Ed Christian's World

Bursting The Bubble…

Have you ever seen a snow globe nativity scene? You shake it up and the snow comes down on Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds. The only problem is that there was no snow in Bethlehem – not on Joseph and Mary and not the shepherds.

For a real nativity scene, you’d have to fill up the bubble with desert dirt and make a dust storm. That’s a lot closer to the truth. It is human nature to make things look nice, the way we imagine they should be. It’s a fantasy, and there’s no blessing in fantasies.

You can’t get blessed with something that’s not real. If you have a fantasy of what life is supposed to be like, you’ll be miserable. The real Bethlehem was gritty, dirty, and down to earth, but had the presence and redemption of God. Blessings come in real life, not in fantasies.

Don’t live your life in fantasies or romantic illusions of what life should be like. Live here and now with God. Love your life because God is here and now in real life. To live a real life with God here and now is a thousand times better than any fantasy.

I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. Psalm 119:113

Today, live your life head-on, in reality, with the reality of God’s power.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

An Abundant Life…

Good morning,

Today, let’s unwrap the gift of abundant life that Jesus offers us.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10

Ever feel like life is a constant battle against forces that seek to steal your joy and leave you feeling empty? We all face challenges – setbacks, disappointments, and fears that threaten to dim our spirits. But Jesus, our Good Shepherd, offers a different path.

In John 10:10, Jesus contrasts His purpose with that of the ‘thief,’ who represents everything that seeks to diminish us. While the thief whispers lies of scarcity, lack, and fear, Jesus promises a life that is full to overflowing.

This abundant life isn’t about material wealth or a trouble-free existence. It’s about approaching each day with meaning, facing difficulties with hope, and finding joy in both sunshine and rain. It’s a life where even the darkest valleys can be transformed by God’s love and grace.

Today, we have a choice: to settle for the thief’s empty promises or to embrace the abundant life Jesus offers. It’s a life rich in purpose, overflowing with love, joy, and peace – a life that spills over, touching everything around you.

Choose Jesus. Choose abundance. Experience the life He died to give you.

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes, life feels like a constant battle, with so much trying to steal my joy. Help me to turn away from the thief’s lies and embrace the abundant life You offer. Fill my heart with Your love, peace, and joy, even when things get tough. Guide me with purpose, and let Your grace transform my challenges. Thank You for being my Good Shepherd, always leading me to a life full of hope and meaning. Today, I choose to follow You and experience the full life You died to give me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God is not a celestial prison warden jangling the keys on a bunch of lifers—he’s a shepherd seeking sheep, a woman searching for coins, a father waiting for his son.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Song Speak…

Zimmer is one of the biblical words for song. Ephesians 5:19 says, “Speak to one another in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.”

Think about that. How do you speak in songs? You have to learn to talk in ‘song speak’, to speak in such a beautiful way that it could be a song. When you speak, there’s no real melody, harmony, orchestra, accompaniment, or musical instrument. Yet, you’re to speak in a song.

To speak in song means your words make up for the fact that there’s no music and become themselves a song so beautiful it needs no accompaniment.

Ask yourself, if somebody took a transcript of your daily talk, could they write a godly song from it? Would it go to music? Talk of anger, fear, blame, pride, conceit, and emptiness doesn’t make godly music.

What kind of talk does? Talk of love, faith, peace, hope, praise, thanksgiving, encouragement, mercy, God, and Scripture. Stop merely speaking and start learning how to speak a new language today, the language of song speak.

Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.  Psalm 35:28

Today, practice thinking and talking in “song speak.”

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Gentle Whisper…

Good morning,

After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
1 Kings 19:12

Ever feel like you’re in the middle of a storm, with the winds of worry howling and the ground shaking beneath your feet? Maybe you’ve prayed for a clear sign, for God to boom His guidance from the heavens. But sometimes, amidst the chaos, His voice comes in a gentler form.

Elijah, the prophet on the run, experienced this firsthand. After a mighty wind, a shaking earth, and a raging fire, God wasn’t found in the spectacle. Instead, He came in the quietest of whispers.

