Ed Christian's World

Divine Protection and Unwavering Love…

As this new day unfolds, be assured that the God who orchestrates the cosmos has dispatched His angelic hosts to accompany you. This isn’t a distant promise but a tangible, personal shield.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

Like David, who penned these words not in theory but from the crucible of experience – facing down predators, a giant, and relentless enemies – we too can find solace in this divine guardianship The very angels who heralded Jesus’s birth and heralded His victory over death are now charged with your care. These are not mere guardians, but heaven’s most formidable warriors, dispatched by the king of all creation to secure your path.

Life will undoubtedly present its challenges, casting shadows and igniting battles, just as it did for David. However, our strength lies in the unwavering knowledge that even in our deepest valleys and fiercest conflicts, we are never forsaken. Let this profound truth resonate within you today: you are enveloped by the might of heaven, at the decree of a Father whose love for you is immeasurable.

Dear God, The weight of the battles I face sometimes feels overwhelming, and my own resilience feels frail. Yet, I hold fast to the truth that I am not alone in any of this. Thank You for Your legions of mighty angels, the same who sang at Jesus’ arrival and stood sentinel at His resurrection. When fear threatens to consume me, remind me that I am cradled in Your love, fortified by heaven’s most powerful. May this truth settle the turbulence in my heart and embolden me, for I know that with You as my strength, no challenge is insurmountable because Your love for me knows no limits. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The same eternal Father who tenderly watches over you this day will extend that same unwavering care into tomorrow and all the days that follow. He will either shelter you from the storms, or He will infuse you with an unyielding strength to weather them.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Courage, Faith, and Heavenly Plans…

Only be thou strong and very courageous.   Joshua 1:7

Ah, that’s a powerful message from Joshua! It speaks so directly to the heart’s need for courage. It reminds us that God, in His deep love, doesn’t want us weighed down by doubts and fears. He sees our despondency not as a minor thing, but as a real ailment that needs His healing touch.

Just as a king wouldn’t want sadness in his court, our King of Kings desires us to trade heaviness for praise because we have every reason to rejoice in Him.

A courageous spirit in a Christian not only glorifies God through steadfast endurance but also serves as a powerful example to others. Doubt and discouragement can be contagious, casting a shadow over the entire community of believers. Furthermore, a lack of courage leaves us vulnerable to the attacks of Satan.

But when our spirits are joyful in God, that joy becomes our strength, an impenetrable defense against any darkness. Cheerfulness lightens our burdens and paves the way for success in the work He has given us. Indeed, those who labor with joyful hearts and unwavering faith are guaranteed a harvest of joy.

Heavenly Father, Your Word calls us to be strong and courageous. We confess that often we succumb to fear and doubt, forgetting the immense power and love You have for us. Forgive us for the times we have allowed discouragement to take root in our hearts and spread to those around us. We ask now for a fresh infilling of Your Spirit, that we may be filled with a courage that comes not from our own strength, but from the unwavering certainty of Your presence. Grant us the resilience to face trials with heroic faith, the joy that strengthens us against the enemy, and the cheerful spirit that makes our labor light and fruitful. Help us to be living examples of Your steadfast love and unwavering power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

There is no panic in heaven! God has no problems, only plans. Let this truth anchor our hearts and inspire us to walk forward with strength and great courage.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Desert Place

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
Isaiah 35:1–2, NIV

Experts say that for a desert to see an exceptional bloom of wildflowers, which typically happens only every ten to fifteen years, the conditions have to be just right. The best conditions for a superbloom are a prolonged drought followed by an excessive amount of rain.

Both speak of hardship, struggle, damage, and what seems like nothing good, but the dry season and floods make way for the desert to burst into bloom and as Isaiah says, “Shout for joy.”

You may be in a desert place right now. You have things that you don’t understand, people have done you wrong, the promotion didn’t go through, you have a medical problem. You’ll be tempted to complain, get discouraged, and bitter. God has not forgotten about you.

The drought is a part of His plan. It’s making room for the new things He’s about to do. Stay faithful in the dry season. Yes, the excessive rain is coming and feels like a flood, but seeds of increase, abundance, and new levels are going to take root. A superbloom is coming. Get ready to shout for joy.

