Ed Christian's World

A Profound Separation: God’s Design in Division

And God divided the light from the darkness. — Genesis 1:4

A Profound Separation: God’s Design in Division
In the breathtaking simplicity of Genesis 1:4, we encounter a foundational act of divine creation, one that extends far beyond the mere separation of day and night. “And God divided the light from the darkness.” This isn’t just a physical phenomenon; it’s a profound theological statement, a revelation of God’s character and His intentional ordering of His creation.

Before this division, there was an undifferentiated “formless and void” (Genesis 1:2). It was a primordial soup where light and darkness, if they existed in any meaningful way, were indistinguishable. But God, with purposeful precision, stepped into this ambiguity and drew a clear line.

He didn’t merely create light; He separated it from the darkness. This act speaks volumes about His nature as a God of order, distinction, and clarity. He doesn’t tolerate chaos indefinitely; He brings forth definition and purpose.

Consider the implications for our own lives. How often do we find ourselves in states of spiritual “formlessness and void,” where truth and deception, hope and despair, God’s will and our own desires, seem to blend indistinguishably?

Like the primordial earth, our inner worlds can become muddled and confusing. Yet, just as God acted in creation, He desires to act within us. He yearns to divide the light from the darkness in our hearts, minds, and souls.

This division is not about eliminating darkness entirely, for darkness has its place – in rest, in mystery, in the quiet of the night. But it is about establishing the supremacy of light, the clarity of truth, and the discernment that comes from walking with God.

When God divides, He empowers us to recognize what is of Him and what is not. He calls us to a life of conscious choice, to embrace the light of His presence and reject the shadows of sin and doubt. Furthermore, this verse reminds us that God is actively involved in the details of our existence.

He doesn’t just set things in motion and withdraw; He orchestrates, He defines, He brings order out of disorder. This divine division is an ongoing process in the life of the believer, a continuous sanctification where God illuminates the path and helps us navigate the complexities of a fallen world.

As we reflect on this simple yet profound verse, let us invite the Divine Separator to work within us. Let us pray for the discernment to distinguish between light and darkness in every area of our lives, aligning ourselves with His holy purposes.

Oh Gracious God, You who in the beginning divided the light from the darkness, we pray that You would continue this divine work within us. Illuminate the hidden corners of our hearts, exposing every shadow and bringing clarity to every confusion. Grant us the discernment to distinguish Your truth from deception, Your will from our own desires, and Your paths from the pathways of the world. May Your light ever guide our steps and purify our souls, that we may walk in the brilliance of Your presence. Amen.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  – John 1:5

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Predestined vs Free…

The question of predestination and free will is a complex one in Christian theology, with differing interpretations, particularly between Calvinism and other perspectives.

1. Calvinistic View (as presented by your friend):
Predestination in Calvinism emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty in choosing who will be saved and who will be lost.
Some Calvinists believe this implies a “double predestination”, where God actively chooses some for salvation and others for damnation.
This view often sees human will as so affected by sin that individuals are incapable of choosing salvation on their own.
Therefore, salvation is seen as entirely God’s work, not dependent on human choice or action.
Some Calvinists believe that God’s predestining work is passive in the case of the unsaved (preterition), meaning He simply “passes over” them, allowing them to remain in their sinful state.

God’s offer of salvation. This idea of compatibilism suggests that God’s control and human freedom are not mutually exclusive. Passages like Philippians 2:12-13, which encourages believers to “work out their salvation” while acknowledging God’s work within them, beautifully illustrate this dynamic. It acknowledges that while our will isn’t absolutely free from the effects of sin, it is free enough to respond to God’s invitation.
Key biblical passages like Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:4-5 are indeed central to these discussions. While some interpret them to emphasize God’s absolute sovereignty in predestination, others connect predestination with God’s foreknowledge of who will respond to His grace. Conversely, verses like Joshua 24:15 (“choose this day whom you will serve”) and Revelation 3:20 (Jesus knocking at the door) strongly underscore human responsibility and the call to believe.

Ultimately, both aspects—God’s sovereignty and human responsibility—are present in the Bible. How they perfectly coexist remains a subject of ongoing theological discussion, often acknowledged as a mystery that transcends full human comprehension.

God preordained, for His glory and the display of His attributes of mercy and justice, a part of the human race, without any merit of their own, to eternal salvation, and another part, in just punishment of their sin, to eternal damnation.

