Ed Christian's World

The Source of Life…

Good morning, Today, let’s discover the freedom of staying connected to our true source of life.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. John 15:5

Have you ever felt like you were running on empty? Pushing forward, striving, trying to hold everything together—but deep down, you know you’re drained? Jesus never intended for us to live that way.

In John 15:5, He reminds us that apart from Him, we can do nothing. Not “less.” Not “a little.” Nothing. A branch can’t produce fruit unless it stays connected to the vine. In the same way, we can’t grow, thrive, or bear lasting fruit unless we remain in Christ.

To abide in Jesus is to make Him your home—not a guest you visit when you have time. It’s choosing daily dependence over occasional check-ins. It’s trusting Him in both the abundance and the drought.

The good news? You don’t have to force growth—just stay connected. When you remain in Him, He fills the empty places. He strengthens, He sustains, He produces fruit in you—love, joy, peace, patience—far beyond your own ability.

So today, take a breath. Let go of striving. Stay close to Him. That’s where life is.

Heavenly Father, I come to You weary from striving, from trying to carry what was never mine to hold. You are my source, my strength, my very life. Yet so often, I try to do things on my own, only to find myself empty. Draw me back, Lord. Teach me to abide—not just in moments of need but in every breath. Fill the hollow places in my heart with Your presence. Let Your love steady me, Your peace quiet me, and Your joy overflow in me. I don’t want to just get through the day—I want to walk with You in it. Apart from You, I can do nothing, but in You, I have all I need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine… Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Word As Ruler…

Carpentry teaches us a simple but true lesson. If you want to build something the right way, you need a straight measure. That’s true for woodworking and for life.

You might not know anything about wood, but you are still a builder – you are building a life. In the same way, you can’t build a stable life without a straight measure to keep you straight.

The straight measure of your life is the Word of God. Measure everything you do by that measure. Plan all you do with it. In school, you used to call that straight measure your ruler.
The Word of God is your straight measure for life, but it only works if it’s your ruler. Let it rule you. Start with the Word and take it straight for what it is.

Then, get your life straight with it. How? By lining up your life with your supernatural straight edge… the Word of God. Do this, and your life will be blessed and straight. For that’s the truth, pure, and straight.

Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course. Proverbs 15:21

Is there anything in your life that doesn’t line up with the Word of God? Today, line it up.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Word, a true and unwavering measure for our lives. We confess that at times, we stray from your path, allowing other influences to guide us. Lord, we ask for your forgiveness and your strength to align our thoughts, actions, and desires with your perfect will. Help us to see where we fall short and grant us the courage to make the necessary changes. Let your Word be our constant guide, shaping us into the people you created us to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Source of Salvation…

Salvation is entirely God’s work. He breathes life into our dead souls and sustains our spiritual journey. He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega. As Jonah declared, “Salvation is of the Lord.”

Salvation is of the Lord.  Jonah 2:9

Every aspect of our spiritual life originates from God. Our prayers, graces, and perseverance are all gifts from Him. We contribute nothing to our own salvation except our sin.

Every good deed is a result of God’s power working within us. When we overcome temptation, it is His strength that empowers us. A consecrated life is not our own doing, but Christ living through us.

Sanctification, separation from the world, and spiritual growth are all products of God’s Spirit and His loving discipline.

In God, we find everything we need, while in ourselves, we find only sin and weakness. He is our rock and our salvation. The Word of God nourishes us only because He makes it living bread. The manna from heaven is Christ Himself, whose body and blood sustain us.

Our strength comes from Him alone. Without Jesus, we can do nothing. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, neither can we live apart from Him. Let us, like Jonah in the depths, affirm: “Salvation is of the Lord.”

Lord God, I stand before you in humble recognition of my complete dependence on you. I confess that my salvation, my spiritual growth, and every good thing in my life are gifts from your gracious hand. Forgive me for any illusion of self-sufficiency. Help me to constantly remember and live by the truth that Salvation is of the Lord. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may live a life that reflects your glory. Strengthen me to abide in you, to feed on your Word, and to trust in your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The degree to which you see your need for God is the degree to which God can use you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Living For Christ’s Return…

Good morning, everyone.

Today, let’s turn our hearts toward the profound promise of Jesus’s return, not as a distant event, but as a living reality that shapes our present.