Father, thank You for loving me so much that, at times, you take me into a desert place to refine my character and cause me to blossom. Thank You that You’re getting me prepared for the new things You want to do in my life. I will be faithful in the dry seasons. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Enduring Goodness and Love…

Good morning! It’s a beautiful thought to join that timeless chorus, isn’t it? To connect with generations who have found solace and strength in the unchanging goodness of God. Let’s immerse ourselves even more deeply into the heart of Psalm 118:1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.  Psalm. Q88:1

This simple yet profound declaration isn’t just an invitation to express gratitude; it’s a recognition of the fundamental reality that underpins all of existence. The goodness of the Lord isn’t a fleeting attribute or a circumstantial benefit; it’s the very essence of His being. Imagine a core of pure light radiating outwards, influencing everything it touches. That’s the nature of God’s goodness – an inherent, unwavering characteristic that defines His actions and intentions.

And when we consider that “his love endures forever,” we’re touching upon the eternal nature of His chesed. It’s a love that transcends the limitations of time, circumstance, and even our own human frailties. Think of the strongest, most steadfast love you’ve ever witnessed or experienced. Now, amplify that infinitely, strip away any hint of conditionality or fading, and begin to glimpse the enduring nature of God’s love. It’s a constant, a reliable presence that has been, is, and always will be.

This truth becomes our anchor, as you so eloquently put it. In a world characterized by change and uncertainty, the unchanging nature of God’s goodness and love provides a stable foundation. When the storms of life rage, and we feel tossed about it, this bedrock truth reminds us that there is something solid and dependable to hold onto. It’s not a denial of the difficulties we face but a deeper recognition of the unwavering support that surrounds us.

Consider the vastness of the universe, the intricate details of creation, the gift of life itself – all testaments to a God whose very nature is goodness and whose love is boundless. Even in the midst of suffering, the echo of this enduring love can be found in moments of grace, in the kindness of others, in the quiet whispers of hope that refuse to be extinguished

Eternal God, whose goodness is the foundation of all things and whose love stretches beyond the furthest stars, we come before You today with hearts seeking deeper understanding and unwavering trust. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, we thank You for being the constant, the unshakeable source of truth and love. Help us not just recite Psalm 118:1 but to truly internalize its profound meaning. Grant us the wisdom to see Your goodness at work even in the shadows and the faith to rest in the assurance of Your enduring love, especially when our circumstances challenge our understanding. Strengthen us to be vessels of that same goodness and love in the world around us, reflecting Your light to those who need it most. May our lives be a testament to Your faithfulness, yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

The will of God will never take you where the grace of God can not sustain you.
This beautifully encapsulates the essence of Psalm 118:1. Because God is inherently good, His will for us, even when it leads through challenging paths, is ultimately rooted in that goodness. And because His love endures forever, His grace – His empowering presence and favor – will always be there to sustain us through whatever we face.

May this deeper reflection and these words of encouragement resonate with you today, reminding you of the unwavering goodness and everlasting love that surrounds you. And yes, let’s make sure to use some of those precious seconds to express our heartfelt gratitude.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Heed The Spitirts Call Now…

The poignant image of the caged migratory bird during its season speaks volumes. Driven by an innate compass, it yearns for the open sky, its frantic movements a testament to the powerful, God-given impulse to journey.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.  Ephesians 4:4

Yet, if that vital season passes, the same cage door opened reveals a heartbreaking stillness. The inner pull, the very essence of its migratory spirit, seems to have faded, leaving it earthbound even when freedom is offered.

This mirrors our own spiritual lives with striking clarity. The Spirit of God, in His boundless grace, stirs within us at various times, prompting us toward growth, repentance, and the fulfillment of our unique calling.

This divine urging, like the migratory instinct, has its appointed season. To resist this gentle yet persistent call, to perpetually postpone obedience, risks a profound spiritual atrophy.

Our hearts, once sensitive to His whispers, may gradually lose their capacity to hear, to feel the very impulse that could lift us to new heights in Him. When that sacred stirring occurs, when conviction takes root in your soul, heed it without delay. Your season to soar, to answer the high calling, is not a distant tomorrow, but the immediate now.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gentle yet powerful movements of Your Spirit within our hearts. Forgive us for the times we have been deaf to Your call, for the moments we have chosen the comfort of the cage over the expanse of Your will. Grant us discerning hearts to recognize Your voice, and courageous spirits to respond without hesitation. May we not allow the seasons of Your prompting to pass us by, but rather embrace the urgency of Your love and step into the fullness of the purpose You have ordained for us. Amen.

