gospel is most profoundly revealed.

My grace is sufficient for thee. 2 Corinthians 12:9

This sufficiency is not merely a comforting platitude but a living reality, demonstrated most vividly in the trials of believers. God’s grace is magnified in the midst of adversity. Saints endure, trusting that all things, even those that appear calamitous, are woven into a tapestry of good, ultimately culminating in blessing. They believe that God will either swiftly deliver them or, if it serves His purpose, sustain them through the storm.

The endurance of these saints is a testament to the power of divine grace. Like a lighthouse, whose strength is only truly known when battered by the tempest, the work of the Spirit is revealed in the face of trials. Were it not for the storms of life, we would never fully appreciate the solidity and security of God’s work within us.

The masterpieces of God are those individuals who stand firm amidst adversity, “Calm mid the bewildering cry, / Confident of victory.”

To truly glorify God is to embrace the inevitability of trials. No one can attain true spiritual greatness without navigating the crucible of conflict. Therefore, if your path is fraught with challenges, rejoice! For you are being granted the opportunity to showcase the all-sufficient grace of God. Never doubt His faithfulness. The God who has sustained you thus far will assuredly uphold you to the end.

Heavenly Father, we come before you acknowledging that your grace is the foundation of our strength. In the midst of our trials, we ask that you would manifest your power through us, that others may see your glory. Grant us the unwavering faith to trust in your sufficiency, even when the storms of life rage around us. Help us to stand firm, like lighthouses in the night, reflecting your light to a world in darkness. May our lives be a testament to your faithfulness, and may we bring honor and glory to your name. Amen.

As the gem cannot be polished without friction, nor can man perfected without trials.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Key of Thanksgiving  – Unlocks Joy…

It is written, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” These words contain a profound secret and a powerful key. To truly enter the gates of the Lord, you must unlock them with the keys He provides. And that key, the Scripture reveals, is thanksgiving. “The only way you will truly enter the gates of the Lord is with thanksgiving.”

Giving thanks is the master key that unlocks the very presence of God. It dismantles the barriers that hold us back. It doesn’t matter what obstacles loom before you; when you lift your heart in genuine thanksgiving, you begin to step into His realm.

Think about it: when you give thanks, gloom and worry are banished. Condemnation loses its grip. Unhappiness withers away. You are enveloped by His joy and His peace. And from that place of gratitude, worship naturally springs forth. Do you yearn to enter the gates of the Lord, the gates of joy, peace, and uninhibited worship? The key is in your hands. Begin now. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34

Today, you possess the key. Discover the transformative secret of entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.

Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart filled with gratitude. Thank you for the gift of this day, for your unwavering love, and for the key of thanksgiving that unlocks your presence. I confess that I often allow worry and negativity to cloud my vision. Help me to cultivate a heart of constant gratitude, to see your hand in every circumstance, and to enter your gates with joy. I pray that my life will be a testament to your goodness and that my worship will be a sweet offering to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity… It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Seeking Strength From Above…

Good morning. Today, let’s fix our gaze on the One who never falters, the One who is eternally vigilant. I know the source of my strength, but I urge you, where does your unwavering support originate?

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:1-2

These potent verses, etched into my soul, are a testament to His unwavering presence through my most arduous trials. Let us confront the reality of our lives: we are besieged by seemingly insurmountable mountains. In these moments of desperate need, it is human to frantically search for any lifeline. However, the psalmist offers a radical shift in perspective – ascend to the divine.

These verses are not mere platitudes; they are a declaration of the ultimate source of our deliverance. When we elevate our gaze to God, we acknowledge His omnipotence and boundless love. He is not a mere bystander; He is the architect of existence, the sustainer of all creation.

Reflect on this: the very God who sculpted mountains and ignited stars is intimately invested in your struggles. Whether you are grappling with debilitating health issues, fractured relationships, or a profound sense of disorientation, your salvation is rooted in the Lord. He is not distant or indifferent. He is actively engaged, poised to intervene, guide, and console.

Today, regardless of the formidable challenges that confront you, remember to elevate your perspective. Your deliverance is not merely imminent; it is actively present, embodied in a loving Father who commands the forces of heaven and earth on your behalf.

What “mountains” are you facing that demand absolute surrender to God’s sovereignty?
How can you cultivate a habit of immediate and unwavering reliance on God in the face of adversity?

These questions illuminate the undeniable truth: our strength is rooted in His unwavering love and the immeasurable blessings He bestows upon us.

Sovereign Lord, we acknowledge our vulnerability in the face of life’s overwhelming trials. These mountains, looming like titans, threaten to consume us. Yet, we choose to fix our eyes on You, the supreme architect of the universe. You are infinitely greater than our afflictions, more powerful than our fears, and more compassionate than we can possibly comprehend. Thank you for being our impregnable refuge, our unwavering fortress, our ever-present source of strength. Infuse us with Your divine peace and grant us the unwavering courage to confront any challenge, knowing that our salvation is rooted in Your unwavering presence. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

The reason many are defeated in battle is because they delay their preparation until the moment of conflict. The reason others triumph is because they have secured their victory on their knees, long before the battle ensues. Anticipate your trials; wage war on your knees before temptation strikes, and you will emerge victorious every time.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Finding Comfort In Trials…

Let your heart find peace, weary soul, knowing this: God declares, “I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.”

These words, drawn from Isaiah 48:10, descend like a gentle rain, calming the storm of your pain. They form a shield of impenetrable strength, against which the fires of adversity have no power.

Let trials arrive – God has chosen me. Poverty, you may enter my dwelling, but God’s presence fills this home, and He has chosen me. Sickness, you may invade, but I possess a healing balm – God has chosen me.

Whatever hardships I face in this sorrowful world, I am secure in the knowledge that He has “chosen” me. And if your spirit craves further solace, dear believer, recall that the Son of Man walks with you through the flames.

In your quiet room, He sits beside you, unseen yet deeply loved. Often, when you are unaware, He tends to your needs, making your bed of affliction comfortable.

You may be impoverished, but in your humble dwelling, the Lord of life and glory is a frequent guest. He delights in visiting those in desolate places, to offer His comfort.

Your truest friend remains close. Though invisible, you can feel the touch of His hands. Do you not hear His voice? Even in the valley of death’s shadow, He whispers, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”

Remember the bold declaration of Caesar: “Fear not, you carry Caesar and all his fortune.” Fear not, Christian; Jesus is with you. In every fiery trial, His presence is both your comfort and your protection.

O Lord, our refuge and strength, we come before you in the midst of our trials. We thank you for the comforting words of your promise that you have chosen us in the furnace of affliction. When the flames of hardship threaten to consume us, remind us of your unwavering presence. Help us to feel the touch of your hand, to hear the sound of your voice, and to know that you are making our bed of suffering a place of comfort. Grant us the strength to endure, the faith to trust, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The gem can not be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