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.  Matthew 24:44

We are creatures of anticipation, aren’t we? We meticulously plan for milestones, eagerly await celebrations, and find comfort in the rhythm of countdowns. Yet, the return of Christ defies our human need for predictability. There’s no calendar marked, no cosmic alarm set. Instead, we are left with a divine invitation: to live in a state of perpetual readiness.

This isn’t about fostering a sense of anxiety or fear, but rather  cultivating a deep, abiding awareness of God’s presence. It’s about recognizing that every moment is sacred, every interaction significant, and every opportunity a chance to reflect His love.

Think of it this way: if you knew a beloved friend was arriving unexpectedly, you wouldn’t scramble to create a facade of perfection. You’d simply open your heart, ensure your home was a place of welcome, and prepare to share genuine joy.

Similarly, Christ’s return calls us to a state of inner readiness – a heart cleansed by grace, a spirit attuned to His voice, and a life marked by authentic love.

This readiness isn’t a passive state. It’s an active, ongoing process of:
* Deepening our intimacy with God: Moving beyond surface-level religion to a vibrant, personal relationship with our Creator.
* Investing in eternal values: Focusing on relationships, service, and spiritual growth rather than fleeting material pursuits.
* Living with radical love: Extending compassion, forgiveness, and grace to those around us, mirroring Christ’s own love.
* Recognizing the urgency of the Gospel: Understanding that time is precious and using every opportunity to share the hope we have in Christ.

The question then becomes: What would truly shift in our hearts and actions if we lived each day as if it were our last, or Christ’s return was imminent? Would we hold grudges? Would we prioritize trivial matters? Or would we embrace each moment as a precious gift, filled with purpose and meaning?

Let us not merely wait for His return, but actively participate in His kingdom here and now. Let our lives be a living testimony to His love  so that those who encounter us might encounter Him.

Father, we acknowledge your sovereign timing, knowing that Jesus will return according to your perfect plan. Help us to live with a sense of holy urgency, not driven by fear, but fueled by love. Grant us the wisdom to discern your will, the courage to follow your guidance, and the compassion to love as you love. May our lives be a reflection of your glory, drawing others into your embrace. Help us to live everyday ready, and to be a light to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let your life be so intertwined with God’s that your very presence becomes an invitation to encounter Him.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Drive Through Christisnity…

Today, the drive-thru has become a modern cultural phenomenon used by banks, restaurants, coffee shops, convenient stores, car washes, and even zoos. We’re able to get what we want, when we want it without taking much time or having a real interaction with real people.

Even in Christianity, there are many teachings that treat God as if He was a drive-thru, a machine that exists to serve you. Just say the right words or formula and you’ll get what you ask for.

This is not the way to approach God, trying to get what you want from Him instead of having a relationship with Him. It’s about seeing His face.

Have you gotten more into your desires, requests, and petitions to God, then God Himself; coming to Him more to get your order filled than to relate to Him, driving past his presence instead of coming in?

It’s time to get out of your spiritual car, forget your demands and come into His presence. Because the Lord is a lot more than a burger and your relationship with Him is not a drive-thru.

You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek'”.    Psalm 27:8

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve approached you as drive-thru, seeking only to satisfy my own desires and needs. I confess that I have often focused more on what you can do for me than on who you are. I have rushed through my time with you, treating you like a means to an end, rather than the end itself. Lord, open my eyes to see your true beauty and majesty. Help me to desire your presence above all else. Teach me to linger in your love, to listen to your voice, and to truly know you. I long to seek your face, as Psalm 27:8 reminds me. Help me to set aside my demands and distraction  and to come into your presence with a heart of humility and adoration. Remove the spiritual barriers that prevent me from experiencing a genuine relationship with you. Help me to understand that you are not a vending machine but a loving Father who desires intimacy with me. Grant me the grace to step out of my “spiritual car” and to truly encounter you. May my prayers become conversations of love and devotion rather than mere requests. Thank you, Lord, for your patience and your unwavering love. I surrender my desires and my agenda to you, and I ask that you fill me with your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today, don’t seek God for what He can do for you – but seek God for God, seek His face.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

The Gift of Peace…

Good morning!! Today, let’s explore what it means to receive Christ’s perfect peace.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.   John 14:27

Have you ever noticed how quickly peace can slip through our fingers? One phone call, one news headline, one unexpected change—and suddenly our hearts are racing, our minds spinning with worry.

The world offers its version of peace—financial security, comfortable circumstances, and absence of conflict. But these are fragile foundations, easily shaken by life’s inevitable storms.