The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children. Similarly, the ultimate testament to our spiritual lives is the responsiveness we cultivate to the Holy Spirit’s promptings in the present moment. Let us choose to be a people who answer the call today.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Shining Light – Living Testimony…

Think about it. Light, by its very nature, dispels darkness. It illuminates, reveals, and guides. When Jesus declared us the light of the world, He wasn’t suggesting we possess some inherent brilliance of our own.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill can not be hidden. Matthew 5:14.

Rather, He was entrusting us with the very light that shines within Him, a reflection of God’s love, grace, and truth. Just as the moon reflects the sun’s radiance, we are meant to reflect the divine light into the world around us.

This isn’t just a poetic sentiment; it’s a profound truth about the impact we are meant to have.
Imagine a dark night. A single flicker of light can be seen from a distance, offering a sense of hope and direction. Now picture a town perched high on a hill, its lights twinkling, a clear and unmistakable presence against the darkness.

This is the image Jesus paints for us. He declares that we, His followers, are meant to be that source of illumination for the world.

This light isn’t our own making. It’s the light of Christ that dwells within us, the radiant love, grace, and truth that He imparts. Just as a lamp needs a power source to shine, we need to be connected to Him to truly illuminate the world around us. Our lives become conduits, reflecting His brilliance into the lives of those we encounter.

The image of a town on a hill emphasizes the visibility of this light. It’s not meant to be concealed or kept private. Our actions, our words, our very way of being are meant to be a testament to the transformative power of God’s love. When we live with integrity, extend compassion, and speak truth, our lives naturally stand out. They become beacons, offering guidance and hope to those who may be lost or struggling in darkness.

This isn’t about striving for attention or accolades. It’s about living authentically in the light we have been given. It’s about allowing the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – to shine through our interactions and decisions. These are the rays that pierce the darkness and draw others closer to the source of true light.

The challenge, of course, is to consistently live in this light. The world often presents opportunities to dim our brightness, to compromise our values, or to hide our faith out of fear or convenience. But Jesus’ words are an encouragement and a call to action. We have been entrusted with this precious light, and we are called to let it shine boldly and unashamedly.

Let us then embrace this calling with renewed purpose. Let our lives be living testimonies to the hope that resides within us. May we be like towns on hills, our light a steady and unwavering guide for those seeking their way.

Gracious Father, thank you for the incredible gift of your light, the light of your Son, Jesus, that now lives within us. Forgive us for the times we have allowed fear or doubt to dim its radiance. Grant us the courage and strength to live openly and authentically, reflecting your love and truth in all that we do. Help us to be beacons of hope in a world that often feels shadowed, drawing others to your light through our words and our actions. May our lives be a testament to your goodness and grace.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Promise  – Unchanging Hope…

It’s truly awe-inspiring to consider the weight of God’s declaration, “By Myself, I have sworn.” As so eloquently stated, this isn’t a casual affirmation; it’s the Almighty binding Himself to His word with the very essence of His being.

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.  Hebrews 6:17,18

When we mortals swear, we invoke something greater than ourselves, something we hold sacred, as a testament to our sincerity. But when God swears by Himself, there is no higher authority, no greater truth, no more profound guarantee. He stakes His own eternal existence on the veracity of His promises.

This act on Mount Moriah, where Abraham’s faith reached its zenith, became a pivotal moment. God, witnessing such profound obedience and trust, sealed His covenant with an oath that echoes through eternity. This oath wasn’t just for Abraham, then; it extends to us now, the “heirs of what was promised,” as the book of Hebrews beautifully articulates.

Think about the implications: every promise in Scripture, every assurance of His love, every declaration of His faithfulness is underwritten by the unshakeable reality of who God is. He cannot lie; it is antithetical to His nature. Therefore, His promises are not mere suggestions or hopeful possibilities; they are anchors for our souls, steadfast and secure amidst the storms of life.

Here we’ve touched upon a profound connection – the offering on Moriah foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice on Calvary. Just as Abraham willingly offered his beloved son, God offered His only Son, Jesus, on that very ground. This act wasn’t just a demonstration of love; it was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s sworn promise to redeem humanity. His life, poured out on the cross, stands as the ultimate guarantee of His unwavering commitment to us.

