Ed Christian's World

By Faith Not Sight…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore what it means to walk by faith when our eyes can only see the impossible.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.   Hebrews 11:1

Have you ever stood at the edge of the Red Sea with an army at your back? Perhaps not literally, but we’ve all faced impossible moments—the diagnosis that stole your breath, the relationship that crumbled despite your prayers, the dream that died when all signs pointed to promise.

Hebrews 11:1 isn’t just beautiful poetry; it’s battlefield wisdom. Faith isn’t wishful thinking—it’s spiritual eyesight. It sees the invisible bridge across impossible waters before the first stone appears.

Think of Abraham under desert stars, counting invisible descendants. Consider Moses lifting his staff over unconquered waters. Remember Mary cradling divinity in human flesh. None could see the full story, yet each stepped forward anyway.

This kind of faith doesn’t deny reality—it simply refuses to believe that our current reality is the final word. It whispers, “There’s more to this story than what your eyes can capture.”

Faith doesn’t eliminate the valley of shadows; it reveals the Shepherd walking beside us through it. It doesn’t immediately answer every “why,” but it anchors us to the One who holds every “what next.”

Today, in your impossible place, remember: the unseen is where God does His most defining work.

Dear Lord, Sometimes, it’s so hard to trust when I can’t see what’s ahead. My heart knows You’re faithful, but my eyes get fixed on the problems that seem too big. Help me remember the times You’ve come through before. When doubts creep in, remind me that You’re already working in ways I can’t see yet. Give me the courage to take that next step, even when the path looks unclear. I want to be someone whose faith makes You smile. Hold my hand today as I choose to trust You more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Hope From The Stump of Jesse…

Ah, the profound imagery of the stump of Jesse! Let’s touch upon such a powerful truth – that God’s most magnificent works often emerge from the very places we deem barren and lifeless. It’s a divine paradox, isn’t it? When human strength fails and earthly prospects wither, it’s in that very emptiness that the seed of God’s promise takes root.

Think about it: the once mighty lineage of David, a flourishing tree that had known such glory and dominion, was reduced to a stump. All outward signs of its former vitality were gone. Yet, within that seemingly dead wood lay the potential for new life, a tender shoot destined to blossom into, Jesus the hope of Israel and the world.

This isn’t just a historical observation; it’s a living principle that resonates deeply within our own lives. How often do we encounter “stumps”? Broken relationships, shattered dreams, lost opportunities, the feeling of being utterly depleted and powerless. These are the moments that can feel like the end, the definitive cutting down of what we once held dear.

But your insight is so keen: it is precisely in these “stump” moments that the miraculous can break forth. When we are stripped bare of our own resources and illusions of control, we become fertile ground for God’s grace.

It is in our weakness that His strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). The very thing we mourn as a loss can become the unlikely cradle of a profound blessing, a testament to God’s power to bring life from death, hope from despair.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person, someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:6-8

The verses from Romans beautifully underscore this truth. Christ didn’t wait for us to become strong, righteous, or deserving. He stepped into our brokenness, our sinfulness, our utter inability to save ourselves. His love was demonstrated not in our strength, but in our powerlessness.

This same divine pattern holds true in our individual journeys. The places where we feel most “cut down” are often the very spots where God’s transformative love and miraculous intervention can take root and flourish.

Let us not recoil from the stumps in our lives, but rather recognize them as potential ground for divine breakthrough. Let us give thanks, even amidst the apparent desolation, trusting that the God who brought forth the Savior from the stump of Jesse is still at work, bringing forth new life and hope from our most unlikely circumstances.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing Your power in the most unexpected of places. We acknowledge the “stumps” in our lives – those areas of brokenness, loss, and seeming hopelessness. Forgive us for the times we have despaired, forgetting that Your ways are not our ways, and Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Grant us the eyes to see the potential for new life within these barren places, the faith to trust in Your unfailing love, and the patience to wait for the blossoming of Your miraculous work. May we, like the stump of Jesse, become the unlikely ground from which Your blessings spring forth, to Your glory and our eternal hope. Amen.

