Ed Christian's World

Brokenness: God’s Power Unleashed…

It’s truly amazing to see that thread of brokenness woven throughout scripture, isn’t it? From Gideon’s shattered pitchers revealing the light, to the poured-out ointment anointing Jesus, the broken bread miraculously feeding the multitude, and ultimately, Christ’s broken body bringing redemption, we witness a profound truth: it’s in our brokenness, our surrender, that God’s power shines most brilliantly.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart—These, O God, you will not despise.  Psalm 51:17

Consider those areas in your own life where you’ve held back, where your will has been resistant to the Lord’s touch. Perhaps there’s a place of hardness, a refusal to yield. This passage invites us to a powerful act: to willingly allow our will to be broken for His divine purposes.

When we release our grip, when we surrender our own desires and plans, we become vessels ready to be filled and used by Him in ways we can’t even imagine.

Out of that brokenness can flow the radiant light of His glory, the fragrant anointing of His Spirit, and the transformative power of His redemption, touching not only our own lives but the lives of those around us.

There truly is no limit to what God can accomplish through a life fully surrendered, a vessel willingly broken in His hands.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge the places within us where our will has been strong, resistant, or simply untouched by Your loving hand. We ask for the courage and the grace to surrender those areas to You now. Break down any walls of pride or self-reliance that hinder Your work in our lives. Help us to embrace a broken and contrite heart, knowing that this is a sacrifice You do not despise. May Your light shine through our cracks, Your anointing flow from our yielded spirits, and Your redemptive power be manifested through our lives. Mold us and use us, Lord, for Your glory. Amen.

It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.

May we embrace the process of being broken, trusting that it is in that very place of vulnerability that we become most available to experience and extend the fullness of God’s power and love.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Worship Matters.

Today, let’s glimpse heaven’s worship and discover how our praises echo in eternity.

In a loud voice, they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’  Revelation 5:12

Sometimes, our worship feels small—a quiet prayer before dawn, a song hummed during the commute, a whispered “thank you” amid life’s chaos. Does it really matter in the grand scheme of things?

Revelation 5:12 pulls back heaven’s curtain to reveal the stunning answer. There, countless angels surround the throne, their voices thundering in perfect harmony: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”

This isn’t just beautiful poetry—it’s the universe’s deepest truth finally spoken aloud. Every knee bows, not before Christ’s power or majesty alone, but before His scars. The wounds that seemed like defeat on Earth shine as heaven’s most precious treasure.

Heaven holds nothing back. Seven gifts—the number of completion—pour forth in undiluted worship: power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. Creation’s fullest response to redemption’s highest price.

Here’s the wonder: when you worship from your kitchen or car or hospital room, you’re not just practicing for eternity—you’re joining it. Your voice harmonizes with angels. Your “thank you” mingles with heaven’s anthem. The veil between worlds grows thin.

Today, remember this: your worship matters because the Lamb is worthy. And one day, you’ll see Him face-to-face and finally understand why.

Father in Heaven, What a beautiful mystery—that all of heaven erupts in praise for the Lamb who still bears the scars of love. Thank You for treasuring every small act of faith, every whispered prayer, every tear surrendering in trust. Today, I don’t want to hold anything back. Help me live with wonder, with worship, with a heart that echoes heaven’s song: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. You are worthy of everything I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Heartfelt Faith vs Empty Rituals…

It’s true that rituals, when performed without genuine heart and connection, can become empty and lifeless. The danger isn’t in the actions themselves – praying, attending services, reading scripture – but in the motivation behind them.

When the initial passion and love for God fade, these acts can devolve into mere routine, a performance devoid of true worship and devotion. As the passage reminds us, even doing “the right things” loses its meaning when the heart isn’t fully engaged. It’s a sobering thought: are we going through the motions, or are our actions flowing from a vibrant relationship with God?

The message to the church in Ephesus resonates deeply with this idea: “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4).

It’s a call to remember the initial fire, the fervent love that characterized the beginning of our faith journey. God desires more than just outward obedience; He longs for our hearts, our passion, and our genuine affection. To live in the “realm of rituals” without this heart connection is to miss the very essence of our relationship with Him.

Today, the invitation stands: to move beyond the surface and connect heart to heart with God. To seek the very core of who He is with the deepest part of ourselves.

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that at times, we can fall into the trap of routine, performing acts of faith without the fire and passion we once knew. Forgive us for the times our hearts have grown distant, and our service has become mere ritual. We long to return to that first love, that burning desire to know you more deeply and to serve you wholeheartedly. Rekindle within us the flame of your Spirit. Grant us the grace to move beyond empty actions and to connect with you in a real and meaningful way. Help us to seek your heart with our whole heart, that our lives may be a true reflection of our love for you. Amen.