Therefore, let us approach God’s Word not with hesitant hope but with unwavering confidence. Let us embrace His promises with the full assurance that they are backed by the most powerful force in the universe – the very life of God.

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your self-sworn oath. Thank You for binding Yourself to Your word with the very essence of Your being. Help us to grasp the profound security we have in Your promises, knowing they are guaranteed by Your unchanging nature and sealed by the sacrifice of Your Son. Strengthen our faith to take hold of the hope set before us, to believe Your Word at full strength, and to live in the unwavering confidence of Your love. Amen.

God’s promises are never fulfilled as cheaply as we expect. They cost Him something, they cost us something, they cost the world something.

Let this truth deepen our appreciation for the weight and worth of every promise God has made. They are not given lightly but are backed by the very lifeblood of our Savior and the eternal integrity of our God. Embrace them fully today.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Psalm 23 As I Dig Deeper…

Ah, Psalm 23, a timeless melody of comfort and trust! This is my favorite psalm, and I would like to share with you what it is truly telling us. Come with me as I delve into its depths and open your heart to its real message.

This short psalm, attributed to King David, isn’t just a pretty poem; it’s a profound declaration of faith and reliance on God, using the gentle imagery of a shepherd caring for his sheep. Each line unfolds a deeper facet of this relationship.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

This opening statement sets the tone. To declare “The Lord is my shepherd” is a personal affirmation of a direct and intimate relationship. The phrase “I shall not want” doesn’t necessarily mean the absence of all desires, but rather the deep satisfaction and provision found in the shepherd’s care. A well-tended sheep lacks nothing essential for its well-being.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.”

Here, we see the shepherd actively guiding and caring for the sheep. “Green pastures” speak of nourishment, rest, and abundance. “Still waters” offer refreshment, tranquility, and safety. In contrast to rushing, dangerous streams, these waters provide peace and security.

“He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

When a sheep is weary, lost, or injured, the shepherd restores it. Spiritually, this speaks of God’s ability to revive our spirits, heal our wounds, and bring us back to wholeness. “Paths of righteousness” are not necessarily about moral perfection, but rather the right paths, the safe and beneficial ways that the shepherd guides his flock. This guidance is “for His name’s sake,” highlighting God’s faithfulness to His character and promises.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

This is perhaps the most powerful and comforting verse. The “valley of the shadow of death” represents life’s darkest and most challenging times – loss, suffering, fear. Yet, the presence of the shepherd banishes fear. The “rod” was used for protection against predators and for guiding the flock, while the “staff” offered support and could be used to gently direct the sheep. These tools symbolize God’s protection, guidance, and constant presence, bringing comfort even in the face of mortality.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

This verse shifts the imagery slightly, from a wilderness setting to a banquet. Even amidst opposition (“my enemies”), God provides abundantly (“a table before me”). The anointing with oil was a sign of honor, blessing, and consecration. The “overflowing cup” signifies an abundance of blessings, joy, and spiritual fulfillment that surpasses all measure.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

The psalm concludes with a confident declaration of God’s unwavering goodness and mercy pursuing the speaker throughout their life. “Follow me” suggests a constant, active presence of these divine attributes. The final phrase, “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” speaks of eternal security, belonging, and communion with God.

Gentle Shepherd, thank You for being our guide and protector. We acknowledge Your constant care and provision in our lives. When we wander, bring us back to Your paths of righteousness. In times of darkness and fear, remind us of Your unwavering presence, Your comforting rod, and staff. Prepare a table of blessings before us, even in the face of adversity, and anoint us with Your grace. May Your goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives, and may we find our eternal dwelling in Your loving presence. Amen.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”

This encapsulates the core message of Psalm 23: unwavering trust and courage in the face of life’s greatest challenges, knowing that God’s presence is our ultimate comfort and security.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Souls Ache and Anchored Hope…

Some days, your soul speaks louder than your faith. The psalmist knew that hollow ache—when God feels distant and hope flickers like a dying flame. But instead of silencing his sorrow or shaming himself for feeling it, he does something courageous: he talks back.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.  Psalm 42:11

It’s true, isn’t it? Some days, that inner ache drowns out the melody of our faith. The psalmist, a man intimately acquainted with the divine, didn’t shy away from that raw vulnerability. He didn’t pretend the darkness wasn’t there. Instead, he turned inward, not with condemnation, but with a searching question: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?”