2. Other Perspectives (including yours):
Many Christians believe the Bible affirms both predestination and free will.
They see predestination as a doctrine emphasizing God’s sovereign plan and foreknowledge of who will be saved.
However, they also believe that humans have the capacity to make genuine choices and are responsible for their response to God’s offer of salvation.The idea of “compatibilism” is sometimes used to describe the view that God’s sovereign control and human freedom are compatible. This perspective emphasizes that within God’s larger plan, individuals still make real choices and are held accountable for them.
For example, Philippians 2:12-13 urges believers to “work out their salvation” while acknowledging that it is God who is at work within them….

This perspective acknowledges that human will is not entirely free in an absolute sense due to influences like sin, but it is free enough to respond to God’s invitation.

3. Key Passages and Interpretation:
Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:4-5 are often cited in discussions of predestination.
These verses mention God foreknowing and predestining believers for salvation and adoption, according to His purpose and will.
However, interpreting these passages in isolation can lead to differing conclusions.
Some see these as emphasizing God’s absolute sovereignty, while others link predestination to God’s foreknowledge of who would respond to His grace.

Passages emphasizing human responsibility and the call to believe, such as Joshua 24:15 (“choose this day whom you will serve”) and Revelation 3:20 (Jesus knocking at the door), are also considered.

In summary, while Calvinism strongly emphasizes predestination as God’s unconditional choice, other interpretations, like the one you hold, seek to harmonize predestination with free will, acknowledging both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility in the matter of salvation.

The Bible itself presents both aspects, and how they coexist remains a subject of theological debate and a potential mystery that transcends human understanding.

Like you, I believe in free will and that everyone has to choose to accept JesusS his / hers personal savior.

The tension between predestination and free will is a profound and enduring topic in Christian theology, and it’s clear you’ve both given it significant thought. Your friend’s Calvinistic perspective highlights God’s absolute sovereignty in salvation, where human will is seen as incapacitated by sin, making salvation entirely a work of God’s grace. This often leads to the idea of “double predestination,” where God actively chooses some for salvation and “passes over” others.

Your perspective, shared by many Christians, seeks to harmonize these concepts. You believe that while God has a sovereign plan and foreknowledge, humans still possess the capacity to make genuine choices and are responsible for their response to God’s offer of salvation. This idea of compatibilism suggests that God’s control and human freedom are not mutually exclusive. Passages like Philippians 2:12-13, which encourages believers to “work out their salvation” while acknowledging God’s work within them, beautifully illustrate this dynamic.

It acknowledges that while our will isn’t absolutely free from the effects of sin, it is free enough to respond to God’s invitation.
Key biblical passages like Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:4-5 are indeed central to these discussions. While some interpret them to emphasize God’s absolute sovereignty in predestination, others connect predestination with God’s foreknowledge of who will respond to His grace. Conversely, verses like Joshua 24:15 (“choose this day whom you will serve”) and Revelation 3:20 (Jesus knocking at the door) strongly underscore human responsibility and the call to believe.

Ultimately, both aspects—God’s sovereignty and human responsibility—are present in the Bible. How they perfectly coexist remains a subject of ongoing theological discussion, often acknowledged as a mystery that transcends full human comprehension.

God preordained, for His glory and the display of His attributes of mercy and justice, a part of the human race, without any merit of their own, to eternal salvation, and another part, in just punishment of their sin, to eternal damnation.

Dear Heavenly Father, We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance on the profound truths of Your Word. We thank You for the gift of salvation and Your unfailing love. We ask for clarity and understanding as we grapple with the concepts of predestination and free will. Help us to embrace the beautiful mystery of Your sovereignty while also recognizing the precious gift of our ability to choose You. May our pursuit of these truths draw us closer to You and deepen our faith. Strengthen us to walk daily by Your side, always responding to Your call with open hearts and willing spirits. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Intimacy of the Divine Goel

The concept of “goel” in ancient Israel was deeply rooted in family and covenant. The kinsman-redeemer was responsible for protecting the family’s lineage, property, and honor. This could involve buying back land, avenging a death, or, as you pointed out, marrying a barren widow to raise up an heir.

When Psalm 103:4 declares that God “goels” our life from the pit, it’s a powerful revelation. It reveals God’s commitment to us isn’t distant or transactional, but profoundly personal. He doesn’t just “redeem” us in a general sense; He enters into a covenant relationship with us, taking on the role of our closest kin.

