Ed Christian's World

Faith – The Secret Ingredient…

Good morning,

Today, let’s embrace the inspiring message from Hebrews 11:1, reminding us of the unwavering confidence and hope that come from true faith. May this truth uplift and encourage us as we begin our day.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Faith is the secret ingredient that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. It’s the spark that ignites our dreams and propels us forward, even when life is uncertain. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we don’t see. It means believing in God’s promises, even when our circumstances look different.

True faith shines brightest in darkness. It’s the light that guides us through doubt and the anchor that holds us steady in life’s storms. Faith isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice. It’s deciding to trust God, even when we don’t understand His plan. It’s a step forward, even when we can’t see the whole staircase.

Every time we choose faith, we unlock God’s power in our lives. We tap into a strength that helps us move mountains and conquer giants. Today, let’s put our faith in the One who is always faithful. Let’s step out of our comfort zones and onto the waves of possibility. With God, all things are possible. Watch as He turns our faith into a testament of His goodness and grace.

In a world where seeing is believing, in what ways do you struggle to live by faith in God? What has strengthened your faith, and in what areas do you need to rest in Him more fully?

Father, Thank You for the amazing gift of faith that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. When life feels uncertain and I can’t see the way forward, help me to trust in Your promises. Strengthen my faith to shine brightly during the darkest times, guiding me through doubts and holding me steady in life’s storms. Encourage me to step out of my comfort zone, knowing that with You, all things are possible. Fill my heart with confidence in Your plan and let my life be a testament to Your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed

Plan B…

David Livingstone’s heart was set on being a medical missionary to China, but the opium wars made it impossible. He went to Africa instead and opened up unchartered land to the Gospel.

Alexander McKay prepared for Madagascar, but instead ended up in Uganda helping found one of the most amazing missions in the world. Robert Carey planned on going to the South Sea, but instead ended up in India and was responsible for opening up India to the Gospel.

None of these people got what they initially prepared for or dreamed about, but they didn’t let it stop them. In the end, what appeared as a broken dream was really the call of God to do something better.

You will know broken dreams and frustrated plans, but be all the more determined to serve God no matter what. If it’s not one way, He’ll give you another and it’ll be something better and greater than anything you could have ever planned yourself.

In the end, disappointments are God’s appointments if you let them be, and your detours will have been the call of God on your life.

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.  Proverbs 16:3

Today, when things don’t go as you want, make it your aim to praise and glorify God all the more.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Eternal Not Temporary…

In a world of constant change, let 1 John 2:17 be your anchor today. This verse reminds us that while earthly desires fade, those who do God’s will live forever.

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:17

In 1 John 2:17, we’re reminded that the world and all its attractions are temporary. This verse isn’t telling us to ignore our daily lives, but it’s calling us to focus on what lasts beyond our earthly journey.

Embracing God’s will means recognizing what truly brings lasting joy and fulfillment. It’s about seeing past the immediate allure of material success, popularity, or comfort, and understanding that real satisfaction comes from aligning our lives with God’s purposes.

What does this look like in practice? It might be choosing kindness over anger, generosity over greed, or faithfulness in small things that seem insignificant. These choices help us live out the eternal over the temporary, crafting a life that resonates in eternity.

Today, let’s be mindful of where we’re investing our energy and passions. Are they in things that fade away, or in pursuits that build an enduring legacy in Christ? Each decision, each action, is a brushstroke in the masterpiece of our lives—let’s paint with eternal colors.

Dear God, thank You for the reminder that this world is temporary, but Your love and purpose are eternal. Help me to see past the distractions and focus on what truly matters. Give me the wisdom to make choices that align with Your will, even in the small things. When I’m tempted to chase after fleeting pleasures, remind me of the joy found in living for You. Guide my passions and pursuits so that my life becomes a masterpiece that reflects Your love and grace. Let me paint each day with the colors of Your eternal kingdom. 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 🙏🏼

The Everywhere Name…

While Jesus was in the boat with His disciples, there came a violent storm, waves breaking over the boat threatening to drown them. Jesus was sleeping. He didn’t really have to do anything, because it was enough that He was there.

Jesus has a special name in Hebrew prophecy. In Hebrew, it’s a sentence: ‘Im’ with a long e meaning ‘with’, ‘Anu’, which means ‘us’, and ‘El’, which means ‘God’- ‘Immanuel’, or ‘God with us’. Jesua’s presence isn’t just the Name, but Immanuel the sentence.

Jesus was ‘God is with us’ on the boat that day, because He’s Immanuel. We all know what it’s like to have storms in our lives, times when it seems like everything is out of control, overwhelming circumstances, and it seems that your boat is sinking.

You’ll have those storms, but when they come, remember Who’s with you in your lifeboat. If you are Jesus’s, then Immanuel is in the boat with you. The wind and waves won’t prevail against you, and your boat won’t sink because you’re not alone. In the storm is Immanuel; God is with you in the storm.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

Today, throughout the day, meditate on this Hebrew sentence, IM-ANU-EL – GOD IS WITH ME!

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Your Words Reflect Your Heart…

Today, let’s embrace the message of Luke 6:45, reminding us that our words reflect the state of our hearts. Let’s fill our hearts with love, kindness, and grace so that our words can bring life, healing, and hope to those around us.

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.     Luke 6:45

Have you ever wished you could take back the words that slipped out of your mouth? I know I have. Luke 6:45 reminds us that our speech is a direct reflection of what’s happening in our hearts.

Just like a tree is known by its fruit, our words reveal the true state of our inner world. If we find ourselves constantly speaking negatively or harshly, it’s a sign that something needs to change – not just in our vocabulary but in our hearts.

The good news is, we don’t have to do this heart work alone. When we invite the Holy Spirit to fill us, He starts reshaping our inner world. As we surrender to His transforming presence, He helps us replace those negative speech patterns with words of gratitude and grace.

Today, let’s invite God to tend to the garden of our hearts. Let’s ask Him to uproot any bitterness or negativity and to plant seeds of love and joy in their place. As we cooperate with His transforming work, our words will start to sound a whole lot more like His – full of life, healing, and hope.

What do your words and speech say about your heart?

How are you inviting the Holy Spirit to transform your speech these days?

Dear Lord, You know my heart better than I do. Forgive me for the times my words have missed the mark, falling short of the love and grace You’ve shown me. I invite You to tend the garden of my heart, uprooting any weeds of bitterness or negativity. Plant in their place seeds of kindness, patience, and understanding. May my words become an overflow of Your Spirit within me—words that bring life, comfort, and hope to those around me. Transform my heart, Lord, that my speech may always honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, and kindness in your smile. May your actions follow the kindness of your words.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Navigating Through Life…

Today, let’s embrace the message of Isaiah 42:16, reminding us that God is our guide through life’s uncertainties. Trust in His promise to lead us, turn our darkness into light, and smooth out the rough places.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do. I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16

Navigating through life can often feel like trying to find our way through a dense fog. The path ahead is unclear, and doubts creep in, whispering fears and what-ifs. But Isaiah 42:16 shines like a lighthouse, offering a promise we can cling to: our God is a God who leads.

He doesn’t stand at a juncture and point the way; He’s a guide, not a signpost. He walks with us, leading us down paths we never envisioned. All we have to do is walk alongside Him.

This verse beautifully illustrates God’s commitment to us. He leads the blind—those who cannot see the way—along paths they have never known. He turns darkness into light, illuminating our path and transforming our fears into confidence.

He makes the rough places smooth, easing our journey through life’s challenges. Most importantly, He assures us, “I will not forsake them.” In a world where promises are often broken, God’s word stands unshaken. He will never abandon us.

Today, if you’re facing uncertainty or a daunting decision, take heart. Your Heavenly Father is with you, guiding you through every twist and turn. Trust in His promise to turn your darkness into light and smooth out the rough places. Lean into His presence and find peace in His unfailing love.

Heavenly Father, thank You for always being there for me. When life feels overwhelming and the path ahead is unclear, remind me of Your unfailing love and wisdom. Walk with me through the dark times and light my way. Smooth out the rough patches and give me the courage to keep moving forward with You by my side. Strengthen my faith, Lord, and remind me that You will never leave me. Fill my heart with Your peace and assurance as I lean into Your presence  follow Your lead. Thank You for guiding me every step of the way and for never letting me go.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Faith is seeing light with your heart when all your eyes see is darkness.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Fondling of Heaven…

When I was little, grown-ups in my family were always patting or rubbing my head. My parents explained that it was an expression of love. They were touching me because their hearts were filled with love toward me.

A word used to describe God is ‘rachamim’, meaning ‘mercies’. It comes from a root that means “to fondle,” or “gently touch” someone you love. Just as the adults felt towards me when I was a child, so God loves you.

Just as your heart overflows with compassion and sympathy towards the needy, so God’s heart overflows with compassion for you. Too often our ideas about God’s mercy are more of a legal concept than of the heart. But now you know how He feels towards you.

His heart overflows with deep compassion when He thinks about you. He wants to touch you in your spirit and heart with His tender love and affection. He wants to put His arms around you and hold you tight.

God doesn’t just let you in the door of the kingdom, He loves you from His heart with rachamim; with deep compassions and tender fondlings.

Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.  Luke 1:78-79

Run into His arms of mercy today and receive the tender fondling of God’s love.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Bear With One Another…

As we begin this new day, let’s allow the life-changing words of Colossians 3:13 to guide our hearts and transform our relationships. This powerful verse offers us a model of grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13

In the journey of life, hurt and offenses are unavoidable. We’ve all experienced the sting of someone’s words or actions, and if we’re honest, we’ve also been the ones to inflict pain. It’s in these moments that Colossians 3:13 offers us a path to healing and restoration.

“Bear with each other,” Paul writes. This isn’t a call to brush aside the hurt, but to approach one another with patience, understanding, and compassion. It’s recognizing that we’re all imperfect people, all in need of grace.

But Paul doesn’t stop there. “Forgive one another,” he urges. Forgiveness is not a suggestion for the Christian; it’s a command. And the measure of our forgiveness? “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

When we consider the magnitude of God’s forgiveness towards us, the offenses we cling to seem to pale in comparison. He has forgiven us of so much, not because we earned it, but because of His boundless love.

Today, if there’s someone you need to forgive, remember the grace that’s been lavished upon you. Choose to extend that same undeserved favor. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. For in forgiving, we find freedom. In extending grace, we experience the very heart of God.

So let us bear with one another, forgive one another, and in doing so, become living reflections of the One who has forgiven us all.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the boundless grace and forgiveness You have shown me. Help me to bear with others in love, patience, and understanding. When I am hurt, give me the strength to forgive as You have forgiven me, knowing that forgiveness brings freedom and peace. Guide my heart to extend grace, even when it’s hard. Let Your love flow through me, healing relationships and reflecting Your heart. Thank You for Your endless mercy and for teaching me the power of forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Showers On The Midbar…

The Hebrew word for ‘wilderness’ is ‘midbar’. Israel’s wilderness is like a giant moonscape of rock hills and plains, rock mountains and valleys; everything rock. That’s why the word ‘midbar’ also means ‘waste place’ and ‘desolate’.

But, when the rains fall upon the wilderness, the whole place changes. The dry wadi’s fill up with water and become rivers in the desert. The rock hills are covered with a coat of green and become speckled with beautiful flowers of every color. It’s a miraculous sight.

It’s almost unbelievable to see. The fact is that even when things look totally desolate in the wilderness, there are seeds of grass and flowers waiting to blossom as soon as they receive their water.

Your life might have been a wilderness or wasted place, and your situation right now might seem dry, desolate, and hopeless, but in God, your desert will bloom.

You might not see it, but there are seeds of joy, life, hope, and love waiting to blossom. They only need you to open your heart to the waters of God’s Spirit, and your desert will bloom.

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.  1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Invite the Spirit to touch every part of your life today, especially into the most barren and dry ground, the wildernesses of your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Faith Over Fear…

Good morning,

Today, let’s embrace the message that waiting for perfect conditions can hold us back. Let’s trust in God’s timing and take steps forward in faith.

But there are some things that you can not be sure of. You must take a chance. If you wait for perfect weather, you will never plant your seeds. If you are afraid that every cloud will bring rain, you will never harvest your crops.
Ecclesiastes 11:4

Fear often lies at the root of our indecision. We’re afraid of making mistakes, failing, or facing rejection. This fear can paralyze us, keeping us from taking action. But Ecclesiastes 11:4 reminds us that waiting for perfect conditions will prevent us from ever moving forward: “If you wait for perfect weather, you will never plant your seeds. If you are afraid that every cloud will bring rain, you will never harvest your crops.”

Consider the excuses we often make: “I’m not ready,” “I don’t have enough resources,” or “The timing isn’t right.” These are rooted in fear. Yet, throughout the Bible, God has used imperfect people in imperfect situations to accomplish His will.

Moses said, “I can’t talk.”

Gideon said, “I’m too young.”

Abraham said, “I’m too old.”

What dreams has God placed in your heart? What steps have you been hesitant to take? Remember, perfectionism paralyzes potential. We must trust that if God is with us, nothing can stand against us. Romans 8:31 tells us, “If God is on our side, who can ever be against us?” Faith, not fear, is the antidote to our hesitation.

Just as God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites and provided manna in the wilderness, He will make a way for you. Take the first step, and watch as He opens doors, provides resources, and works miracles in your life.

Today, choose faith over fear. Trust that God’s plans for you are good, even if the path ahead seems uncertain. Plant those seeds of hope and watch as He brings forth a harvest beyond your wildest dreams. Your life is too precious to be wasted in the shadows of fear. Step out in faith, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.

Father, thank you for reminding me not to wait for perfect conditions. I know I often let fear hold me back. Help me to trust You like Moses, Gideon, and Abraham did, despite their flaws. Give me the courage to take that first step, even when I’m unsure. I trust that You will guide me and provide what I need along the way. Strengthen my faith so that it overcomes my fears and let Your strength show through my weaknesses. Thank You for the dreams You’ve placed in my heart. Help me move forward with confidence, knowing You’re with me every step. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