In our own lives, filled with notifications, schedules, and constant noise, we too can miss God’s still, small voice. We expect a shout, but He often speaks in the gentle rustling of leaves or the peaceful lull of our hearts.

So today, let’s intentionally quiet ourselves. Turn off the distractions, take a deep breath, and simply listen. God might be speaking words of love, guidance, or simply reassurance that He is there, right in the midst of the storm.

Don’t miss His voice because you’re expecting thunder and lightning. Sometimes, the most profound truths are found in the quietest whispers.

When was the last time you truly listened for God’s whisper?

How can you create quiet moments to hear God’s voice?

Dear Heavenly Father, In the storms of life, when worry and fear try to drown out Your voice, help me to remember Your faithfulness. Help me to remember that Your presence isn’t always found in the loud and spectacular, but often in the quiet whisper. Give me the courage to turn down the noise of this world, to quiet my heart, and to simply listen for Your gentle guidance. In the stillness, may I hear Your words of love, peace, and reassurance, knowing that You are with me always. Thank You for speaking to me in the quiet moments, just as You did with Elijah. In Jesus’ name, Amen,

Today, let’s turn down the volume on life’s noise and tune in to the whispers of God.

God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Ultimate Verse…

Henry Moorehouse began to preach when he was a young man and died at the age of 40. Every time he preached, he gave out as his text John 3:16, and he never ran out of things to say. As believers, we’re prone to seek the newest teaching, movement, or revival.

We get impatient if we hear the same thing over again. We’ve all heard John 3:16 so many times that when we hear it, we stop hearing it. We feel that we’ve grown beyond such a basic thing. But God’s Word doesn’t say to grow beyond the knowledge of salvation.

It says grow in the knowledge of salvation. You’ll never know anything better, higher, or deeper than God’s love for you that’s declared in this verse. The love of God is the one thing that can make things complete in your life.

Get away today from all the things that have complicated your life, your walk, your faith, and your relationship with God. Get back to simplicity of the simple verse that’s as life changing today as it was the day it first changed your life.

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.  Luke 3:6

Get away from all the things that have complicated your life today and meditate on John 3:16.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

A Heavenly Hug…

Good morning,

Today, let’s embrace the tender comfort that God offers us, just like a loving parent holding us close.

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.
Isaiah 66:13

Ever had a day where you just needed a hug? Maybe life threw you a curveball, or your heart just felt heavy for no reason. God gets that.

In Isaiah 66:13, God speaks to a people rebuilding their lives after exile and loss. He knows they’re hurting, and He offers them the kind of comfort only He can give—a love that’s as tender and instinctive as a mother’s.

This isn’t some distant, impersonal comfort; it’s a close, personal embrace from the One who knit you together in your mother’s womb. He sees your tears, feels your pain, and longs to hold you close.

So today, whatever’s got you down, let Him be your safe space. Lean into His love, feel His warmth, and let Him whisper words of peace and hope to your heart. You’re not alone in this, friend. You’re held, you’re loved, and you’re going to be okay.

Dear Lord, Sometimes life knocks me down, and I just need a hug. Today, I come to You for comfort. Thank You for being my safe place, the one who always understands my heart, even when I don’t have the words. Wrap me in Your loving arms, Lord. Let me feel Your warmth and hear Your whispers of hope. Remind me that even when life feels tough, I am never alone. You are always here, holding me close and promising that everything will be okay. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Speaking The Memra…

The first words ever spoken, as far as we’re concerned, are found in Genesis 1:1. God speaks and creation begins. Because of this, the rabbis wrote of the memra; the spoken Word of God. They saw it as something divine, for by God’s spoken Word, everything was created.

The first spoken word was to create, to bring into existence what is good. Words exist to bring good into the world, not to tear down, slander, discourage, denigrate, or blame. They exist for divine purpose, to call into being that which is good, to build up, to make whole, to complete, and to bring healing.

So every time you open your mouth to speak a word, speak it to build up, call forth life, bring healing, and make whole. The Word of God teaches us to speak that which is uplifting according to the need of the moment.

Is that you? Are your words building up or tearing down, bringing life or causing death, or just making conversation? As God’s child, learn from your Father and let your words bring forth life. Speak the word, and let there be light.