He binds Himself to us, not out of obligation, but out of an overflowing love that seeks to make us fruitful.

This isn’t merely about rescue from despair or sin, but about a divine union that transforms barrenness into abundance. Just as the kinsman-redeemer’s act ensured the continuation of a family line, God’s “goeling” of our lives ensures our spiritual legacy. Our fruitfulness, our purpose, and our abundant blessings spring directly from this intimate connection.

As Isaiah 47:4 resounds, “As for our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.” His very name, “LORD of hosts,” speaks to His power and sovereignty, yet He chooses to wield that power as our most intimate Kinsman.

To truly experience the fullness of God’s “goeling” power, we are called to lean into this intimacy. It’s a daily, intentional pursuit of closeness—a desire to be as joined and as one with God as humanly possible in every aspect of our lives. When we make this our aim, our lives can’t help but overflow with the fruit of His Spirit, fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.

Heavenly Father, we are awestruck by Your heart to be our Goel, our kinsman-redeemer. Thank You for not just saving us, but for drawing us into such a profound and intimate union with Yourself. Forgive us for the times we have kept You at a distance. Today, we surrender more of ourselves to You. We pray for a deeper hunger to know You more intimately, to be more joined to You in thought, word, and deed. May our lives be a testament to Your fruitfulness as we live ever closer to Your heart. Amen.

God does not merely save us from the pit; He marries us, becoming one with us, so that our lives cannot help but bear fruit.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Called to Be Saints

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Roman believers, opens with a profound declaration: “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7).

What an incredible greeting! Notice that Paul doesn’t say, “To all in Rome who try to be saints,” or “To all in Rome who might one day become saints.” No, he addresses them as those already called to be saints.

This isn’t a title reserved for a select few spiritual giants or those who live in cloistered monasteries. The word “saint” (Greek: hagios) fundamentally means “holy one” or “set apart.” It speaks to our new identity in Christ. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are immediately, by God’s grace, set apart for His purposes. We are His, no longer belonging to the world and its systems.

This calling has profound implications for our daily lives. If we are called to be saints, it means we are called to live holy lives, not out of our own strength or effort, but empowered by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. It means we are to reflect the character of Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions. It means we are to pursue righteousness, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

This calling is both a gift and a responsibility. It’s a gift because it’s based on God’s love and His work on the cross, not on our merit. It’s a responsibility because, having been set apart, we are now His ambassadors, called to shine His light in a world desperately needing hope. Let us embrace this glorious identity today, remembering that we are truly “called to be saints.”

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible truth that we are loved by You and called to be saints. Forgive us for the times we have forgotten this high calling or lived in a way that dishonors Your name. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to walk worthy of the calling You have placed upon our lives. Help us to live as Your set-apart people, reflecting the holiness and love of Christ to everyone we encounter. May our lives bring glory to Your name. Amen.

The calling of God is not a calling to a particular job or location, but to a particular person—the Lord Jesus Christ. When you are called to be a saint, you are called to be like Him.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Lamb’s Triumph: Called, Chosen, and Faithful

Revelation 17:14 (NIV): “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.”

In the midst of Revelation’s vivid imagery and prophecies, this verse shines as a beacon of unwavering hope and divine assurance. It paints a cosmic battle, not of uncertainty, but of guaranteed victory. The forces of the world may array themselves against the divine, but their efforts are futile. Why?

Because the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is not merely a participant; He is the sovereign Lord of lords and King of kings. His authority is absolute, His power unmatched, and His triumph inevitable.

This verse isn’t just about a future event; it’s a profound truth for our present reality. We live in a world that often feels at war with the values and principles of Christ. We encounter opposition, spiritual battles, and personal struggles that can make us feel overwhelmed.

Yet, Revelation 17:14 reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to the Victorious Lamb.
What’s even more remarkable is the inclusion of “His called, chosen and faithful followers.”

We are not mere spectators in this grand narrative. We are intimately linked with the Victor. Our identity is defined by our relationship with Him.
* Called: We are not here by accident. God has specifically called us into His purpose and kingdom.
* Chosen: Before time began, He set His affection upon us, choosing us to be His own.
* Faithful: This is our response to His calling and choosing – a life lived in loyal devotion and trust, even when circumstances are challenging.