This isn’t a superficial glance; it’s a deep dive into the heart’s current. It’s acknowledging the weight, the turmoil, without immediately trying to plaster over it with platitudes. It’s a courageous act of self-awareness, a holy moment of diagnosis before reaching for the cure. And what is that remedy? “Put your hope in God.”

Notice the grounding here. It’s not a suggestion to conjure up a feeling, a fleeting emotional high. It’s a deliberate act of placing our trust in something steadfast, something that doesn’t ebb and flow with our feelings or circumstances. Hope, in this context, isn’t a fragile emotion; it’s an anchor tethered to the unshakeable character of God.

Then comes that powerful little word: “yet.” “I will yet praise Him.” It’s a declaration made in the valley, a defiant whisper in the face of despair. It acknowledges the present struggle, the current disconnect, but it refuses to let that be the final word. “Yet” is the bridge between what is and what will be, a testament to a memory of God’s faithfulness that transcends the immediate pain. It’s a quiet rebellion against the soul’s despair, a conscious choice to remember truth even when our emotions scream otherwise.

A downcast soul isn’t a sign of spiritual defeat. It’s a human experience, a landscape the psalmist himself traversed. It’s an invitation, not to self-recrimination, but to a deeper form of faith – one that isn’t afraid of honesty. It calls us to preach truth to our own hearts, to speak the promises we know, to believe them even when belief feels thin, and yes, even to sing them, however brokenly.

Because our Savior hasn’t retreated. His presence isn’t contingent on our feelings. He remains, a constant in our ever-changing emotional terrain. And in that unwavering presence lies a trustworthiness that endures, even in the midst of our deepest struggles.

Faith isn’t about perpetually feeling a certain way. It’s about the deliberate act of holding onto the truths our reason has embraced, even when our moods shift like the tides. It’s the quiet strength to say, “Yet, I will trust. Yet, I will hope. Yet, I will praise,” not because we feel it, but because we know it to be true.

Dear Father, When my soul feels heavier than my hope, thank You for meeting me with mercy, not shame. You never ask me to fake joy—you invite me to find it again in You. When doubts rise and faith feels small, help me speak truth to my heart. Remind me that honesty with You isn’t failure—it’s the first step toward healing. Even here, teach me the brave rebellion of yet-praise. I may waver, but You remain—and that is enough. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Better Part: Being In Presence…

When Martha complained to Jesus that her sister Mary wasn’t helping in the preparations and just sitting at his feet, the Lord gave an interesting answer. He tells her that only one thing is necessary, and Mary has chosen the better part.

It’s truly thought-provoking how Jesus responded to Martha’s very practical concern. In the midst of all the demands of hospitality, He gently steered her focus toward something deeper, something eternal.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.  Psalm 95:2

You’re right, when we list our needs, they often revolve around the tangible aspects of life. But Jesus highlights a singular necessity: being in His presence.

Digging a little deeper, consider the context. Jesus wasn’t dismissing the importance of practical help; after all, He often benefited from the care and generosity of others. However, in that moment, He was revealing a profound truth about human existence.

Our deepest longing isn’t ultimately for comfort, security, or even accomplishment but for connection with our Creator. Mary, by choosing to sit at His feet and listen, was prioritizing that fundamental need. She was soaking in the very source of life and truth.

This wasn’t a passive inactivity but an active engagement of her heart and mind with the divine. It speaks to a truth that resonates even today: in the busyness of life, we often neglect the one thing that truly nourishes our souls. This “better part” isn’t just a pleasant pastime; it’s the foundation upon which everything else should be built.

When we prioritize His presence, our perspectives shift, our priorities align, and we find a deeper sense of peace and purpose that worldly pursuits can never offer.

Heavenly Father, in the quiet of this moment, we acknowledge Your profound truth. Forgive us for the times we’ve allowed the urgent to overshadow the essential – the precious gift of Your presence. Help us to cultivate a hunger for that deeper connection, to carve out space in our days to simply be with You, to listen to Your voice, and to know Your peace. May we, like Mary, choose the better part, recognizing that in Your presence is fullness of joy. Amen.

You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. Let us live as though this truth – the paramount importance of being in God’s presence – is indeed a matter of life and eternal life.

Walk daily with God at your side

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