Without the heart, religion becomes an empty shell of words and outward show, a hollow performance on a stage where the curtain has already fallen. May we always guard our hearts and ensure that our faith is a vibrant and genuine expression of love for our God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Seasons Of Life…

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us of the cyclical nature of life, the ebb, and the flow of experiences that shape our journey. It speaks not just of the changing seasons of the year but of the different seasons within our own lives. There are times for joy and times for sorrow, moments of building up and moments of letting go, periods of loud celebration, and times of quiet reflection.

Think about it: just as a farmer understands the rhythm of planting and harvesting, we, too, experience these contrasting phases. There are seasons of intense activity, where we pour our energy into projects, relationships, or personal growth. These are our “planting” times, requiring effort and dedication. Then there are seasons of waiting, where we nurture what we’ve sown, trusting in the process even when we don’t see immediate results. Finally, there are seasons of reaping, where we experience the fruits of our labor, the joy of accomplishment, or the warmth of connection.

The beauty of this verse lies in its acceptance of this natural order. It doesn’t suggest that we should resist the difficult seasons or cling desperately to the easy ones. Instead, it invites us to recognize that each phase has its purpose and contributes to the richness of our lives. The times of sorrow can deepen our empathy and build resilience. The times of breaking down can make space for new growth and rebuilding.

Embracing this understanding can bring a sense of peace and perspective. When we find ourselves in a challenging season, remembering that it is but one phase in a larger cycle can offer comfort and hope. It reminds us that change is inevitable and that new beginnings always follow endings.

Let us not become so attached to one season that we miss the lessons and opportunities present in another. May we have the wisdom to discern the time for each activity in our own lives and the grace to embrace it fully.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the wisdom found in your Word, reminding us that life unfolds in seasons. Grant us the discernment to recognize the purpose in each phase, whether it be a time of joy or sorrow, of action or rest. Help us to embrace the present moment, trusting in your timing and knowing that each season contributes to your beautiful plan for our lives. Give us the strength to navigate the difficult times and the humility to appreciate the joyful ones. May we learn and grow through them all, becoming more like you with each passing season. Amen.

To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Humility and God’s Justification…

It’s easy to read Jesus’ parable and feel a comfortable distance from the self-assured Pharisee. We might even nod in agreement, thinking, “Yes, humility is key.” But if we’re truly honest with ourselves, haven’t we all, at times, stood in a place of subtle judgment, comparing our perceived virtues to the shortcomings of others? Perhaps not with the Pharisee’s overt pronouncements, but in the quiet corners of our minds.

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14

The Pharisee, in his meticulous observance of religious practices, had likely dedicated himself to living a life that honored God. His fasting and tithing were commendable acts. Yet, his prayer became a monument to self-congratulation, a wall built between himself and the very grace he sought. He focused on his own righteousness, defining himself in opposition to others, especially the despised tax collector.

The tax collector, on the other hand, understood the chasm between his actions and God’s holiness. His posture, his averted gaze, his simple plea, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” spoke volumes about his contrite heart. He didn’t offer excuses or justifications; he simply acknowledged his need for divine grace.

Jesus’ conclusion is stark: it was the humble tax collector, not the self-righteous Pharisee, who went home justified. This isn’t a condemnation of good deeds, but a powerful reminder that our standing before God isn’t earned through comparison or self-promotion. True righteousness isn’t about appearing better than others; it’s about recognizing our own need for God’s mercy and approaching Him with humility.

This parable challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we approach God with a spirit of gratitude and dependence, acknowledging our imperfections? Or do we subtly measure our spiritual progress against others, allowing pride to creep into our prayers and perceptions? The path to true justification lies not in exalting ourselves but in humbling ourselves before a loving and merciful God.

Gracious God, we confess that we often fall into the trap of comparison, subtly elevating ourselves while looking down on others. Forgive us for the times we have focused on our own perceived righteousness rather than on your boundless grace. Grant us the humility of the tax collector, the courage to acknowledge our need for your mercy, and the wisdom to understand that true worth lies not in our own achievements but in your unfailing love. May we always approach you with contrite hearts, knowing that it is in humility that we find true exaltation in your sight. Amen.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Rising After the fall…

This is a powerful verse from Proverbs It speaks volumes about the resilience of the human spirit, especially for those who strive to live with integrity.

Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up.   Proverbs 24:16

Life, in its intricate dance, often presents us with stumbles and falls. We might face setbacks in our careers, experience fractured relationships, or grapple with personal failings. The weight of these moments can feel heavy, and the temptation to stay down can be strong. Perhaps we question our worthiness or fear that our mistakes define us.

But the wisdom of Proverbs 24:16 cuts through this despair with a potent truth: even when a righteous person falls, they possess an inherent capacity to rise again. This isn’t a promise of a life devoid of struggle, but rather an affirmation of the unwavering strength that lies within those who are committed to what is right. It speaks to a spirit of perseverance, a refusal to be defined by temporary defeats.

Each time we falter and choose to get back up, we demonstrate courage, learn valuable lessons, and deepen our understanding of ourselves and our reliance on something greater than ourselves. The act of rising isn’t just about physical or circumstantial recovery; it’s about a spiritual renewal, a reaffirmation of our values and our commitment to living a meaningful life.

Let us hold onto this truth, especially during those times when we feel most vulnerable. Our falls do not define our character; it is our willingness to rise, learn, and continue our journey that truly matters.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the unwavering hope found in Your Word. When we stumble and fall, as we inevitably do, grant us the strength and the courage to rise again. Help us to see our setbacks not as final defeats but as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on Your grace. Instill in us a spirit of perseverance, reminding us that our true worth lies not in our perfection but in our commitment to keep striving towards righteousness. May we learn from our falls and emerge stronger and more compassionate. Amen.

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Persevering Theough Faith…

Trials are an inevitable part of the human experience. They come in many forms – the loss of a loved one, financial hardship, illness, relational conflicts, or spiritual battles.  It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged when faced with these challenges. We may even be tempted to question God’s goodness or love.

James 1:12 speaks a powerful truth to the heart of every believer: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love HimI.

However, James offers a different perspective. He doesn’t deny the reality of trials, but he reframes them. He tells us that the key is perseverance.  The word “perseveres” implies an active, ongoing endurance. It’s not about passively waiting for the trial to end, but about actively choosing to remain steadfast in our faith throughout the trial.

Why? Because trials are not meaningless. They serve a purpose in God’s plan.  James says that when we have “stood the test,” we will receive the “crown of life.” This isn’t a literal, physical crown, but a metaphor for the fullness of life that God promises to those who love Him.

It speaks of:
* Eternal Life: The ultimate reward of being with God forever.
* A Deeper Relationship with God: Trials can drive us to depend on God more fully, leading to a more intimate relationship.
* Spiritual Maturity: Perseverance in trials refines our character, making us more like Christ.
* God’s Approval and Blessing: “Stood the test” implies that our faith has been proven genuine.

The key is love.  The crown of life is promised to those who love Him. This is not a mere intellectual assent, but a deep, abiding, and active love for God that motivates us to obey Him and trust Him, even when it’s difficult.  It’s a love that perseveres.

This verse is not saying that trials earn us salvation. Salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.  Rather, it’s saying that genuine faith, rooted in love for God, will persevere.  Perseverance is evidence of the reality of our faith and love, and it’s in that context that the “crown of life” is promised.  It’s a reward for faithful endurance, not a payment for salvation.

When you face trials, remember that you are not alone. God is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Draw strength from His Word, seek His presence in prayer, and lean on the support of the body of Christ.  And remember the promise: if you persevere, you will receive the crown of life.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your promise that you are with me in every trial.  Give me the strength to persevere, even when I feel weak and overwhelmed.  Help me to love you more deeply so that my faith may remain steadfast.  I trust in your goodness and your perfect plan.  May my trials produce in me a greater maturity and a deeper relationship with you.  I look forward to the day when I will receive the crown of life, not because of my own merit, but because of your grace and your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Light, Salvation, and Strength…

What a powerful declaration of trust and unwavering faith we find in these opening verses of Psalm 27. In a world that often feels shadowed by uncertainty and threatened by adversity, the Psalmist proclaims a profound truth: the LORD is their light and salvation, their strength and refuge.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.  Psalm 27:1-3

Think about that for a moment. Light dispels darkness, offering clarity and guidance. Salvation speaks of deliverance and rescue from danger. And strength? It’s the bedrock upon which we stand firm, unyielding in the face of opposition. When the LORD embodies all of these for us, what room is left for fear?

The Psalmist doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the presence of enemies and foes, those who seek to devour and destroy. Yet, their confidence isn’t in their own might or ability to defend themselves. Instead, it rests entirely on the power of the LORD. Even when confronted by a multitude an entire host encamped against them, their heart remains fearless. Even in the face of war, their confidence stands firm.