Our faithfulness isn’t what earns His victory; rather, it’s our participation in the victory He has already secured. As we remain faithful, we reflect His light, live out His truth, and stand firm in the assurance of His ultimate reign. This truth empowers us to face any opposition with courage, knowing that we are on the winning side, led by the King of kings.

The cross is not the defeat of God but the victory of God.

Heavenly Father, We stand in awe of Your majestic power and the glorious truth revealed in Your Word. We thank You for the Lamb, Jesus Christ, our Lord of lords and King of kings, whose triumph is assured and eternal. Lord, we confess that at times the battles of this world can feel overwhelming, and our faith can waver. Forgive us for moments of doubt and fear. Strengthen us, we pray, to remember that we are Your called, chosen, and faithful followers, united with the Victorious One. Help us to live lives that reflect Your sovereignty, to walk in faithfulness, and to stand firm against all opposition, knowing that Your victory is our victory. May our lives bring glory to Your name, now and forever. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼 

Worthy Is The Lord….

Revelation 4:11 declares a profound truth about God: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.” This single verse encapsulates the very essence of divine worthiness, grounding it firmly in God’s role as Creator and Sustainer of all existence.
Let’s unpack the layers of this powerful declaration:

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power…

The opening phrase establishes God’s inherent worthiness. It’s not something He earns from us, but something that is intrinsically His. He is “our Lord and God,” signifying His sovereignty over our lives and His divine nature. The call to give Him “glory and honor and power” is a recognition of His supreme authority, majesty, and omnipotence. Glory speaks to His radiant splendor and renown. Honor speaks to the high esteem and reverence due to Him. Power speaks to His absolute might and ability to accomplish all His purposes. When we truly grasp His worthiness, our natural response is adoration and submission.

…for You created all things…

Here lies the foundational reason for His worthiness: He is the Creator. Every star, every galaxy, every mountain, every ocean, every living creature, and indeed, every human being, owes its existence to Him. This isn’t just a historical fact; it’s a present reality. The intricate design, the delicate balance of ecosystems, the vastness of the cosmos, and the complexity of life all bear the unmistakable fingerprint of a masterful Creator. His creative act demonstrates His infinite wisdom, boundless imagination, and unparalleled power.

…and by Your will they were created and have their being.

This part emphasizes not just the act of creation but the purposeful nature of it. Nothing exists by accident or chance. Everything was brought into being “by Your will.” This highlights God’s intentionality and sovereignty. Furthermore, things “have their being” by His will. This means He doesn’t just create and then abandon; He actively sustains. Every breath we take, every beat of our heart, every moment of existence is dependent on His ongoing will. He is not merely the architect but also the continuous sustainer of the universe. This truth should fill us with awe and profound gratitude.

When we meditate on Revelation 4:11, we are invited to shift our perspective from our own concerns and achievements to the magnificent reality of who God is. It calls us to a posture of worship, recognizing that all we are and all we have comes from Him. Our lives, our talents, our resources – they are not our own, but gifts from the One who created and sustains all things. Therefore, our highest calling is to live in a way that brings Him the glory, honor, and power He so richly deserves.

Almighty God, our glorious Creator and Sustainer, we humble ourselves before You, acknowledging Your infinite worthiness. We confess that You alone are Lord and God, deserving of all glory, honor, and power. Thank You for creating all things by Your magnificent will, and for sustaining every breath we take and every moment of our being. Open our eyes, Lord, to see Your hand in all creation, and to live lives that reflect Your splendor. May our words, our actions, and our very existence bring You the adoration You are due. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

The greatest need of the human heart is not for more possessions, more pleasure, or more power, but for the knowledge of God, and the worship that flows from that knowledge.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼 

Enduring for Glory

Romans 8:18 declares, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” This powerful verse, penned by the Apostle Paul, offers a profound perspective on the trials and tribulations we face in life.

But Paul, who knew suffering intimately – shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, hunger, thirst – offers a radical shift in perspective. He doesn’t minimize suffering; he acknowledges its reality.

It’s a declaration of hope, an anchor for the soul, and a reminder of the incredible destiny that awaits believers.

Think for a moment about your own “present sufferings.” They might be physical ailments, emotional pain, financial struggles, relational difficulties, or the weight of unfulfilled desires.