The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.

While these words speak to a broader societal responsibility, they also echo the truth that even in the face of seeming destruction and the seeds of a new future, a new generation of hope, can still be sown and nurtured. Just as a shoot emerged from the stump of Jesse, so too can new life and righteousness emerge from the darkest of times. Let us live with that enduring hope.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Finding Refuge In God’s Name…

Good morning!

It’s so true, isn’t it? That innate human drive to find cover when the world around us feels precarious. Proverbs 18:10 beautifully captures this primal instinct, but it elevates it beyond mere physical shelter to a profound spiritual reality.

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.  Proverbs 18:10

When the scripture declares, “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower,” it invites us to consider what that “name” truly embodies. It’s not simply a label but a comprehensive unveiling of God’s character—His unwavering love that anticipates our needs, His steadfast faithfulness that remains constant through every season, His limitless power that can calm the fiercest storms, and His boundless mercy that welcomes us in our vulnerability. This “name” isn’t a static structure; it’s a dynamic, living reality we can actively engage with.

The phrase “the righteous run to it” speaks volumes about the nature of true faith. It’s not a leisurely walk or a passive belief; it’s an active, urgent movement towards our ultimate security. It suggests a deep recognition of our needs and an unwavering conviction in where true safety resides. This running isn’t born out of fear alone, but out of a profound understanding of God’s trustworthiness and the futility of seeking lasting refuge elsewhere.

Within this divine embrace, our experience of life’s tempest shifts. The storms may still rage around us, but their capacity to truly devastate us diminishes within the shelter of His presence. It’s not about the absence of difficulty but the presence of a peace that transcends it. Our ultimate sanctuary isn’t a geographical location or a set of circumstances, but the very person of God, whose arms are perpetually open, offering a haven that no earthly power can breach.

Heavenly Father, Some days are hard, and honestly, I feel overwhelmed by storms that I didn’t see coming. Right now, I’m choosing to run straight into the shelter of Your name, trusting that You’re big enough to protect me and loving enough to welcome me. Remind me today that You’re my unshakable fortress, always faithful, always gentle, always strong. When life gets scary, thank You for being the safe place where I can catch my breath again. I’m so grateful You hold me close when everything else feels uncertain—I truly need You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Bowing to God, Standing Against Evil…

It’s powerful to reflect on the story of Purim and how Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to Haman mirrors our own spiritual battles. You’ve rightly highlighted the crucial distinction between bowing in worship to God alone and refusing to yield to any other power that seeks to usurp His place in our lives.

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’  Luke 4:8

Let’s delve a little deeper into this idea of spiritual posture. Mordecai’s seemingly simple act of defiance was rooted in his unwavering allegiance to God. He understood that bowing before Haman would not just be a physical act of respect but a symbolic acknowledgment of a power other than the Divine.

Similarly, Daniel’s consistent practice of bowing towards Jerusalem, even in a foreign land, declared where his true allegiance lay. And Jesus’ resolute “Away from me, Satan!” In the face of temptation, set the ultimate example of refusing to bow to the enemy’s allure.

Consider the subtle ways we might inadvertently bow in our daily lives. Perhaps it’s the temptation to compromise our values for worldly gain, the pressure to conform to societal norms that contradict our faith, or the allure of fleeting pleasures that draw us away from God’s path. These can be insidious forms of bowing, where we subtly yield our convictions and surrender ground in our hearts.

The call to “take back any area of your life that you have surrendered to the enemy” is a powerful one. It requires honest self-reflection and a conscious decision to reassert God’s Lordship in every corner of our being. This isn’t a passive act; it’s a deliberate turning away from anything that seeks to diminish our devotion to Him.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the powerful examples in Scripture of those who stood firm in their faith and refused to bow before any other power. We acknowledge the areas in our own lives where we may have unknowingly or willingly yielded ground to the pressures of the world, the temptations of the enemy, or the allure of false idols. We ask for your strength and courage to take back this territory, to realign our hearts and actions with your will. Help us to cultivate a posture of unwavering worship towards you alone, and grant us the discernment to recognize and resist any force that seeks to draw us away from your loving embrace. May we stand firm in our faith, knowing that those who bow before you will ultimately stand strong in your presence. Amen.

