Ed Christian's World

Trusting God In Life’s Battles….

Today’s message offers profound encouragement, reminding us that even when facing overwhelming challenges, we are not alone. The verse from 2 Chronicles 20:15, where God tells King Jehoshaphat, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s,” directly addresses our moments of deepest uncertainty.

This passage goes beyond simply offering comfort; it shifts our entire perspective on struggle. It reveals that the conflicts we encounter—be they personal tribulations, relational strife, or moments of spiritual doubt—are not meant to be fought in our own strength. Instead, they are under God’s ultimate command.

The “vast army” Jehoshaphat faced is a metaphor for any seemingly insurmountable obstacle in our lives. God’s assurance to him, and to us, is that He remains sovereign.

This truth doesn’t call for passivity, but for a different kind of action—one rooted deeply in faith rather than fear. Our role is to stand firm, holding our ground in unwavering trust, and to witness God’s work on our behalf. It’s about letting go of our instinct to control every outcome and instead, surrendering to His perfect power and plan. When we do this, our actions become a reflection of our faith, not our anxiety.

So, whatever “vast army” you confront today, remember that the victory isn’t dependent on your might. The battle belongs to the Lord. Your true strength emerges from your trust in Him, and your ultimate triumph rests securely in His hands.

Dear Lord,
In the face of life’s relentless battles, I often find myself striving for control, allowing fear and worry to dictate my every move. Today, I consciously choose to remember that the battle is Yours. I release my fears and anxieties into your capable hands, trusting fully in your boundless power and infinite wisdom to guide me through. Grant me the strength to stand unwavering in my faith and the courage to face each challenge with unshakeable confidence in Your protection and guidance. May my heart find true peace in the certain knowledge that You are fighting for me, and may my life become a testament to Your victory. In the powerful name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.

The analogy that the Word of God is like a lion—needing only to be unleashed to defend itself—beautifully illustrates this point. We don’t need to strive to defend God’s truth or prove His power; we simply need to allow it to operate freely in our lives and circumstances, and it will demonstrate its own inherent strength.
What “vast army” are you trusting God with today?

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Substance of Your Being: A Spiritual Nourishment…

The timeless adage, “You are what you eat,” transcends the physical and resonates deeply within the spiritual realm. Just as our bodies are shaped by the nutrients we consume, our spirits are molded by the spiritual sustenance we absorb.

To partake of that which is impure, carnal, or ungodly is to invite those very qualities into the fabric of our being, leading to a life that mirrors their essence.

Yet, merely avoiding spiritual toxins is insufficient. The inverse holds true: “You are not what you don’t eat.” Our spiritual growth isn’t simply about abstinence; it’s about active consumption.

As believers, we are called to embody the likeness of Jesus in every facet of our existence. If we find ourselves falling short of this divine reflection, the solution lies not in striving harder, but in changing our spiritual diet.

The profound truth is this: the more we partake of Jesus, the more we become like Him. This isn’t a mere aspiration; it’s a spiritual law. Just as physical food transforms our bodies, the spiritual “bread of life” transforms our souls. It’s an undeniable process, a divine alchemy where consumption inevitably leads to conformity.

Therefore, commit yourself to a deliberate and consistent feasting on His Word, lingering in His presence, receiving His boundless love, and beholding His transcendent beauty. As you immerse yourself in these divine provisions, your life will progressively align with the character of Christ. It’s a fundamental principle: you are what you eat.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hungry hearts, recognizing our profound need for Your sustenance. We confess that often, we seek satisfaction in fleeting pleasures and earthly provisions. Forgive us for straying from the true bread of life. Today, we earnestly desire to partake more deeply of Jesus—His Word, His presence, His love, and His beauty. Open the eyes of our hearts to perceive Him more clearly and strengthen our spirits to receive Him more fully. May our lives become a living testament to Your transformative power, radiating the very essence of Christ to a world desperately in need. Amen.

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God, the Father has placed his seal of approval.    John 6:27

Today, intentionally carve out time to dwell in His sacred presence and partake of the bread of Jesus. Let Him nourish your soul and transform your life from the inside out.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Finding Strength…

Today, let’s immerse ourselves in the promise of Philippians 4:13, a verse that reminds us of the boundless strength Christ offers. May this truth bolster your spirit for whatever the day holds.

I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.    Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 isn’t a casual phrase; it’s a roar of faith echoing from a prison cell. Paul, the author, wasn’t boasting about an easy life. He was declaring a truth discovered in the depths of hardship: his strength flowed from Christ dwelling within him.

This transformative truth is ours too. When anxieties gnaw at our souls, when burdens threaten to crush us, this verse beckons. It invites us to surrender our self-reliance and embrace the boundless strength of Christ.