In the midst of these, it’s so easy to become overwhelmed, to feel as if the burdens are too heavy to bear. Our vision can become clouded by the immediate pain, and the future can appear bleak.

Yet, he juxtaposes it with something far greater: “the glory that will be revealed in us.” This isn’t just about some distant, nebulous future; it’s about a profound transformation, a full revelation of God’s perfect plan and presence within us and around us.

This future glory encompasses so much: the complete eradication of pain and sorrow, perfect peace, unending joy, and an intimate, unhindered communion with our Creator. It’s a glory that will make every tear shed, every struggle endured, every sacrifice made, seem utterly insignificant in comparison. It’s a glory that will confirm the faithfulness of God and the ultimate triumph of His love.

So, when the weight of your present sufferings feels unbearable, lean into this verse. Let it reorient your perspective. It’s not about denying your pain, but about recognizing that it is temporary and serves a greater purpose.

God is at work, even in the midst of your trials, preparing you for a glory that will utterly eclipse all that you now experience. Hold fast to this truth, for your story does not end with suffering; it culminates in an unveiling of unimaginable glory.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound truth of Romans 8:18. We confess that, at times, our present sufferings can feel overwhelming and consuming. Forgive us for losing sight of Your glorious promises. Help us, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to fix our eyes not on what is seen and temporary but on what is unseen and eternal. Grant us the grace to endure with hope, knowing that every trial is working for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. May our lives be a testament to Your faithfulness, as we eagerly await the full revelation of Your glory in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If God be glorified in my body, whether by life or by death, I shall be content; for I am well assured that, whatever be the issue, my present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in me.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Cry of the Heart: When Silence is Deafening

Psalm 28:1 opens with a desperate plea, a raw cry from the heart of someone facing profound distress. “Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent to me.” This isn’t just a request for attention; it’s an acknowledgment of God as the only stable foundation in a chaotic world – “my rock.”

The urgency is palpable, the fear of divine silence consuming. To be left unheard by God, the psalmist suggests, is to descend into the pit of despair, to become like those who are utterly lost and without hope.

The unique history of this verse lies in its deep resonance with human experience across millennia. It speaks to the universal fear of abandonment, particularly by the one we believe can truly save us. Historically, this psalm is attributed to David, a man who knew both the heights of divine favor and the depths of personal anguish, betrayal, and flight.

Imagine David, hunted by Saul, or facing the rebellion of his own son Absalom, pouring out his soul in such words. His “rock” was being tested, and the silence of God in such moments would have been unbearable.

Think of those times in your own life when you have cried out to God, and it felt as though your prayers bounced off a silent heaven. Perhaps it was during a period of illness, a financial crisis, a strained relationship, or a profound loss. In those moments, the fear of “going down into the pit” can be very real – the pit of hopelessness, depression, or spiritual despondency.

But the very act of crying out, as the psalmist does, is an act of faith. It acknowledges God’s power and willingness to hear. Even when God’s response isn’t immediate or what we expect, the act of prayer itself strengthens our connection to Him.

We are called not to give up but to persist in our petitions, trusting that our Rock will not ultimately be silent. His timing and His ways are perfect, even when they are beyond our understanding.

Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.

This powerful quote by Gandhi beautifully complements Psalm 28:1. It reminds us that the essence of prayer is not eloquent speech but the genuine longing and humility of a dependent soul.

The psalmist’s cry is not a carefully crafted theological treatise; it is a raw, heartfelt expression of need, stemming from a profound awareness of human weakness and divine strength. When we pray from this place of genuine longing, our hearts connect with the heart of God, regardless of the words we use.

O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer, I come before You today with the cries of my heart. There are times, Father, when the burdens of life press heavily upon me, and Your silence feels deafening. I confess my fear of being left to myself, of sinking into the pit of despair. But I choose to remember that You are my steadfast foundation, my unchanging hope. Hear my plea, Lord, and do not be silent to me. Grant me the grace to trust in Your perfect timing and Your unfailing love, even when I do not understand. Strengthen my faith that I may continue to cry out to You, knowing that You are always attentive to the longing of my soul. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

When Stillness Becomes Strength

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. – Exodus 14:14

Imagine the scene: The Israelites, fresh from generations of slavery, stand at the edge of the Red Sea. Behind them, Pharaoh’s mighty army thunders closer, chariots churning dust, swords glinting in the desert sun. Before them, an impassable expanse of water. Panic, fear, and desperation must have surged through the camp. “Why have you brought us out here to die?” they surely cried.

