Ed Christian's World

Loving God, Hating Evil…

Ye that love the Lord hate evil. — Psalms 97:10

This verse from the Psalms isn’t a suggestion; it’s a profound truth about the nature of a genuine relationship with God. It tells us that loving the Lord isn’t merely an emotion or a passive belief; it’s an active, transformative force that reshapes our desires, our priorities, and our very affections.

If we truly love the Lord, then a natural, indeed, an inevitable outflow of that love is a deep and abiding hatred for evil.

Consider what evil is: it’s everything that stands in opposition to God’s character, His will, and His perfect design. Evil is what brings pain, destruction, injustice, and separation. It’s the antithesis of all that is good, true, and holy. How then, can one genuinely love the author of all goodness and simultaneously tolerate, or even delight in, that which opposes Him?

Our love for God isn’t just about what we embrace; it’s also about what we reject. To love Him means to align ourselves with His heart, and His heart is fiercely opposed to evil. This “hatred” for evil isn’t a bitter, vindictive emotion in the human sense, but rather a righteous indignation that springs from a deep reverence for God’s holiness and a fervent desire for His kingdom to come. It’s a spiritual discernment that recognizes evil for what it is and actively recoils from it.

This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we truly hate evil? Do we actively resist the temptations and influences of darkness in our lives and in the world around us? Or do we sometimes compromise, rationalize, or even flirt with things we know are contrary to God’s will?

The call of Psalms 97:10 is a call to moral purity, to a radical alignment with God’s righteousness. It reminds us that our love for the Lord is proven not just by our worship and our words, but by the tangible choices we make to turn away from sin and to stand for what is right. As we grow in our love for Him, our hatred for evil will naturally deepen, leading us to live lives that truly honor His name.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts that desire to love You more deeply. Forgive us for the times we have tolerated evil, compromised with sin, or failed to stand against that which opposes Your holy character. Ignite within us a fervent and righteous hatred for all that is evil, just as You hate it. Grant us the wisdom and the courage to discern evil in all its forms, and the strength to turn away from it, both in our own lives and in the world around us. May our love for You be so profound that it compels us to actively pursue righteousness and to shine Your light in a dark world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.

In the context of Psalms 97:10, indifference to evil is a form of not loving God because a true love for God necessitates an active hatred of that which opposes Him.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Trust, Praise, and Gratitude…

The Holy Spirit reminds us today to refuse to worry and instead fill our minds with trusting and thankful thoughts. As Psalm 31:14 declares, “But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my GOD.'” This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s an invitation to a powerful shift in our perspective.

When we combine praise and trust, something potent happens. This combination isn’t just a feeling; it’s an act of faith that actively drives away anxiety and the powers of darkness. It also deeply strengthens our relationship with God. You might still have legitimate concerns to deal with, and that’s okay.

The promise is that God will help you with them. As you become more peaceful, you’ll be able to look at your problems in the light of His presence and seek His counsel. Remember Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Let Scripture inform your thinking, allowing God to communicate with you more clearly.

Take time today to thank God for the many good things in your life. Express this gratitude in your prayers, in your conversations with others, and even in your private thoughts. God reads your thoughts continually and rejoices when they contain gratitude. What’s even more profound is that you can thank Him even for things you wish were different.

As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Gratitude, as an act of faith, helps us break free from negative thinking, allowing us to boldly and courageously let our light of glory shine!

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open to Your Holy Spirit. We choose today to refuse worry and to displace anxious thoughts with trust and thanksgiving. We praise You for all that You are and all You have done in our lives. Thank You for Your potent presence that drives away anxiety and strengthens our relationship with You. We bring our legitimate concerns before You, trusting that You will help us. Instruct us, teach us, counsel us, and watch over us. May Your Scripture inform our thinking so that we can hear Your voice more clearly. We express our gratitude for the many good things in our lives, and we even thank You for the things we wish were different, knowing that You are working all things for our good. Help us, by Your grace, to let our light of glory shine for Your honor and Your glory. Amen.

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but is the parent of all the others.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Renewed By Troubles, Finding Glory….