It’s not about gritting our teeth, but about acknowledging our limitations and allowing His power to course through us. This doesn’t erase challenges, but it shifts how we face them, replacing fear with unwavering faith and weakness with His might.

In Christ, we are more than conquerors – not due to our own abilities, but because of His victory won for us. So let us face today with confidence, stepping boldly into challenges, assured that the God of the impossible empowers our every step.

What challenges feel impossible right now?

Dear Lord, As I confront the challenges of today, fill me with the strength that comes from You alone. Remind me that I do not face these trials by myself but with Your power within me. Help me to rely on Your strength, not my own, transforming my worries into confidence and my fears into faith. Guide me through each moment, and let Your peace reign in my heart. Thank You for making me more than a conqueror through Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, he will increase our capability.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Abundance of Eternal Glory…

For every believer, a profound truth stands firm: “Whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Romans 8:30).

You might be experiencing poverty, suffering, or feeling overlooked, but take heart! Reflect on your divine calling and the glorious future it guarantees. As surely as you are God’s child today, your trials will soon vanish, and you will inherit immeasurable bliss.

Just wait a little longer; your weary head will wear the crown of glory, and your laboring hands will grasp the palm branch of victory.

Don’t lament your troubles; instead, rejoice that you’ll soon be in a place where “there shall be neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” (Revelation 21:4). The chariots of fire are at your doorstep, ready to transport you to glory in an instant. The everlasting song is almost on your lips, and heaven’s gates stand wide open for you.

Never doubt your entry into eternal rest. If God has called you, nothing can separate you from His love. No distress, no fiery persecution, no force of hell can break the unbreakable chain of His affection. You are secure!

The same voice that called you at first will call you again from earth to heaven, from death’s shadows to immortality’s untold splendors. Be absolutely certain that the heart of the One who justified you beats with infinite love.

You will soon be with the glorified where you belong. You are merely waiting here to be prepared for your inheritance. Once that’s complete, angels will carry you away to the mount of peace, joy, and blessedness, where:

Far from a world of grief and sin,
With God eternally shut in,
you will rest forever and ever.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the unwavering promise of glory for those You have called and justified. In moments of struggle, help us to fix our eyes on the hope that lies ahead. Strengthen our faith, quiet our fears, and remind us that You are always working for our good. May we live each day in anticipation of that blessed moment when we will be eternally shut in with You, free from all sorrow and pain. Amen.

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

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Finding Hope Beyond The Seen…

When life’s troubles loom, remember: God is powerfully at work in what you can’t see. Fix your eyes on His promises—they outlast every storm.  Have a hope-filled day.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.    2 Corinthians 4:18

That medical report. The empty chair. The prayer that’s hung in the air for years. It’s easy to fixate on what’s visible—to let the tangible world convince us, “This is all there is.”

But Paul’s words are a lifeline, not a platitude. Faith isn’t ignoring the diagnosis, the grief, or the waiting. It’s staring straight into the storm and whispering, “I see this… but I also see You, God.”

What’s unseen isn’t a vague hope. It’s the quiet, relentless work of a God who never wastes a tear, a prayer, or a moment of faithfulness. Every time you choose love when it’d be easier to give up? He’s saving it. Every night, you keep praying for what seems impossible? He’s counting it. Every choice to trust when all seems dark? He’s weaving it into a story that outshines time.

Your struggles are real, but they’re not permanent. The same God who resurrected dry bones is rewriting your equation. What looks like an unsolvable problem to you is His sacred setup.

Today, lift your eyes higher.
The seen is temporary—but the unseen is eternal.

Dear God, Thank You for seeing the hidden corners of my heart—the silent fears, the flicker of faith that feels so fragile. When the world’s noise buries Your voice, remind me You are still at work: transforming each doubt into a doorway of trust, each ordinary step into sacred ground. I lay down what I can not control—the results, the timelines, the anxieties that rob me of peace. Let Your love eclipse my fears, and ground me in who You are forevermore. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Devine Physician’s Healing Power…

The passage from Psalms 103:3 reminds us of a comforting truth: there’s a divine healer for all our afflictions. While we acknowledge the humbling reality of sin’s pervasive disease, the assurance of a great Physician, both capable and willing to cure us, brings immense solace.

When we contemplate this physician, Jesus Christ, we see the remarkable nature of His cures. They are speedy, offering instantaneous life through a mere glance. They are radical, striking at the very core of the ailment, ensuring a complete eradication rather than a superficial fix.

Consequently, His cures are always sure and certain. There’s no fear of relapse or temporary relief; instead, He transforms individuals entirely, bestowing a new heart and a right spirit.

Unlike human physicians who often specialize, Jesus possesses an unparalleled understanding of the entirety of human nature. No sinner is unfamiliar to Him, and no case, no matter how complex or “out-of-the-way,” presents a challenge.

