Ed Christian's World

Philippians 4:8: Mindful, Uplifting Thoughts…

Today, let’s fill our minds with thoughts that are pure, lovely, and admirable as we reflect on Philippians 4:8. Embrace the beauty and goodness that God has placed all around us.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—let us deeply consider such things.  Philippians 4:8

The world constantly bombards us with negativity and distractions. It’s easy for our thoughts to spiral into worry, fear, and doubt. But in Philippians 4:8, Paul offers us a powerful antidote: to intentionally focus our minds on what is good, true, and beautiful.

It’s not about ignoring the challenges of life but rather about choosing where we direct our attention. When we fill our minds with thoughts that are noble, pure, and praiseworthy, we create a mental space where joy and peace can flourish.

This shift in focus is not merely a feel-good exercise; it’s a transformative practice that aligns our hearts with God’s heart. When we meditate on His goodness and truth, we become more resilient, hopeful, and compassionate. We begin to see the world through His eyes, recognizing the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.

Today, let’s make a conscious effort to replace negative thoughts with those that uplift and inspire. Let’s choose to dwell on what is lovely and admirable and watch as our perspective shifts, our hearts are filled with gratitude, and our lives reflect the light of Christ.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word, especially in Philippians 4:8. Today, we pray for a renewed mind, a spirit willing to deeply consider all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Help us to resist the pull of negativity and distraction, and instead, to fix our gaze upon Your goodness and the beauty You have woven into every part of creation. Fill our hearts with gratitude and our lives with Your light, for Your glory. Amen.

What you dwell on is who you become. Choose wisely the thoughts that fill your soul, for they are the architects of your character and the builders of your peace.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Zeroah: Jesus, The Gatherer…

The passages from Ezekiel 20 and Isaiah 53, when read together, present a powerful theological interpretation of the “Zeroah” (arm) of the Lord.
In Ezekiel, the “extended arm” of the Lord is depicted as the divine power that will regather the scattered Jewish people from the nations and bring them back to the land of Israel. This is a promise of restoration and salvation from destruction.

Isaiah 53, however, elaborates on the identity of this “Zeroah.” It begins by asking, “Who has believed our report, and to whom has the Zeroah of the Lord been revealed?” The subsequent verses then describe a suffering servant who is “despised and rejected by mankind,” “pierced for our transgressions,” and “crushed for our iniquities.” This servant, identified by Christian theology as Yeshua (Jesus), is the one through whom “we are healed.” He bears the sins of many and makes intercession for transgressors.

The core message derived from these passages is that the regathering and salvation of the Jewish people, and indeed all who believe, is not merely an act of generic divine power, but specifically an act accomplished through the redemptive work of the Messiah, Jesus, who is the “Zeroah of the Lord.”

Even if individuals do not consciously recognize it, it is through His power and suffering that they are gathered and delivered. He is the “Great Gatherer,” whose heart is to bring people back from spiritual and physical exile into the “Promised Land” – a metaphor for a life aligned with God’s will and purpose.

The encouragement for today is to yield to the leading of God’s Spirit, allowing His “Zeroah,” which is Jesus, to be our source of power and strength. By doing so, our lives will continually be guided toward the promises and blessings that God has in store.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your profound love and Your divine plan of salvation revealed through Your Word. We acknowledge that Your “Zeroah,” Your mighty arm, is none other than Your Son, Yeshua, Jesus, our Messiah. We pray that You would open our eyes to see and truly believe this truth. May we wholeheartedly trust in His power to gather us, heal us, and lead us. We surrender to the leading of Your Spirit, asking that Your Zeroah be our strength and our guide, continuously bringing us closer to Your promises and the Land of Promise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The very arm that reached out in fury to gather His scattered people is the arm that was extended on the cross in sacrificial love, revealing that the Zeroah of the Lord is not just a force, but a person – Yeshua, the Great Gatherer of souls.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Creations Glory – Daily Worship…

Good morning,

Today, let’s explore how creation reveals God’s glory and inspires our worship.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

Have you ever stood under a starry sky and felt incredibly small yet somehow significant? That’s the power of Psalm 19:1 in action. It’s as if the universe is putting on a non-stop light show, silently shouting, ‘Look at how amazing our Creator is!’

But this verse isn’t just about star-gazing. It’s an invitation to open our eyes to the everyday wonders around us. The intricate pattern on a leaf, the perfect symmetry of a snowflake, the vibrant colors of a sunset – they’re all whispering (or sometimes shouting) about God’s creativity and power.