Life has a way of wearing us down, doesn’t it? The grind of daily responsibilities, the ache of physical limitations, the sting of emotional wounds – it can feel like a relentless tide, eroding our strength and dimming our hope. It’s in these very moments that the Apostle Paul offers a profound and counter-intuitive truth in 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Do Not Lose Heart: Paul begins with a powerful command, an anchor for the soul. In the face of outward decay, of feeling “wasted away,” we are called to actively resist despair. This isn’t a naive optimism that denies suffering, but a Spirit-infused resilience that transcends it. It’s a choice to fix our gaze not on what is seen and temporal but on what is unseen and eternal.

Outwardly Wasting, Inwardly Renewed: This is the beautiful paradox of the Christian life. Our physical bodies are indeed subject to the laws of entropy, aging, sickness, and eventually, death.

Yet, at the same time, our inner being – our spirit, our character, our connection with God – is undergoing a miraculous transformation. It’s a daily renewal, a fresh infusion of God’s grace and power that strengthens us from the inside out.

This isn’t a one-time event, but an ongoing process, a continuous work of the Holy Spirit conforming us more and more to the image of Christ. Think of it like a tree whose outer bark may be weathered, but whose inner core continues to draw life and grow stronger.

Light and Momentary Troubles, Eternal Glory: Here lies the breathtaking perspective shift. Paul labels our trials – even the most agonizing ones – as “light and momentary.” This isn’t to diminish our pain, but to contrast it with the immense weight and unending duration of the “eternal glory” that these troubles are actively “achieving” for us. Our suffering is not meaningless; it is purposeful.

It is a refining fire, burning away impurities and forging in us qualities that will shine brilliantly in eternity. Every tear shed, every burden carried, every sacrifice made in faith is an investment in a future glory that will utterly eclipse any earthly hardship. This glory isn’t just a reward after our troubles; it’s being formed within us through our troubles.

This passage is a powerful antidote to discouragement. It reminds us that our present struggles, no matter how intense, are but fleeting shadows compared to the radiant reality of God’s eternal presence and the glorious inheritance awaiting us.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound truth in Your Word. We confess that at times, we do lose heart, feeling the weight of our outward wasting. Forgive us for our limited perspective. Help us, by Your Holy Spirit, to grasp the depth of Your renewing power within us. Open our eyes to see our “light and momentary troubles” not as obstacles to our joy, but as instruments in Your hands, achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Strengthen our inner being day by day, that we may persevere with hope and anticipate with joy the magnificent inheritance You have prepared. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Christian life is not a straight road. There are many curves, many ups and downs, and many places where we lose our way. But one thing is sure: God is in the driver’s seat, and He will never abandon us.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Faith and Healing…

“And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.'” – Mark 5:34, ESV

The Power of Believing: More Than Just a Cure
In this poignant moment from Mark 5, we witness Jesus’ interaction with a woman who had suffered for twelve long years with a debilitating hemorrhage. She had spent all she had on doctors, enduring much, but only growing worse. Her desperation led her to a radical act of faith: she believed that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, she would be healed. And in that touch, power flowed from Him, and she was instantly made well.

But Jesus, knowing that power had gone out from Him, stopped and asked, “Who touched my garments?” Amidst the crowd, the woman, trembling with fear and awe, came forward and told Him the whole truth. It’s in His response to her that we find a profound devotional truth: “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

Notice what Jesus emphasizes. He doesn’t say, “My power has made you well,” though it certainly did. He highlights her faith. This isn’t to diminish His divine power but to underscore the crucial role of her active belief. Her faith wasn’t passive hope; it was a desperate, courageous, and acting faith that propelled her through the crowd to reach for Him.

Furthermore, Jesus doesn’t just declare her healed; He sends her off with “go in peace.” The healing of her physical ailment was significant, but Jesus offered her more than just a cure for her body. He offered her peace—a wholeness that extended beyond the physical, into her soul and spirit. This peace was a declaration of her restored relationship with God, a release from the burdens of her long-term suffering and isolation.

This verse challenges us to examine the nature of our own faith. Do we approach Jesus with a confident, active belief, even when circumstances seem impossible? Are we seeking not just relief from our troubles but the deeper peace that only He can provide? Her healing was a physical miracle, but the transformation was a spiritual one, ignited by her unwavering faith.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the powerful example of faith we see in this woman. Help us to cultivate a faith that is not afraid to reach out to You, even in our deepest desperation. Grant us the courage to believe in Your power to heal, to restore, and to bring peace into every area of our lives. May our faith make us well, not just physically but spiritually and emotionally, so we may go in Your peace. Amen.

Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Unseen Hand…

Good morning,

As this day begins, let’s greet it not just with our plans and schedules but with open hearts, ready to trust in the guidance of our ever-faithful God.

In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.  Psalm 25:1

Psalm 25:1 isn’t just a verse; it’s a lifeline. It’s about placing our day, with its potential and its problems, into God’s hands. It’s about believing that He’s got a plan for each step we take—even the missteps. Trusting God opens us up to the peace that only He can give. It’s like stepping out into the unknown and finding the ground solid under your feet because God is there.

Today, let’s look beyond the immediate and familiar, and instead, fix our gaze on the unseen hand of God, always at work. Let’s delve into the profound assurance that His faithfulness is the current beneath our journey, carrying us even when the surface seems still or turbulent.

Every worry, every decision, every hope—place it all in His care. Trust in Him to guide you, to provide for you, and to illuminate paths you might not yet see.

Heavenly Father, as I step into this day, I consciously choose to lay down my anxieties and plans at Your feet. I trust in Your perfect wisdom and unfailing love to direct my steps. Guide me, sustain me, and fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen.

Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.

So, I ask myself: How can I consciously choose faith over fear, peace over worry?

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Jesus: The Shalem Sacrifices Power…

The biblical sacrifice known as “Shalem,” stemming from a root meaning both “peace” and “to make complete,” offers profound insight into the transformative power of Jesus. As the ultimate fulfillment of all sacrifices, Jesus perfectly embodies the essence of Shalem.

Consider the pervasive human experience of want, discontent, neediness, desperation, unhappiness, selfish ambition, regret, or longing. These feelings are indicators of incompleteness, a sense of something missing within us.

Even among those who have embraced salvation, a lingering feeling of being incomplete often persists. However, Jesus is the Shalem Sacrifice, meaning His death accomplished not only our redemption from sin but also our radical completion. In Him, it is not merely God’s will for us to be whole, but the very power to achieve this wholeness is made available to us.

The key to unlocking this transformative power lies in drawing near to the Shalem Sacrifice. The closer we approach Jesus – through fervent prayer, diligent engagement with His Word, heartfelt devotion, and abiding love – the more His power of completion and wholeness will permeate our lives.

As we draw near, our lives will progressively reflect His fullness, moving from fragmentation to wholeness.

As Hebrews 4:16 encourages, “Let us therefore approach with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Do you sense an area of lack in your life today? Perhaps it’s a feeling of inadequacy in your relationships, a struggle with a persistent habit, a void in your sense of purpose, or a deep-seated anxiety about the future.

Invite Jesus into that very space. Open your heart to Him, acknowledging your need, and allow His completing presence to fill every void.

Heavenly Father, I come before You today, acknowledging the areas in my life where I feel incomplete, lacking, and unfulfilled. I confess my tendency to strive in my own strength and to seek wholeness in temporary things. I thank You for the Shalem Sacrifice, Your Son, Jesus the Messiah, who died not only to redeem me but to make me whole. I invite Him into every part of my being that feels fragmented, hurting, or wanting. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, draw me closer to Him. Help me to abide in His presence through prayer, Your Word, and devotion. I long to experience the fullness of His completion in my life. Amen.

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (1 John 5:12)

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Inner Evacuation For Unconditional Love…

Love’s journey often feels like an external quest, a relentless pursuit of “the one” or the ideal situation. We tirelessly search, hoping to stumble upon the affection we deeply desire. Yet, the profound truth is that the most vital work lies not in finding love but in the courageous act of dismantling the walls we’ve unknowingly built around our own hearts.

We love because he first loved us.  1 John 4:19

These barriers are layers of protection, carefully constructed from past hurts, disappointments, and ingrained fears. They manifest as cynicism, a reluctance to be vulnerable, or a constant anticipation of pain. While they may have once shielded us, these walls ultimately imprison the very love we yearn for. They filter out warmth, deflect genuine connection, and sow doubts that prevent us from fully embracing the present.