The only way to stand against the world is to fall before God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Unbreakable Love…

As the dawn paints the sky with hues of hope, let your spirit awaken to the profound and unwavering love of God, a love that anchors us firmly through every twist and turn of life’s voyage.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.   Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

These powerful words from Paul delve beyond a simple declaration; they are a resounding testament to the all-encompassing nature of divine love. Consider the breadth of what he includes: life’s fragility and death’s finality, the unseen realms of angels and demons, the immediacy of the present and the uncertainty of the future, the vastness of celestial heights and the mystery of earthly depths—absolutely nothing in the entirety of creation holds the power to sever the bond between us and God’s love in Christ Jesus.

This isn’t a love that wavers with our successes or diminishes in our failures. It’s not confined by earthly limitations or spiritual forces. Instead, it stands as an unshakeable reality, a constant in a world of change. Whether we ascend to mountaintop experiences or descend into life’s deepest valleys, this love remains our steadfast companion, an eternal embrace that knows no bounds.

Reflecting on this immense love naturally shifts our perspective. The fleeting highs and inevitable lows of life take on a different hue when viewed through the lens of an unchanging, infinite affection. Our triumphs become opportunities to acknowledge the source of all good gifts, and our trials become moments to lean into the unwavering support of a love that will never let us go.

How then do we live in response to such a profound reality? Gratitude becomes more than just words; it transforms into a way of being. It manifests in our interactions with others, reflecting the patience and compassion we have received. It shapes our decisions, guiding us toward actions that honor the love that has so freely been given. It fuels our resilience, knowing that even in the darkest moments, we are held secure in an unbreakable bond.

Let the immensity of God’s love, as so powerfully expressed in Romans, not just be a comforting thought but a guiding principle for your day. May it empower you to face challenges with courage and to embrace joys with deeper appreciation, knowing that at the heart of it all is a love that truly knows no end.

Heavenly Father, as the light of this new day unfolds, my heart is once again humbled by the sheer magnitude of Your love, so eloquently captured in the powerful verses of Romans. The assurance that nothing in all creation can separate me from Your love in Christ Jesus is a bedrock for my soul, a truth that anchors me amidst life’s unpredictable storms. Thank you for this boundless, unwavering affection, a love that transcends my understanding and yet holds me securely in its embrace. I pray for the grace to truly grasp the depth and breadth of this love, to let it permeate every corner of my being and shape my perspective on the joys and challenges that lie ahead. Grant me the wisdom to see life’s ups and downs not as indicators of Your favor or displeasure, but as passing moments held within the eternal constancy of Your love. Help me to live in a way that reflects my profound gratitude for this incredible gift, extending that same love and compassion to those around me.
When doubts creep in or fears threaten to overwhelm, remind me of the unbreakable bond I have in Christ, a bond forged in love and sustained by Your grace. May this understanding be my strength, my comfort, and my guiding light throughout this day and always.
In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The love of God is not something vague or general; it is the personal, passionate love of a Father for His child.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Spiritual Almahs Transformation…

Ah, the threads woven together from Exodus and Isaiah are truly captivating! It’s fascinating to consider the early appearance of “almah” in the story of Miriam and how that might echo in the later narrative of Mary. The idea of “almah” as “one who is hidden,” suggesting a state of purity and separation, certainly adds a rich layer to the prophecy in Isaiah.

Lets delve a bit deeper, the nuance of the word “almah” has been a subject of much discussion. While it often refers to a young woman of marriageable age who may or may not be a virgin, the context in Isaiah 7:14 is pivotal.

The Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, translated “almah” there as “parthenos,” which specifically means “virgin.” This translation was in use centuries before the birth of Jesus and significantly shaped the understanding of this prophecy.