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!  Proverbs 15:23

Speak that which is uplifting today and let your words bring forth life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Under His Wings…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore the incredible protection God offers us, even in our most vulnerable moments.

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalm 91:4

Imagine a fortress – impenetrable, unyielding. Now picture a mother bird, wings spread wide, sheltering her chicks. Psalm 91:4 remarkably combines these images to describe God’s protection over us.

“He will cover you with his feathers,” speaks of intimate, tender care. It’s personal, warm, and comforting. Yet in the same breath, we’re told His faithfulness is our “shield and rampart” – mighty defenses against life’s fiercest battles.

This isn’t just poetic language. It’s a promise that addresses our deepest needs. When we’re vulnerable, God’s feathers cover us. When we’re under attack – be it from doubt, fear, or external threats – His faithfulness stands firm as our shield.

Think about what you’re facing today. Feeling fragile? Nestle under His wings. Fighting a battle? Stand behind His shield. God is offering you both tender comfort and unshakeable strength.

This is the nature of our God – gentle enough to hold us close, mighty enough to defend us against any foe. In His presence, we find not just safety, but home. Not just protection, but profound peace.

Today, rest in this truth. The God of the universe is your shelter and your strength. In every moment, in every challenge, you are seen, known, and fiercely protected by a love that will never let you go.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for being my shelter and my strength. Your love is so tender, like a mother bird covering her chicks, yet so strong, like a mighty fortress. I’m grateful that You protect me in such a personal and powerful way. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to face my battles alone. Help me to trust in Your care and to nestle under Your wings. Fill me with Your peace and remind me that in Your arms, I am safe, loved, and never alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The safest place in all the world is in the will of God.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Cleaning Up The Mess…

Jesus said we must become as a little child if we’re to enter the kingdom. One of the first things you learned as a little child is that if you make a mess, clean it up. It’s amazing how many of us have forgotten this simple rule as adults.

In life, we make many messes- messes of relationships, in our congregations, our personal and private lives, and in our walks. We have messy devotional lives, sloppy about our quiet time and careless about cherishing the Word. If you make a mess, clean it up.

Zacchaeus was a tax collector who made a lot of messes, but when he came to the Lord, he didn’t say, “I’m forgiven, so I can forget about the messes.” He said, “I’m forgiven, so all the more I have the responsibility to clean up my messes.”

Stop being so grown up and complicated. You’ve made some messes; clean them up. The Lord cleaned you up. Now it’s time that you, by His grace, clean up your mess. Start cleaning up the mess today, and you, too, will become as wise as a little child.

If you have sinned in any of these ways, you are guilty. You must give back whatever you stole, or the money you took by extortion, or the security deposit, or the lost property you found, Leviticus 6:4

How can you fix or make good or give grace to any mess from your past? Do it today!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Light Is On…

Good morning,

Today’s verse is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the world around us may seem, we have a light that can never be extinguished.

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
Isaiah 60:1

Ever feel like you’re stumbling around in the dark, unsure of your path or purpose? Maybe the shadows of doubt or discouragement have dimmed your inner light. But today, let’s remember that we were never meant to live in darkness.

Isaiah 60:1 is a powerful wake-up call, a reminder that the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, has come to dispel the darkness and ignite a flame within our souls. His glory shines upon us, not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

When we allow His light to illuminate our lives, something beautiful happens. We begin to see ourselves as He sees us – beloved, valuable, and filled with potential. We discover a purpose that transcends our circumstances, a joy that outweighs our sorrows, and a hope that anchors us in the storms of life.

So today, embrace your God-given call to shine. Step out of the shadows of fear and insecurity, and trust that the glory of the Lord is rising upon you. You were created to be a light, and the world needs the unique glow that only you can bring.

Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel lost in the shadows of doubt and fear, forgetting the light You’ve placed within me. Thank You for reminding me through Isaiah to ‘arise and shine.’ Forgive me for letting insecurities overshadow Your light. Help me see myself as You do – beloved, valuable, and full of potential. Fill me with Your joy and hope, Lord. Let Your light shine through me, bringing warmth and love to those around me. Guide me to be a beacon of Your grace in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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 🙏🏼