The invitation before us is one of brave self-discovery. It calls us to honestly examine our inner landscape and identify these self-imposed limitations. What narratives do we cling to that keep love at bay? What fears whisper, urging us to remain guarded? Perhaps it’s the fear of rejection, the lingering memory of betrayal, or the deeply rooted belief that we are unworthy of true affection.

Opening ourselves to love is not always easy. It demands vulnerability, a willingness to feel, and a conscious choice to trust, even when the shadows of past experiences loom. It requires us to keep our hearts and minds “wide open,” like windows allowing sunlight to stream in, even when a storm threatens.

True peace isn’t found in a trouble-free existence, but in the unwavering presence of love within us. This inner love acts as an anchor, grounding us amidst life’s inevitable challenges. As we actively seek the good in others and the positive aspects of our circumstances, we tap into this wellspring of love within ourselves. It’s a beautiful reciprocity: the more we see love in the world, the more we awaken to the love that resides within our own being.

Let us, then, shift our focus from the external search to the more profound and transformative journey of inner excavation. Let us gently dismantle these barriers, brick by weary brick, allowing the radiant light of love to shine through, for ourselves and for those around us.

Heavenly Father, We come before You with hearts yearning for the fullness of Your love. We confess the ways we have built walls around ourselves, driven by past pain and fear. Forgive us for guarding what You intended to be open and free. Grant us the courage to examine our inner landscape, to identify the fears and beliefs that keep us from truly loving and being loved. Soften our cynicism, heal our past wounds, and embolden us to embrace vulnerability. Help us to trust in Your unfailing love, which casts out all fear.May Your Spirit guide us in dismantling these barriers, brick by weary brick, so that Your radiant love can flow freely within us and through us to others. Awaken us to the love that resides within our own being, a reflection of Your divine affection. May we see You in every person and every circumstance, and in doing so, experience the peace that surpasses all understanding. We pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who first loved us. Amen.

Shift your gaze from the horizon of what you seek to the boundless expanse of what you already are. True love isn’t found in a destination, but in the radical act of becoming the open vessel for its divine flow.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Lord’s Supper: Served, Not Served…

The passage draws a powerful connection between the Lord’s Supper and the Jewish Passover Seder, emphasizing the act of being served rather than serving oneself. It highlights that just as the Seder is led by one who serves, so too at the Lord’s Table,

Christ is the one who ministers to us, offering the “bread of life” and the “new wine of joy.” This is a profound reorientation from our often self-serving tendencies, even as believers. The core message is to first receive God’s provision and love, and then to extend that love and service to others.

Let’s delve a little deeper into this profound theological concept. The Passover Seder is not merely a historical reenactment; it is a living narrative that invites participants into the story of liberation.

Similarly, the Lord’s Supper is more than a symbolic meal; it is a communion that draws us into the very essence of Christ’s sacrificial love and ongoing ministry. The act of being served at the Lord’s Table dismantles our ingrained human inclination towards self-sufficiency and control. It compels us to surrender, to acknowledge our dependence on divine grace, and to receive the spiritual nourishment that only Christ can provide.

This reception is not passive; it is an active posture of humility and trust.

The text states, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

This verse is the bedrock of the entire concept. Christ, in His ultimate act of humility and love, inverted the societal norms of power and privilege. He, the King of Kings, came not to be enthroned and adored in a self-serving manner, but to kneel and wash feet, to offer His very life as a ransom.

When we sit at His table, we are participating in this same radical inversion. We are not approaching a buffet to pick and choose what suits us; we are entering into a sacred space where the divine Host pours Himself out for us.

This transformative experience of being served by Christ is the wellspring from which true, selfless service flows. It’s not about earning our way or proving our worth; it’s about overflowing with the love and grace we have so lavishly received.

Only when our own spiritual cups are full from His unending supply can we genuinely pour into the lives of others without depletion or resentment. The Lord’s Supper, therefore, is not just a meal; it is a masterclass in divine economics: receive abundantly, so you can give freely.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our constant tendency to serve ourselves. Thank You for the profound mystery of the Lord’s Supper, where You, the Creator of the universe, choose to serve us. Help us to truly grasp what it means to sit at Your table, to receive the bread of life and the new wine of joy, freely given by Your Son, Jesus. Soften our hearts to surrender our need for control and our impulse towards self-reliance. Fill us with Your love and grace, not so we can hoard it, but so that we may overflow and become vessels of Your selfless service to others. May our lives reflect the very heart of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. Amen.