The point about becoming a spiritual “almah” is a powerful metaphor. It speaks to the transformative potential within each of us to cultivate a heart that is set apart, pure in intention, and receptive to the divine.

This isn’t necessarily about physical virginity, but rather a spiritual consecration – a deliberate turning away from that which diminishes our connection with God and an intentional drawing closer to the sacred.

Without purity and charity there is no riches nor sufficiency. This underscores the idea that an inner state of purity and love forms the very foundation for spiritual abundance and the presence of God in our lives.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the profound wisdom woven through your Word, connecting generations and revealing deeper truths. We ask for the grace to understand what it truly means to be a spiritual “almah” in our own lives. Grant us the strength to separate ourselves from the entanglements of sin and distraction, and to cultivate hearts that are pure, receptive, and wholly devoted to you. May your presence be born anew in us each day, bringing forth miracles of love, compassion, and peace into the world. Amen.

May we all strive to embody that hidden purity, that dedicated separation, so that the divine may find a fertile ground within us and manifest its transformative power in the world around us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Jesus Weeps – God Walks With Us…

Good morning,

Let’s begin this day with the profound comfort that our Savior doesn’t just observe our journey; He walks intimately beside us, His heart resonating with the very rhythm of our joys and sorrow

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  Psalm 147:3

The simple yet infinitely deep declaration, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35), unveils the profound empathy that lies at the core of our Savior’s being. As He stood before Lazarus’s tomb, poised to enact a miracle that would defy death itself, Jesus didn’t bypass the raw agony of Mary, Martha, and their community. Instead, He intentionally entered into their pain, His tears a testament to His shared humanity and boundless compassion.

Even with the knowledge of imminent resurrection, Jesus chose to meet them in their present suffering. He didn’t offer a quick fix or a premature dismissal of their grief. Instead, He modeled a powerful truth: our emotions are not insignificant to God; they are sacred ground where He meets us.

This poignant scene reveals the beautiful paradox of Christ’s nature – fully divine, yet profoundly human. He doesn’t just understand our pain intellectually; He feels it viscerally. This means that in our darkest moments, we are not alone. We have a Savior whose heart breaks with ours, whose tears mingle with our own. When sorrow engulfs us, Jesus Himself is intimately acquainted with our grief.

Today, as you navigate whatever challenges lie before you, anchor yourself in this truth: Jesus meets you precisely where you are within the full spectrum of your emotions. He invites us to bring our unfiltered feelings to Him, secure in the knowledge that He is present not only in our triumphs but also in our deepest pains. This is the essence of the God we serve – one who weeps with us and simultaneously orchestrates wonders on our behalf.

Dear God, Your Word assures us that You are close to the brokenhearted. Thank You for the embodied love of Jesus, who demonstrated that vulnerability is not weakness but a bridge to connection – both with humanity and with You. When the temptation arises to suppress my tears or to believe that my struggles isolate me, remind me of the Savior who wept. Grant me the courage to be authentically present with my emotions, knowing that You hold them with tenderness. Equip me to extend that same compassionate presence to those around me who are hurting, mirroring the comfort Jesus offered. In every season, in every emotional landscape, may I sense Your nearness. Thank You for being the God who doesn’t shy away from the messiness of our lives but walks steadfastly alongside us, offering hope in the midst of both tears and laughter. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  Psalm 34:18

Grief, in its many forms, is not an ending but a transformation. It carves a new path within us, altering our landscape but not diminishing the love that inspired it. To grieve deeply is not a sign of weakness or a failure of faith; it is the profound testament to the depth of our capacity to love.

May you walk in the embrace of God’s unwavering presence today and always.

With love and hope,

Ed 🙏🏼

Seeking God’s Abundant Provision…

It’s like having a loving, infinitely wealthy father. When you face a challenge, a need, or a deep desire, you could exhaust yourself trying to figure it all out on your own, striving and straining. But as someone who believes, you have access to a Father whose resources are beyond measure.