Jesus offers something radically different. In the hours before His arrest and crucifixion—when He had every human reason to be troubled—He promised His disciples a peace that defies circumstances. Not temporary relief, but His very own peace.

This isn’t just positive thinking; it’s supernatural tranquility rooted in who God is and what He’s promised. It’s the calm assurance that whatever happens, we are held. That beyond our understanding, beyond our control, beyond our fears—there is a loving Father working all things for good.

Jesus doesn’t just wish us peace—He gives it as a gift. And unlike the world’s fleeting comfort, His peace remains even when everything else is shaken.

Heavenly Father, when my heart feels troubled by circumstances beyond my control, help me receive the peace Jesus promised. Thank You that Your peace isn’t dependent on perfect situations but on Your perfect love. When worries crowd my mind, quiet my spirit with the truth that You hold all things in Your hands. Today, I choose to rest in Your peace that surpasses understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God can not give us happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

End Time Love…

Back when many of us were growing up, we knew our next-door neighbors and the people who lived in your community. Today, if we know just the people next door, it’s impressive.

In 1964, Kitty Genovese was raped and murdered. It was reported that many people heard or witnessed the attack and did nothing. Psychologists call this ‘the bystander effect.”

They used this case as proof to claim that we are becoming a culture of strangers. Even as believers, we’re often cold and uninvolved with those around us.

The Gospel calls us to get involved with the world and to share the good news with those who are perishing. Would you let someone be murdered right in front of your eyes if you were able to stop it? No, of course not.

Yet, when we don’t share the good news of salvation with our neighbors when we’re able, we’re doing the same thing. Yes, you are your neighbor’s keeper.

Thus, open your mouth, share, and bless them with the Gospel. Don’t let them perish because you are your neighbor’s keeper.

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15

Today, take up the mission of being your brother’s keeper. Look for opportunities to share the Gospel, help the needy, and reach out to those around you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Echo of Love…

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

These verses, found in Matthew 22:37-39, are more than just words; they are the bedrock of a life lived in harmony with God and humanity. Jesus, in his wisdom, distilled the entirety of the law and the prophets into two simple, yet profoundly challenging, commands: love God and love your neighbor.

Let’s break it down.

Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This isn’t a casual affection or a fleeting emotion. It’s a complete surrender, an all-encompassing devotion that permeates every aspect of our being. It means prioritizing God above all else, allowing His love to shape our desires, direct our thoughts, and fuel our actions. It’s a love that is passionate (heart), enduring (soul), and thoughtful (mind).

Love your neighbor as yourself. This second commandment is inextricably linked to the first. We cannot truly love God, whom we cannot see, if we do not love our neighbor, whom we can see.

This love isn’t about condoning every action or agreeing with every opinion. It’s about recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every person, seeing them as God sees them, and extending compassion, kindness, and grace. It means treating others with the same respect and care we desire for ourselves.

These two commandments aren’t separate entities; they are two sides of the same coin. When we truly love God, that love overflows and spills onto those around us. Our actions become a reflection of His love, a tangible expression of our devotion.

In our busy, often self-centered world, these commands can seem overwhelming. But they are not meant to be burdens; they are invitations. Invitations to experience the fullness of life, the joy of connection, and the peace that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.

Let us strive to live each day with a heart overflowing with love for God and a spirit eager to serve our neighbor. Let us allow these commandments to shape our interactions, guide our decisions, and transform our lives.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the simplicity and depth of your commandments. We confess that we often fall short of loving you with all our heart, soul, and mind and fall short at loving our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us for our selfishness, our indifference, and our lack of compassion. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may truly know and experience your love. Help us to see others as you see them and to extend grace and kindness to all. May our lives be a testament to your love, and may we bring glory to your name. Amen.

The measure of love is love without measure.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

In Heaven’s Eyes: Riches vs. Righteousness

Today, let’s turn our gaze upwards and contemplate what truly resonates within the divine perspective, where our eternal foundation is anchored.

Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. Proverbs 11:4

This verse isn’t merely a cautionary note; it’s a radical realignment of our priorities. In a world obsessed with accumulating material wealth as a shield against life’s uncertainties, Proverbs 11:4 acts as a sharp, clarifying mirror. It forces us to confront the stark reality that our earthly possessions, no matter how vast, hold no sway in the face of eternal judgment.