We are not called to be a spiritual ATM, dispensing divine wisdom and grace to others from our own reserves. Rather, we are called to be conduits, drawing from the infinite well of Christ’s love, so that His Spirit might flow through us to a thirsty world. The Lord’s Supper is a potent reminder that we must first be filled to truly pour out.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Constant Prayer: A Heartbeat Life….

Good morning, and I wish you all a wonderful day! Today, let’s delve deeper into the transformative power of constant conversation with God, inspired by Colossians 4:2.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2

When we live a life where every moment is infused with the presence of God, where the very breath we breathe becomes a whispered prayer, we begin to grasp the profound invitation extended to us in Colossians 4:2—to make prayer the very heartbeat of our existence.

This call to devotion is not a burdensome obligation; it is a profound gift. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to experience the deepest intimacy of continual communion with our Creator, to align our hearts with His in every waking moment, in every decision, in every step.

As we truly devote ourselves to a life of prayer, we become exquisitely attuned to God’s voice, hypersensitive to His subtle leading. We learn to watch intently for His hand at work, to discern His divine purposes unfolding both within us and all around us with increasing clarity.

In this vigilant watching, we discover an endless wellspring of thanksgiving. We recognize that every blessing, every trial, every single moment is a precious opportunity to experience God’s boundless grace and unwavering faithfulness. Gratitude becomes the very lens through which we perceive life, transforming even the darkest, most challenging days into profound opportunities for praise.

Today, let’s not merely embrace but fiercely seize the call to prayerful devotion. Let’s intentionally carve out sacred space in our hearts and our packed schedules to commune with God, to anticipate and watch for His powerful movement, and to overflow with thanks for His steadfast love. In doing so, we will unlock the true essence of life—a life lived in the unbroken, vibrant presence of our loving Father.

Dear Father, As I move through each moment today, help me transform every breath into a silent prayer, a constant connection to Your holy presence. Like an unceasing heartbeat, may this prayer weave itself inextricably into the very fabric of my day. Open my eyes to the countless blessings around me, the gentle whispering of Your eternal love. Even when faced with daunting challenges, fill my heart with an overflowing, unshakeable gratitude, knowing they are profound opportunities to experience Your unwavering grace. May my life be a living prayer, a testament to the incomparable joy of walking hand-in-hand with You. Amen.

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.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Finding Faith in Fearful Times…

Life often feels like a dark, winding journey through a haunted attraction. We encounter moments that stir fear, just like those amusement park rides where unseen hands brush against us and chilling sounds echo in the darkness. In those moments, we remind ourselves it’s not real, the monsters are fake, and ultimately, we’re safe.

In a world filled with genuine threats, dangers, and problems, it’s easy to succumb to fear. Yet, for believers, there’s a profound truth that offers immense comfort: God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This divine promise transforms our perspective on even the most daunting challenges.

Consider the scariest situations and the most overwhelming problems you face; for a believer, these are akin to that carnival ride. Though they may appear terrifying and real, ultimately, they are not. Even the enemy’s most potent attacks are destined to be turned around for your benefit. Your biggest problem, at its core, is nothing more than a temporary illusion, a “carnival ride” designed to test your faith, not break your spirit.

As Jeremiah 32:27 declares, “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

This powerful question from God Himself is a cornerstone of our faith. It assures believers that no obstacle, no difficulty, and no perceived impossibility is beyond His power.

Heavenly Father, We come before You today, acknowledging Your sovereignty and boundless power. In moments of fear and uncertainty, when the shadows of life’s challenges loom large, remind us of Your unfailing presence. Help us to see every problem, no matter how daunting, as an opportunity for Your glory to be revealed. Strengthen our faith to believe the good You promise and to disbelieve the lies of fear and evil. Grant us the confidence to trust in Your control, knowing that You are orchestrating all things for our ultimate good. May our lives be a testament to Your faithfulness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