This psalm reminds us that our security doesn’t lie in the absence of challenges but in the presence of God. It’s not about the storm not raging but about having an anchor that holds firm amidst the tempest. When we make the LORD our light, we walk with clarity. When we acknowledge Him as our salvation, we trust in His deliverance. When we rely on His strength, we find ourselves able to stand against any foe.

Let us take this truth to heart today. Whatever darkness may surround us, whatever adversaries we may face, let us fix our gaze on the unfailing light and strength of the LORD.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our light in the darkness, our salvation in times of trouble, and the very strength of our lives. Forgive us for the moments when fear creeps in, and we forget the power that resides in You. Help us to truly internalize the truth of this psalm, to stand firm in our confidence in You, no matter the circumstances. Strengthen our hearts, illuminate our paths, and deliver us from all that seeks to harm us. We place our trust in You, our Lord, and our God. Amen.

Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Light, Salvation, and Faith…

Finding Our Foundation in Light and Strength
Psalm 27 begins with a bold declaration, a confident affirmation of faith in the face of potential adversity:

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm. 27:1

Think about what light represents. It dispels darkness, reveals the path ahead, and brings clarity. When the Psalmist proclaims the Lord as his light, he’s saying that God illuminates his way, guiding him through uncertainty and confusion. In a world often shrouded in shadows of doubt and fear, God’s presence shines brightly, offering direction and hope.

And then comes the powerful word, “salvation.” This isn’t just about being rescued from immediate danger, but about a deep and lasting deliverance. It speaks of wholeness, healing, and a secure future in God’s care. When the Lord is our salvation, we find refuge and security in His love, knowing that He is our ultimate protector.

The second part of the verse builds upon this foundation. The Lord isn’t just a distant light; He is the very “strength of my life.” He infuses us with courage, resilience, and the ability to stand firm even when life’s storms rage around us. This isn’t a passive reliance, but an active empowerment that comes from knowing God is our unwavering support.

The natural response to such profound truths is the rhetorical question: “Whom shall I fear?” And “Of whom shall I be afraid?” When we truly grasp that God is our guiding light, our complete salvation, and the very source of our strength, what earthly power or threat can hold us captive in fear?

This verse isn’t a denial of challenges but a declaration of where our ultimate trust lies. It’s a reminder that with God as our foundation, we can face any situation with courage and confidence.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being the light that guides us through the darkness and the salvation that secures our future. We acknowledge You as the strength of our lives, the unwavering support that empowers us to face our fears. Help us to truly internalize these truths so that in moments of uncertainty and challenge, we may confidently declare, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may always find our courage and peace in You. Amen.

Fear is a cage built by our own doubts, but faith is the key that unlocks the door, revealing the boundless light and strength of God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Enjoying God’s Riches, Abundant Gifts…

This familiar phrase from 1 Timothy 6:17, “Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy,” often rolls off the tongue with a sense of simple gratitude. But let’s pause and consider the profound depth within those words. It isn’t merely that God provides; the verse emphasizes the richness and the intention for our enjoyment.

Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. — 1 Timothy 6:17

Think about the sheer abundance of creation.

The intricate details of a single flower, the vastness of the ocean, the complexity of the human body – all point to a Creator who doesn’t just meet our basic needs, but overflows with generosity. He paints the sunset in vibrant hues, orchestrates the symphony of the forest, and gifts us with the capacity for laughter and connection.

This “richly” speaks not only to material blessings but also to the intangible gifts: love, joy, peace, and the very breath in our lungs. These are not earned but freely given, expressions of a Father’s heart that delights in the well-being of His children.

However, the phrase also carries a gentle challenge. Are we truly enjoying the “all things” He has given? Or are we so caught up in striving, comparing, and accumulating that we miss the beauty and the blessing right in front of us? Do we allow gratitude to cultivate a spirit of contentment, or do we let discontentment steal our joy?

The invitation in this verse is to open our eyes wider, to savor the moments, to appreciate the simple pleasures, and to recognize the hand of God in every good thing. It’s a call to move beyond mere acquisition to a posture of thankful reception.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the immeasurable richness of Your provision. For the grand and the minute, for the tangible and the unseen, for the moments of joy and the quiet whispers of peace – we are overwhelmed by Your generosity. Forgive us for the times we have failed to truly see and enjoy Your gifts, when our hearts have been clouded by worry or desire. Grant us eyes to recognize Your hand in all things, a heart filled with gratitude, and the wisdom to steward Your blessings in a way that honors You. May our lives be a testament to Your abundant goodness. Amen.

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