Riches won’t help on the day of judgment. This phrase underscores the transient nature of material wealth. It’s a poignant reminder that the things we often cling to for security—our bank balances, our investments, and our physical assets—are utterly powerless to redeem us in the face of divine scrutiny. The “day of judgment” speaks of a moment of ultimate accountability, where our true character, not our net worth, will be weighed.

Right living can save you from death. This isn’t just about avoiding physical death; it speaks of spiritual and eternal life. “Right living” encompasses a life aligned with God’s moral compass—a life of integrity, justice, mercy, and love. It’s about cultivating a heart that reflects God’s character. This “death” that right living saves you from is the separation from God. It is eternal separation from God. This is the ultimate security.

The Contrast – The verse juxtaposes two opposing forces: the fleeting allure of riches and the enduring power of righteousness. It highlights the fundamental difference between worldly values and heavenly values. While the world measures success by material accumulation, God measures it by moral character and spiritual faithfulness.

The Heart of the Matter – This verse challenges us to examine the core of our motivations. Are we driven by a desire for worldly security or by a yearning for God’s approval? Do we prioritize the accumulation of wealth or the cultivation of a righteous character?

In the grand tapestry of eternity, the threads of our earthly wealth unravel, leaving us bare before the divine gaze. Yet, woven into the fabric of our souls, the threads of righteous living—integrity, love, and unwavering faith—form an impenetrable shield, safeguarding us from the ultimate separation.

Let us not be deceived by the illusion of temporal security, but instead, invest in the eternal currency of a heart aligned with God’s own.

Heavenly Father, pierce through the veils of worldly illusion that often blind us to Your truth. Grant us the wisdom to discern the fleeting nature of material wealth and the enduring value of righteous living. Help us to cultivate hearts that reflect Your character, that our lives may be a testament to Your grace. In a world that whispers of security found in possessions, let Your voice resonate louder, reminding us that true security lies in You alone. Guide us in every decision that we may walk in integrity, love, and faithfulness, securing our eternal inheritance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May we all strive to build our lives on the unshakable foundation of God’s love and righteousness.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

In The Silence of My Soul…

Each morning, as I seek inspiration for these devotions, the echoes of Grandfather’s wisdom resonate within me. He possessed a rare ability to unveil the hidden depths of Scripture to illuminate the subtle nuances that often escape our notice.

Today, my heart turns to the Sermon on the Mount, a cornerstone of Christ’s teachings. I’m mindful that I’m sharing these reflections with a group of fellow believers, individuals I’ve yet to meet, who know only a fragment of my story – a glimpse into the harsh realities of the Vietnam War.

The Sermon on the Mount, with its profound pronouncements on blessedness, righteousness, and love, offers a stark contrast to the chaos and brutality I witnessed. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus says. In a world torn apart by conflict, these words carry immense weight.

How do we cultivate peace in the midst of turmoil? How do we extend mercy when we have witnessed the depths of human cruelty?

Grandfather taught me that the Sermon is not merely a list of ethical guidelines; it’s a revelation of God’s heart. He emphasized the inward transformation that must precede outward action.

Jesus speaks of purity of heart, of hungering and thirsting for righteousness, of loving our enemies. These are not easy commands; they demand a radical shift from our perspective.

The battlefields of Vietnam taught me the fragility of life and the pervasiveness of suffering. Yet, even in those dark hours, I clung to the hope found in Christ’s words. The Sermon on the Mount reminded me that true strength lies not in retaliation but in forgiveness. It taught me that even in the face of unspeakable horrors, the seeds of love and compassion can still take root.

As we delve into these teachings, let us not merely analyze them intellectually but allow them to penetrate the depths of our souls. Let us strive to live out the principles of the Sermon, not as a burden, but as a path to true freedom and joy. May we find the courage to be peacemakers, the grace to extend mercy, and the strength to love unconditionally.

The highlight of the Sermon on the Mount is considered to be the “Beatitudes,” a series of blessings that emphasize the importance of a humble and compassionate heart, including being “poor in spirit,” “mourning,” “meek,” “merciful,” and “pure in heart,” which are found in Matthew 5:3-12

Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts open to your Word. We thank you for the wisdom of Grandfather and for the enduring power of the Sermon on the Mount. Lord, help us to understand the deeper truths hidden within these teachings. Grant us the courage to live out your commands, to be peacemakers in a world of conflict, and to extend mercy to those who have wronged us. In the midst of our struggles, remind us of your unwavering love and the hope found in your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us, Lord, to live a life that reflects your glory and to be a light in the darkness. Amen.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