Here’s the beautiful part: we’re not just observers in this cosmic concert. We’re participants. If the skies can declare God’s glory without words, imagine what we can do with our lives, our talents, our love for others.

Today, let’s join Creation’s chorus. In our work, our play, our relationships – let’s make our lives a living, breathing hallelujah. After all, if the stars were made to worship, so were we.

How can we reflect God’s glory in our daily actions and decisions?

What everyday wonders remind you of God’s creative power?

Dear God, Your world is bursting with beauty – the vibrant colors of a sunset, the intricate patterns on a leaf, the endless expanse of the night sky. It all leaves me speechless, in awe of Your creativity. Fill my heart with that same sense of wonder, Lord. May my life echo the silent song of creation, a melody of praise for You. Help me to live each day with a grateful heart, celebrating Your goodness in the big and small things. May my every breath be a “thank You,” and may my life be a living, breathing hallelujah. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I believe in God, as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Freedom From The Pasts Chains…

The poignant tale of Robert E. Lee at the close of the Civil War offers a profound mirror to our own struggles. Lee, clinging to the idea of a Confederate “country,” continued a brutal fight, unaware that the very entity he sought to defend had, for all practical purposes, ceased to exist.

His associate’s stark declaration, “There is no country, sir. There has been no country for the last two years,” speaks volumes about the futility of battling for something that is already lost or gone.

This historical moment serves as a powerful metaphor for the battles we often wage within ourselves. So much of our anxiety, fear, and conflict stems from a persistent belief that we have something to lose, something to protect, even when that “something” no longer holds any true power over us. In Christ, our old self, with its burdens, past mistakes, and limiting beliefs, has been crucified with Him.

As Ephesians 4:22-24 beautifully articulates, we are called to “put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Like Lee’s phantom “country,” our old life is a ghost, a reality that has passed away. Continuing to fight its battles, to worry about its echoes, is to expend precious energy on a non-existent threat. When we live chained to the anxieties of the past, we prevent ourselves from embracing the freedom and abundant life offered in the present through faith.

Heavenly Father, we come before You today, acknowledging the burdens we often carry from our past. Like Robert E. Lee, we sometimes fight battles for things that no longer exist, clinging to old worries, fears, and identities. We pray for the wisdom to discern what truly is, and what has passed away in You. Help us to fully embrace the truth that our old self is gone, and that we are made new in Christ. Unchain our hearts from the past, Lord, so we may live freely and joyously in the present, walking in the newness of life You have provided. May our minds be renewed, our spirits unburdened, and our lives reflect the true righteousness and holiness found only in You. Amen.

The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.

This powerfully reminds us that while we can learn from our past, we are not meant to dwell there. Our home, our identity, and our future are in Christ.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Shining God’s Light – A Prayer…

Good morning, beloved community!

What a profound call to action we find in Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

This isn’t merely a suggestion; it’s a divine imperative, beckoning us to move beyond passive belief and into active, tangible demonstration of God’s transformative love.

The Sermon on the Mount, where this verse resides, is not just a collection of ethical guidelines; it is a blueprint for a life saturated with divine purpose and impact.

To “let your light shine” is to embody the very character of Christ in a world desperately searching for hope and truth. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us, manifesting attributes like compassion, generosity, integrity, and grace in our daily interactions.

This light isn’t about drawing attention to ourselves, but rather, directing the gaze of others towards the source of all light – our Father in heaven.

Consider the ripple effect of a single act of genuine kindness. A patient ear offered to a troubled friend, a humble apology extended in a moment of misunderstanding, a quiet act of service for someone in need – these are not small things.

They are powerful expressions of God’s love made visible. In a world often characterized by self-interest and cynicism, these actions stand out as beacons, offering a glimpse of a different way, a higher calling. They are practical theology in motion, demonstrating that faith is not just a creed to be recited but a life to be lived.

Today, let us intentionally seek opportunities to be living epistles, reflecting His glory. What specific actions can you take today to shine God’s light and help others see His love and grace in your life?