Instead of pouring all your energy into the struggle itself, the wisest course is to channel that energy into nurturing your relationship with Him. Cultivate a richer prayer life, deepen your personal devotion, and seek a clearer connection with God. The blessings that flow from this communion are far more valuable than any earthly wealth, and they are readily available when you connect with your Father through prayer.

As it says in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name, the Father will give you.”

Today, let your focus be on strengthening your spiritual life. Get on the line with your Father.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your boundless love and the incredible privilege of calling you Father. Forgive us for the times we rely on our own limited strength and understanding instead of turning to your infinite wisdom and provision. We desire to cultivate a deeper prayer life, a more meaningful devotional practice, and a clearer sense of your presence in our lives. Help us to prioritize our connection with you, trusting that as we seek you, all that we truly need will be provided according to your perfect will. May our lives bear lasting fruit as we abide in you. Amen.

Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Truly Known…

When was the last time you felt truly known? Not the version of yourself you present to others, but the real you—with all your complexities, contradictions, and quiet hopes.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  Psalm 139:14

In Psalm 139, David celebrates a stunning truth: God knows us completely and loves us completely. Every heartbeat, every thought, every struggle—nothing is hidden from Him, yet nothing diminishes His love.

To be “fearfully” made means created with reverence and awe. The Hebrew word suggests respect so deep it makes us catch our breath. Not rushed or mass-produced, but crafted with intention.

To be “wonderfully” made means you’re a marvel. One-of-a-kind. Your specific way of seeing the world matters.

In our culture of endless self-improvement, this verse offers freedom. You don’t need to become someone else to have value. You don’t need to earn what God has already freely given.

True peace doesn’t come from finally fixing yourself. It comes from resting in who God says you already are: fearfully and wonderfully His.

Dear God, Thank You for the care You put into creating me. Sometimes, it’s hard to see what You see—especially when I focus on my flaws or compare myself to others. But Your Word reminds me: I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Not by accident. Not overlooked. Fully known and fully loved. Help me believe that today. Help me treat others the same way—with kindness, not judgment. With wonder, not comparison. Let me live from a place of rest, not striving. And when I forget, gently remind me: I am Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You are the only you God made… God made you and broke the mold.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Learning The Path – A Discipleship Guide…

It’s fascinating how delving into the original Hebrew can illuminate the depth of scripture. The idea of “khanak,” meaning “to narrow,” certainly adds a powerful dimension to Proverbs 22:6.

It shifts the focus from simply teaching to actively guiding and protecting, creating boundaries that lead a child, and indeed ourselves, toward righteousness.

Thinking about “narrowing the way” for a child resonates with the responsibility parents and caregivers have to shield young hearts and minds from negative influences. It’s not about being overly restrictive, but rather about thoughtfully curating their experiences and gently steering them towards what is good and true. This active guidance, this intentional narrowing, can indeed pave a straighter path for their development.

And the application to our own lives as disciples is equally compelling. If we desire to walk closely with the Lord, we must also “khanak” ourselves. This involves a conscious effort to narrow our focus, to filter our thoughts and desires, and to intentionally direct our gaze towards God. It’s about setting boundaries for our own hearts and minds, protecting ourselves from distractions and temptations that would lead us astray.

Just as a well-tended path guides a traveler, so too does a narrowed way keep us aligned with God’s will.

Let us then, with intention, narrow our way today. Let us be mindful of the paths we tread and the influences we allow into our lives, both for ourselves and for those we guide.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word and for the deeper understanding that comes from exploring its original language. We pray for the discernment to know how to “khanak” the way for those under our care, to guide them with love and intention towards Your light. And we ask for Your strength and grace as we seek to “khanak” our own paths, to narrow our focus on You, to purify our hearts and minds, and to walk steadfastly in Your ways. May our lives be a testament to Your guidance and our hearts ever drawn closer to You. Amen.

When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. This powerful quote reminds us that true discipleship often involves a narrowing of our own desires and a willingness to surrender to God’s will, embracing the sometimes challenging but ultimately life-giving narrow path He sets before us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