He has dealt with extraordinary complications of spiritual diseases, yet His divine insight allows Him to know exactly how to treat each patient with a single glance. He is, truly, the only universal doctor, and His medicine is the sole catholicon, healing in every single instance.

Whatever our spiritual malady, from the deepest brokenness of heart to the most entrenched sin, we are urged to apply at once to this Divine Physician. His blood cleanses from all sin, and the countless lives transformed by His touch serve as a testament to His power and virtue.

As we place our trust in Him, sin loses its grip; as we love Him, grace flourishes; as we wait for Him, grace strengthens; and as we truly see Him, grace is perfected forever.

Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging the truth of our spiritual brokenness and the pervasive nature of sin. We thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Great Physician. We pray for His healing touch to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, to mend our brokenness, and to instill within us a new heart and a right spirit. May we trust in His radical and certain cures, knowing that with Him, there is no relapse, only complete transformation. Strengthen our faith, deepen our love, and prepare us to fully embrace the perfected grace found only in Him. Amen.

There is no brokenness of heart, which Jesus can not bind up.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Hope In Sufferings Redemption…

Good morning! It’s true, some days feel like an uphill climb, but it’s important to remember that our struggles are just a chapter, not the entire story. There’s always hope that the God of all grace will restore and redeem, leading us to beautiful chapters ahead.

1 Peter 5:10 offers profound comfort: “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”

In the grand narrative of our lives, suffering is an inevitable plot twist that can leave us feeling disoriented, wondering how the story could possibly end well. But this verse changes everything. It reminds us that our suffering isn’t the defining theme of our lives; it’s a page, not the whole book. And the Author? He’s the God of all grace.

This grace isn’t a weak wish or a trite platitude. It’s a transformative force that meets us in our deepest pain and whispers, “This isn’t the end.” It’s the grace that called us to eternal glory in Christ, and it’s the same grace that will carry us there.

And here’s the stunning promise: after we have suffered, God Himself will restore us. He will take the broken chapters of our lives and weave them into a story of redemption, strength, and unshakable hope. Our pain will become a platform for His power.

Heavenly Father, we come before You today, acknowledging that life often brings seasons of suffering. We confess that, at times, our struggles can feel overwhelming, threatening to consume our hope. But we cling to Your promise in 1 Peter 5:10, knowing that You are the God of all grace, and our suffering is but for a little while. We ask that You would restore us, Lord. Mend our brokenness, strengthen our weaknesses, and make us firm and steadfast in our faith. Help us to see our pain not as an ending but as a platform for Your power and a testament to Your unfailing love. May Your grace be our anchor, guiding us through every challenge and leading us into the beautiful chapters You have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Though suffering is inevitable, it is never the final word. God’s grace is always writing a new, redemptive chapter.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Little Sins – Big Spiritual Impact…

This passage, drawing from Song of Solomon 2:15, offers a powerful reminder that even small transgressions, like “little foxes,” can cause significant spiritual harm. Just as a tiny thorn can inflict great pain or a small cloud can obscure the sun, so too can seemingly insignificant sins wreak havoc on our hearts and hinder our relationship with Christ.

These “little sins” subtly embed themselves in our souls, making us less receptive to Christ’s presence and ultimately leading to a lack of comfortable fellowship with Him. While a major sin might not destroy a Christian, these smaller, insidious sins can certainly make us miserable.

The passage emphasizes that Jesus desires complete obedience, stating, “If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”

The text then challenges us: if we are children of God, how can we be content without experiencing our Father’s presence? If we are Christ’s beloved, how can we be satisfied without His company? A true, devoted follower of Christ will long for His presence and mourn His absence.

Christ’s hidden face is often a direct result of our sins, forming a “wall” between us and Him. This wall isn’t necessarily built from “great stones” of egregious sin, but can just as easily be constructed from the “little pebbles” of our daily transgressions.

Like the ocean formed by countless drops or rocks built by tiny grains, our separation from Christ can be the cumulative effect of seemingly minor missteps. These “little sins,” like persistent coral insects, can gradually form a barrier that threatens to shipwreck our spiritual journey.

Therefore, if you desire to live in close fellowship with Christ—walking, seeing, and experiencing His presence—you must be vigilant against “the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.” Jesus extends an invitation to join Him in rooting out these hidden sins. He is fully capable, like Samson, of swiftly and easily conquering them. Go with Him in this spiritual hunt.

Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts, acknowledging the truth in your Word that even the smallest sins can create a chasm between us and your loving presence. Forgive us, Lord, for the “little foxes” that have burrowed into our souls—the subtle compromises, the hidden resentments, the fleeting moments of disobedience that dull our spiritual senses and hinder our fellowship with Christ. Grant us the grace to see these hidden transgressions, to confess them with sincerity, and to turn from them completely. Empower us by your Holy Spirit to cultivate a heart that longs for your presence above all else. We pray for the strength to join Christ in the “hunting” of these destructive sins, knowing that He alone can empower us to overcome them. May our lives be a fragrant offering, pleasing to you, and may we ever abide in the warmth of your perfect love. Amen.

It is not the mountain ahead that wears you out—it’s the pebble in your shoe.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Spiritual Training – A Lasting Investment…

Today, let’s discover what kind of training truly transforms us—for now and forever.

Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promises for both the present life and the life to come.  1 Timothy 4:8

Be honest—which gets more attention: your body or your soul? We know our coffee order by heart but stumble through prayer. We track every workout but can’t remember when we last opened our Bible. We’ll wake at 5 AM for the gym but hit snooze on time with God.

Paul isn’t shaming us—he’s freeing us. Physical training has value, absolutely. But those muscles peak and fade. That beach body ages. Those medals tarnish. Godliness? That’s the only investment that appreciates forever.

Watch the strongest Christians you know. They radiate peace in Monday morning traffic. They forgive before the sun sets. They give generously when spreadsheets say save. They find joy on ordinary Tuesdays. Their secret isn’t complicated: daily deposits. Five-minute morning prayers. Choosing worship over worry. Speaking life instead of complaints. These aren’t religious checkboxes—they’re investments earning eternal interest.

Here’s the promise that changes everything: godliness pays you TODAY and FOREVER. That unexplainable peace during your busiest season? That’s your dividend. That joy despite disappointments? That’s compound interest working. Every prayer builds resilience. Every act of faith adds strength.

Start small today. One verse. One grateful thought. One kind word. These tiny choices create spiritual giants who handle anything with grace.

Your body is temporary. Your soul is forever. What a beautiful perspective shift.

Father, thank you for loving me exactly where I am. Sometimes, I focus so much on the outside that I forget to strengthen my soul. Help me balance the temporary with the eternal. Show me one small way to invest in my spiritual life today—maybe it’s five minutes in Your Word, a prayer of gratitude, or choosing patience when I’m tested. Whatever it is, help me start there. Build in me the kind of strength that comes only from You—the kind that lasts forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Fruit Of Sin, Fruit Of Redemption…

The biblical narrative of humanity’s fall from grace, as recounted in Genesis, hinges on the consumption of forbidden fruit, an act that introduced sin into the world. This profound initial act sets the stage for the equally profound act of redemption.

Centuries later, before offering His life as the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples. Central to this observance is the Passover cup, filled with “the fruit of the vine” – the juice of crushed grapes.

This imagery presents a powerful juxtaposition: humanity’s fall began with the partaking of Adam’s fruit, and humanity’s redemption begins with the Messiah leading His disciples to partake of the fruit of His sacrifice.

The fruit of the vine in the Passover cup, in the context of Jesus’s sacrifice, symbolizes His blood, His atoning death, and the new covenant. Thus, we are presented with two distinct “fruits” – one leading to sin and death, the other offering redemption and life.

The antidote to the fruit of sin is found in deeply partaking of the transformative “fruit” of God’s redemptive work. This involves a continuous embrace of His boundless love, immeasurable grace, complete forgiveness, ultimate sacrifice, miraculous gift of salvation, and the new life Jesus offers to deliver us from the dominion of sin and the ultimate consequence of the Fall.

The more we internalize and live by these divine provisions, the more our lives will be liberated from the chains of sin and death. Ultimately, the trajectory of our lives depends on a conscious choice: which “fruit” will we choose to consume and be defined by?

As Matthew 7:18 states, “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a rotten tree cannot produce good fruit.”

This profound truth underscores that our inner state and the source from which we draw our sustenance will inevitably manifest in the “fruit” of our lives.

Today, let us consciously choose to fill ourselves and rejoice in the abundant blessings of God’s redemptive love. May we partake deeply of the fruit of His sacrifice, allowing it to cleanse us, transform us, and set us truly free from the power of sin.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound wisdom woven into the tapestry of Your Word. We acknowledge the bitter fruit of sin that entered the world through disobedience. We are eternally grateful for the sweet fruit of redemption offered through Your Son, Jesus Christ, and His ultimate sacrifice. Help us, Lord, to continually partake of Your love, grace, forgiveness, and the new life You have given us. May our lives bear good fruit, a testament to Your transformative power within us. Free us from the entanglement of sin, and empower us to walk in the fullness of the freedom You have secured for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The sin that brought the fall came by the fruit of disobedience. The redemption that brings life comes by the fruit of His sacrifice, a divine antidote that reverses the curse and offers an eternal harvest of grace.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