In the midst of this overwhelming terror, Moses speaks a word from God that must have sounded utterly counterintuitive: “You need only to be still.”

Stillness. Not strategizing, not fighting, not fleeing, but simply being still. This wasn’t a call to inaction born of apathy, but a command to a profound trust in the omnipotent God. It was a directive to release their grip on their own understanding, their own strength, and their own solutions, and to allow God to step in and reveal His power.

How often do we find ourselves in similar situations? Perhaps not with an army at our heels and a sea before us, but facing overwhelming debt, a debilitating illness, a fractured relationship, or a daunting career challenge.

Our first instinct is often to scramble, to worry, to control, to “fix” it ourselves. We burn the midnight oil, exhaust ourselves with anxiety, and try every human-devised solution, only to find ourselves more stressed and no closer to a resolution.

Exodus 14:14 reminds us of a fundamental truth: some battles are not ours to fight. Some situations are so far beyond our capacity that our striving only hinders God’s work. When we are still, we are not passive; we are actively choosing to place our trust in the One who is infinitely more powerful and resourceful than we are. We are acknowledging His sovereignty and inviting Him to move in ways we could never imagine.

Stillness in this context is not idleness; it is an active posture of faith. It’s a surrender that opens the door for divine intervention. It’s the quiet confidence that allows us to witness God’s miraculous provision, just as the Israelites witnessed the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of their oppressors without lifting a sword.

Today, what “Red Sea” stands before you? What “Pharaoh” is pursuing you? Take a deep breath. Release your grip. Be still. Not with resignation, but with expectant faith. For the Lord Himself will fight for you.

Heavenly Father, we confess that often our first response to trouble is to panic, to strive, and to try to control situations in our own strength. Forgive us for our lack of trust. Lord, we hear Your word today: “You need only to be still.” Help us to truly grasp the depth of this command. Teach us to quiet our anxious hearts, to release our burdens into Your capable hands, and to rest in the certainty that You are fighting on our behalf. Open our eyes to see Your mighty hand at work, even when we cannot discern it. We surrender our fears, our worries, and our need to control, and we embrace the power of stillness, trusting fully in Your unfailing love and limitless power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faith is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. There is no triumph unless you have struggled with your fears.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Foundation of True Wisdom…

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

In a world constantly seeking the next great idea, the latest trend, or the quickest path to success, we are often told that wisdom comes from experience, education, or even raw intelligence. While these certainly play a role in accumulating knowledge, true wisdom, according to the ancient proverb, begins in a far more profound place: the fear of the Lord.

This “fear” isn’t a cowering terror, but a deep reverence, an awe-filled respect for the Creator of all things. It’s the recognition of His absolute sovereignty, His perfect holiness, and His unfathomable love. When we truly grasp who God is, our perspective shifts. Our priorities are realign. We begin to see ourselves, our lives, and the world around us through His divine lens.

From this respectful awe springs genuine knowledge of the Holy One. It’s not merely intellectual assent to theological concepts but an intimate, personal understanding that transforms our hearts and minds. This knowledge isn’t gleaned from textbooks alone; it’s forged in prayer, in worship, in studying His Word, and in surrendering our will to His.

When we prioritize fearing the Lord and diligently pursuing knowledge of Him, we lay the only true foundation for lasting wisdom and understanding. We gain insight that transcends earthly limitations, guidance that never fails, and a peace that the world cannot give. This is not just a verse for scholars or theologians; it is a profound truth for every person seeking a life of purpose, meaning, and true fulfillment.

The fear of the Lord is not just a feeling; it is the fertile soil from which all genuine wisdom grows, bearing the fruit of understanding that truly satisfies the soul.

Heavenly Father, We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging Your supreme greatness and holiness. Forgive us for the times we have sought wisdom in worldly pursuits alone, neglecting the one true source. Open our eyes, Lord, to understand what it means to truly fear You – not with dread, but with a profound reverence and awe for who You are. Grant us the grace to diligently seek knowledge of You, not just intellectually, but with a desire for a deeper, more intimate relationship. May this fear and knowledge be the starting point for all our understanding, guiding our steps, illuminating our decisions, and shaping our lives according to Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