Perhaps it’s a word of encouragement to a colleague, a moment of presence with a struggling family member, or a conscious decision to extend forgiveness. Let your actions speak louder than words so that through you, others may not only see God’s love but be drawn into His presence.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the light of Christ within us. Forgive us for the times we have hidden Your light, dimmed by fear or self-interest. Ignite within us a fresh passion to be Your hands and feet, Your voice and Your heart in this world. Grant us discernment to see the opportunities You place before us today to demonstrate Your love. May our lives be a living testament to Your grace, that others may see our good deeds and glorify Your name. Strengthen us to overcome every obstacle that would prevent Your light from shining brightly through us. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

The greatest legacy we can leave is not a life of accumulated wealth but a life of accumulated good deeds, reflecting the light of Christ for all to see.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Sexuality, Marriage, and Purity…

Modern culture is undeniably saturated with sexuality, permeating every aspect of media from television and film to music, magazines, commercials, and the internet. While sexuality has always been a part of life, its widespread presence in contemporary society suggests a significant shift from earlier times when it was largely confined within the bounds of marriage.

The weakening or redefinition of the marriage covenant appears to coincide with this pervasive sexualization. Traditionally, marriage served as a protective boundary for sexuality, and its erosion seems to have allowed sexuality to spill over into all areas of life.

As believers, whether married or single, we are called to actively uphold the sanctity of marriage and the purity of sexuality. It is imperative to guard against even the slightest hint of sexual immorality.

As Hebrews 13:14 reminds us, “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek one that is to come.” Let us strive daily to live in purity and holiness, turning away from all forms of sin.

Heavenly Father, We acknowledge the pervasive nature of sexuality in our modern culture and the challenges it presents. We pray for strength and discernment to uphold the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution and to honor sexuality within its rightful boundaries. Guard our hearts and minds, enabling us to live lives of purity and holiness, free from the stain of immorality. Help us to be a light in a world that often blurs moral lines and reflects Your truth and grace in all we do. May our lives be a testament to Your design for marriage and intimacy. Amen.

Purity is not the absence of desire, but the ordering of desire according to God’s design.

Walking By Faith, Not Sight…

Walking by faith, as 2 Corinthians 5:7 declares, isn’t a passive concept; it’s an active surrender. It’s not about being blind to reality but rather about seeing reality through the lens of God’s sovereign power and unfailing love.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.  2 Corinthians 5:7

When the path ahead is obscured by doubt or fear, our natural inclination is to rely on what we can see, what we can control, and what we can predict. Yet, faith beckons us to higher ground, to a place where divine wisdom supersedes human understanding.

Faith is not mere belief; it is the act of putting God in the place of everything else you would naturally trust.

This isn’t easy, especially when our circumstances scream otherwise. It requires a deliberate choice to release our grip on our own limited perspectives and to embrace the vast, infinite wisdom of God. When we choose to trust in Him, we unlock a deeper peace and strength that transcends our own capabilities.

It’s in those moments of vulnerability, when we admit we don’t have all the answers, that God’s guidance becomes most clear, leading us not necessarily to the easiest path, but always to the most purposeful.

What’s one step of faith God is calling you to take today?

Perhaps it’s releasing a worry you’ve been carrying, forgiving someone who has wronged you, or stepping out of your comfort zone to pursue a dream you believe God has placed in your heart.

How can you cultivate a heart of trust, even when the path ahead is unclear?

Cultivating trust is a daily practice. It involves consistent prayer, immersing ourselves in God’s Word, and intentionally recalling past instances of His faithfulness. When uncertainty looms, remind yourself of His character: He is good, He is faithful, and He is for you.

Heavenly Father, We come before you today with hearts that long to walk by faith and not by sight. We confess our human tendency to rely on our own understanding and to fear the unknown. Strengthen us, Lord, to surrender our need for control and to lean wholeheartedly into your perfect plan. When the path ahead seems unclear, remind us of your unwavering presence and your unfailing love. Help us to cultivate a spirit of trust, knowing that you are our compass and our guide. Equip us to take the steps of faith you are calling us to, confident that you will lead us to a purposeful destination filled with your unexpected blessings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Living Heaven’s Reality On Earth…

The prayer “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10) is more than just a petition; it’s a blueprint for victorious living. The secret lies in aligning our earthly experience with the divine reality of heaven.

Many believers inadvertently live an “on earth as it is on earth” existence. This means our peace, joy, and well-being are dictated by our circumstances: troubles lead to distress, setbacks to discouragement, and offenses to bitterness. We become prisoners of our situations and emotions, rising and falling with every earthly tide.
But what if we shifted our perspective?

What if we chose to live “on earth as it is in heaven”? In heaven, God’s Word is forever settled (Psalm 119:89). In heaven, there is no lack, no sickness, no defeat—only blessing, peace, and abundance.

When we anchor our lives in this heavenly reality, our circumstances no longer define us. We can experience blessing even amidst earthly challenges, find peace in the face of chaos, and maintain joy despite difficulties.

Heavenly Father, We thank You that Your will is perfect and settled in heaven. We desire to live our lives on earth as it is in heaven. Forgive us for the times we have allowed earthly circumstances to dictate our peace and joy. Help us to fix our eyes on Your eternal truth, to embrace Your perspective, and to walk in the fullness of the blessings You have prepared for us. May our lives be a reflection of Your glory, here on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.

Stop living an ‘on earth as it is on earth’ life, and start living an ‘on earth as it is in heaven’ life. In heaven, it’s blessed. And your life will be just as blessed when you start living on earth as it is in heaven.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Unfailing Presence, A Prayer….

Our lives, no matter how devout or secure they may seem, are utterly dependent on God’s unwavering presence. Just as a child, learning to walk needs constant support or a ship without its pilot drifts off course. We, too, are lost without divine guidance. The plea, “Forsake me not, O Lord,” isn’t reserved for moments of crisis; it’s a prayer for every breath we take.

Forsake me not, O Lord. — Psalms 38:21

We need this prayer in joy, lest our hearts become consumed by earthly delights. We need it in sorrow to prevent murmuring against His will. In repentance, we pray it so hope isn’t lost to despair. And even in our strongest faith, we must utter it to safeguard against presumption. Without God, we are weak; with Him, we are strong. Our path is fraught with danger and snares, making His constant guidance indispensable.

Just as a hen covers her brood, we seek refuge under His wings. “Be not far from me, O Lord, for trouble is near, for there is none to help.” Our ultimate salvation lies in His unfailing presence.

Heavenly Father, I humble myself before You, acknowledging my utter dependence on Your unfailing love and constant presence. Forsake me not, O Lord, in the quiet moments of my daily life, nor in the roaring storms that may come. Hold me close, lest I stumble and fall. In my joys, anchor my heart in Your grace, preventing it from straying. In my sorrows, be my solace, shielding me from bitterness and despair. Strengthen my faith, Lord, that it may never waver into pride or presumption. Guide my steps on this treacherous path, for without Your wisdom, I am lost. Cover me with Your wings, O Divine Protector, that I may always find refuge in Your embrace. Amen.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. — Psalm 46:1

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

A Shepherds Care…

Psalm 23 truly resonates as a balm for the soul, reminding us of the unwavering care of our Divine Shepherd. The opening verse, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing,” is a profound declaration of trust, affirming that with God as our guide, all our needs are met.

This doesn’t promise a life devoid of challenges, but rather an assurance that amidst every trial, our Shepherd leads us to serene pastures and tranquil waters, revitalizing our spirits and guiding us along righteous paths. Even when we walk through the darkest valleys, there’s no need for fear, for our Shepherd is ever-present, offering comfort and protection.

Therefore, whatever your current circumstances, cling to this truth: you are profoundly cherished by a Shepherd who knows you intimately, sees you completely, and remains perpetually by your side. In His tender care, you will discover rest, renewed strength, and the steadfast assurance that you genuinely lack nothing.

Am I truly allowing God to shepherd every aspect of my life? Are there areas where I still try to maintain control, perhaps out of fear or a desire for self-sufficiency?

Where might I be subtly resisting His guidance, and what practical steps can I take to surrender those areas more fully to Him? This might involve letting go of anxieties about the future, releasing control over relationships, or trusting His timing in career decisions.

Heavenly Father, my Shepherd, I thank You for Your unfailing love and constant care. You are my provider, my guide, and my protector. Forgive me for the times I have strayed, for the moments I have tried to navigate life on my own. I surrender to You now all that I hold dear – my fears, my ambitions, my uncertainties. Lead me, Lord, in Your righteousness, and help me to truly believe that in You, I lack nothing. Amen.

The will of God is not a terrifying chasm into which we might fall, but rather a safe and green pasture in which we are invited to rest.

This powerfully echoes the essence of Psalm 23, reminding us that surrendering to God’s will isn’t a loss of control but an embrace of ultimate safety and peace.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